Students will be taught the basic foot and arm positions, dance movements, and they will learn steps out of the Highland Fling-the first dance that beginner dancers compete in.

I have a positive teaching style-as all research shows that positive feedback and encouragement motivate dancers more than the “old school” model.
During Week 1 students will learn the basic movements of the Highland Fling. In the first class, students will learn the basic positions, including 1st through fifth position of the feet and arms. They will learn the basic movements-Shedding, turning and toe-heels. 

During Week 2, students will continue to work on their foot placement and technique for the first two steps of the highland fling. During class 3, Students will strive to keep their shedding tight, and toe-heels tight--with pointed toes, and heels close to the supporting foot. Students will learn the Cross-over step, and Last step to the highland fling. 

During week 3, The students will work on their foot placement for the cross-over step, and the last step. They will try to point their toes, and have tight shedding. Arms will start to be introduced, and added to the first two highland fling steps. Arms will then be added to the last two highland fling steps. 

During week 4, we will work to put the entire Highland Fling Dance together. In classes 4 and 5 the dancers will work to dance all four steps together to bagpipe music, including their arms and head positions. 

During week 5, we will review and perfect all movements. An informal assessment will be completed to take note of what the dancer does well and what the dancer needs to improve on.

About the teacher:
Susan Tapp has been dancing for 26 years. She has studied under the guidance of her mentors and dance teachers, Jo Kalat, and Christie Freestone. An eight time USIR (National) representative, she has finished in the top six in the nation in highland dance in 2000,2002,2004, and 2007. She is certified with the British Association of Teachers of Dance, with her fellows in Highland and members in National dances. She received highly commendable on both exams.

Susan graduated from Alma College (MI) with honors, with a Bachelors of Arts and a Program of Emphasis in school counseling. This program included an intense study in both education and psychology. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work in 2015 from East Carolina University. 

Highland dancing is a wonderful way to:
Learn about your Celtic Heritage
Gain long-lasting friendships
Learn good sportsmanship
Learn good time management skills
and do all of this while having FUN and staying FIT!