Kate DeGood School of Dance

For residents across Michigan seeking a unique, precise, and historically rich dance form, the Kate DeGood School of Dance in Troy, MI, stands as a distinguished and passionate institution. Specializing in Scottish Highland Dance, this school offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into a vibrant cultural tradition while developing exceptional physical prowess and discipline. It's a truly unique offering in the Michigan dance landscape, welcoming dancers of all ages and abilities to discover the joy and challenge of this ancient art form.

The Kate DeGood School of Dance is led by Kate DeGood herself, a highly accomplished Highland dancer with extensive experience, including achieving Premier status at a young age and winning U.S. championships. Her dedication to teaching this specific, technical dance form is evident in the school's comprehensive programs. Highland Dance is characterized by its upright posture, intricate footwork, and precise movements, often performed over crossed swords or with specific step sequences. It requires significant stamina and precision, making it appealing to those who appreciate technicality and a good physical challenge.

For Michigan families and individuals interested in connecting with Scottish heritage, embracing a competitive yet artistic sport, or simply trying a truly unique form of dance, the Kate DeGood School of Dance provides an exceptional environment. It's a place where tradition meets modern instruction, fostering not only dance skills but also an appreciation for a rich cultural history. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced competitor, this Troy-based school offers a welcoming and expert pathway into the world of Scottish Highland Dance.

The Kate DeGood School of Dance is centrally located at 2363 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48083, USA. Rochester Road is a major commercial artery that runs through Troy, a prominent city in Oakland County, Michigan. This accessible location makes the studio convenient for residents within Troy and numerous surrounding communities in the Metro Detroit area, including Royal Oak, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, and Bloomfield Hills.

Its placement on a well-known road ensures ease of navigation for both local and incoming students. For those traveling by car, there is typically adequate parking available, which is a significant convenience, especially for parents dropping off or picking up younger dancers. While direct public transportation might require transfers, the overall road network in and around Troy provides straightforward access to the studio for most Michigan residents.

In addition to its main Troy location, the Kate DeGood School of Dance extends its reach to other parts of Michigan, offering classes in Birmingham and White Lake. They also provide virtual (Zoom) classes, significantly enhancing accessibility for students who may not be able to attend in-person sessions consistently. This multi-location and online approach ensures that Scottish Highland Dance instruction is available to a broader audience across the state, making it a truly accessible resource for the Michigan community.

The Kate DeGood School of Dance specializes exclusively in teaching Scottish Highland Dance, offering a structured curriculum designed to accommodate all ages and skill levels. Their services are tailored to both recreational dancers and serious competitors. Key services and programs include:

• Scottish Highland Dance Instruction: Comprehensive training in traditional Highland dances such as the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, and Reel steps. Instruction focuses on precise technique, posture, and stamina.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs specifically designed for various age groups:
• Tartan Tots (Ages 2-5): Focuses on moving to music, beginning dance movements (including ballet basics and Scottish dance technique) for preschoolers, often with parent involvement.
• Primary/New Beginner (Ages 4-6 and 6+): Introduces rhythm, basic positions, and fundamental dances like the Highland Fling and Sword Dance. Classes are independent, though parents can watch.
• Prepremier (Ages 7+): For dancers who know the Fling and Sword Dance, progressing through beginner and novice levels.
• Premier (and Intermediate): The highest levels of competitive Highland Dance training.
• Adult Beginner and Advanced Adult Classes: Offered both virtually and in-person, catering to adults interested in learning or continuing Highland Dance.
• Retired Dancer Class: A drop-in style class for adult dancers who are retired or non-competitive, focusing on technique and stamina with flexibility (can be done with or without elevation, on or off barre/chair).
• Competitive Training: Tailored instruction for dancers aiming to compete at local, national (U.S. and Canadian National Championships), and international (World Championship in Scotland) levels. Competitive dancers are recommended to attend a minimum of two lessons per week.
• Private Lessons: Individualized instruction recommended for learning new dances, specific technique refinement, and choreography development.
• Virtual Classes (Zoom): Offering online instruction, enhancing accessibility for students who cannot attend in-person classes regularly.
• Performance Opportunities: While primarily focused on competition, the school also performs at special events, including Scottish weddings and community gatherings like Birmingham's Hometown Parade and Wintr Market.
• Tutorial Videos: Provides tutorial videos on their YouTube channel for dancers and parents to assist with practice and understanding Highland Dancing and competition aspects.

The Kate DeGood School of Dance distinguishes itself in the Michigan dance community through several notable features and highlights:

• Highly Qualified and Accomplished Instructor: Kate DeGood herself is a Premier-level dancer and U.S. Champion with over 20 years of teaching experience. Her expertise and personal achievement lend significant credibility and quality to the instruction.
• Specialized Dance Form: Unlike many general dance studios, the exclusive focus on Scottish Highland Dance offers a unique cultural and artistic niche. This precision-focused, athletic dance form appeals to those seeking something distinct from ballet, jazz, or hip-hop.
• Strong Competitive Program: The school has a proven track record of preparing and sending dancers to U.S., Canadian, and World Championships, with students achieving significant success, including winning medals and trophies in Scotland. This is a major highlight for aspiring competitive dancers.
• Inclusive Age Range: Catering to students from age 2 through adulthood, the school truly embraces the idea that Highland Dance is for everyone, fostering a lifelong engagement with the art form.
• Blend of Tradition and Modernity: While deeply rooted in Scottish tradition (including wearing kilts and learning the history behind dances like the Sword Dance), the school also leverages modern tools like Zoom classes and YouTube tutorials for enhanced learning.
• Emphasis on Precision and Stamina: Highland Dance is described as "very technical" and requiring "a lot more stamina" than some other forms, appealing to those who enjoy a rigorous physical and mental challenge.
• Community Involvement: The school actively participates in local community events in Birmingham, such as parades and markets, helping to promote Scottish culture and connect with locals.

For detailed information on class schedules, registration, and program specifics, you can contact the Kate DeGood School of Dance directly:

• Address: 2363 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48083, USA
• Phone: (989) 600-8879

It is highly recommended to visit their official website or call to inquire about specific class availability, tuition rates, and to determine the best program for your or your child's skill level and age. They are also available for questions about Highland Dance in general, including class recommendations and locations.

The Kate DeGood School of Dance is an excellent choice for Michigan locals for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its unique specialization in Scottish Highland Dance offers a distinct artistic and cultural pathway not commonly found in general dance studios. For families interested in exploring their heritage or providing their children with a unique, disciplined, and athletic activity, this school is unparalleled in the region.

Secondly, the leadership of Kate DeGood herself, an accomplished Highland dancer with a proven track record of teaching champions, ensures a high standard of instruction. Students, whether beginners or advanced, benefit from expert guidance that emphasizes both technical precision and the joy of dance.

Furthermore, the school's comprehensive offerings, from "Tartan Tots" for preschoolers to adult classes and competitive training for national and international stages, mean that dancers of all ages and aspirations can find their place. The flexibility of multiple in-person locations (Troy, Birmingham, White Lake) and online Zoom classes significantly enhances accessibility for Michigan residents across a wider geographical area.

Finally, engaging with the Kate DeGood School of Dance means becoming part of a community that celebrates a rich cultural history. It's an opportunity to develop not just dance skills but also discipline, stamina, and a deeper connection to Scottish heritage, making it a truly enriching and suitable choice for locals in Michigan.

Kate DeGood School of Dance

2363 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48083, USA