Alexandria School of Highland Dance

Hello, Virginians! Are you looking for a unique and invigorating way to connect with a rich cultural heritage, engage in a dynamic art form, and join a welcoming community right here in our state? Look no further than the Alexandria School of Highland Dance. Located in the heart of Alexandria, this vibrant school is dedicated to preserving and promoting the exhilarating tradition of Scottish Highland dance. Whether you're a complete beginner, a seasoned dancer, or simply curious about this captivating art form, the Alexandria School of Highland Dance offers an engaging and supportive environment for all ages and skill levels to learn, grow, and perform. It's a true gem within our local arts scene, adding a distinctive cultural flavor to Northern Virginia.

The Alexandria School of Highland Dance is conveniently situated at 2402 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA. This accessible location in Alexandria makes it a prime destination for residents throughout Northern Virginia and the broader Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The studio is nestled within a vibrant community, offering ease of access whether you're traveling by car, public transport, or even bike. Street parking is readily available in the surrounding neighborhood, and there are additional parking lots across Mt Vernon Avenue, near Pat Miller Neighborhood Square and behind a local bank. For those utilizing public transportation, the studio is conveniently located between the Potomac Yard and Braddock Road Metro stations on the Yellow and Blue lines. DASH bus route 33 and Metrobus 10A/B also serve the area, making it highly accessible. Additionally, a bike rack is available directly in front of the studio, and a Capital Bikeshare stand is just a block away at the intersection of Mt Vernon Ave and E Del Ray Ave. This excellent accessibility ensures that families from Arlington, Fairfax, and other parts of Virginia can easily reach this unique cultural institution.

The Alexandria School of Highland Dance offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to bring the joy and discipline of Highland dancing to everyone.

• High-Quality Dance Instruction: Providing expert instruction for children (ages 4 and up) and adults at all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced competitive dancers.
• Diverse Class Offerings: Classes include a creative movement-based Pre-Beginner class (ages 4-6), Youth Beginner (ages 7-12), and various Adult Beginner, Pre-Premier, and Premier classes for teenagers and adults.
• Private Lessons: Available for current students seeking personalized feedback and accelerated skill development.
• Theory Classes: Casual study sessions help students prepare for British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) dance exams and professional teaching certification.
• Technique-Focused Sessions: Virtual (Zoom) classes dedicated to perfecting technical foundations and integrating technique into full-length dances.
• Certified Instructors: All three co-founders and instructors are certified through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) and ScotDance USA, with additional training in other dance styles like Scottish ceilidh dancing, Scottish step dancing, Irish, classical ballet, and modern.

The Alexandria School of Highland Dance distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a truly special place for learning and cultural immersion.

• Preservation of Scottish Heritage: The school actively promotes Scottish culture through the traditional art form of Highland dancing, which originated as a way for Scottish warriors to stay fit and celebrate victories.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: Highland dancing is recognized as both a sport and an art form, providing a rigorous workout for both body and brain, improving strength, stamina, coordination, and posture.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers regularly perform at various events, from parades and festivals to private parties and concert halls, offering valuable stage experience and sharing Scottish culture with the wider community.
• Competitive Focus (Optional): While not required, students have the opportunity to participate in Highland dance competitions throughout the eastern United States, fostering goal-setting, improved technique, stage presence, and good sportsmanship.
• International Affiliation: Dancers can take dance exams annually, testing their knowledge against official standards set by the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, and receiving feedback from expert examiners.
• Inclusive Environment: The school welcomes dancers of all ages, genders, heritage, and prior dance experience, fostering a friendly and supportive community.
• Non-Profit Organization: As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the school is committed to its mission of spreading the joy of Highland dancing through education, performance, and competition.
• Affiliation with Washington Scottish Pipe Band: Regular performance opportunities are provided through their long-standing affiliation with the Washington Scottish Pipe Band.

For more information, class schedules, or to connect with the Alexandria School of Highland Dance, you can reach them via their website. While a direct phone number for general inquiries is not always publicly listed for specific classes, you can find comprehensive information and contact options on their official website.

Address: 2402 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA

For contact, please visit their official website (alexandriahighlanddance.org) which typically provides inquiry forms or email addresses for direct communication.

For residents of Virginia, especially those in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the Alexandria School of Highland Dance is an exceptional local resource. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with a culturally rich and physically demanding dance form that is both ancient and ever-evolving. This school is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a community hub where individuals can develop discipline, build confidence, and connect with Scottish heritage. The flexibility of offering classes for all ages and levels, from creative movement for young children to advanced technique for adults, makes it accessible to a wide demographic within our community. The option for performance and competition further enriches the experience, providing outlets for artistic expression and goal achievement. For Virginians seeking an engaging activity that combines physical fitness, mental stimulation, and cultural immersion, the Alexandria School of Highland Dance is an ideal choice, fostering a love for dance and building lasting connections right here in our vibrant state.

Alexandria School of Highland Dance

2402 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA