Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers

For anyone in Illinois with a passion for dance, a fascination with Scottish heritage, or simply seeking a unique and invigorating activity, Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers stands out as a remarkable point of interest. Located in North Riverside, this acclaimed group has been a vibrant part of the Chicagoland cultural scene since its founding in 1981. They are dedicated to preserving and promoting the beautiful, physically demanding, and culturally rich art form of traditional Scottish Highland and National Dances.

Highland dancing is a captivating blend of athleticism, grace, and storytelling, with roots deeply embedded in Scottish history and tradition. Far from being just a performance group, Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers also serve as a school, offering comprehensive instruction to students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. This dedication to education ensures that the intricate steps, precise movements, and spirited interpretations of Highland dance continue to thrive in the heart of Illinois. For locals, it's an opportunity to connect with a unique cultural tradition, gain poise, build confidence, and engage in a truly rewarding form of aerobic exercise, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

## Location and Accessibility

Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers is conveniently located at 2800 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546, USA. This accessible suburban location makes it a practical destination for residents throughout the Chicagoland area and various parts of Illinois. North Riverside offers a blend of suburban tranquility with good connectivity to major roadways and public transportation networks, facilitating easy travel to and from the studio.

For those driving, the address on Des Plaines Avenue is generally well-connected, allowing for straightforward navigation. While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, suburban locations often provide ample parking options. Additionally, local bus services in the North Riverside area could offer routes that make the studio reachable by public transit, depending on one's starting point within Illinois. This strategic location ensures that individuals and families interested in exploring Scottish Highland dance can do so with relative ease, making it a viable long-term activity for locals.

## Services Offered

Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers offers a range of services centered around the art of Scottish Highland and National Dancing, catering to various interests and skill levels:

• Weekly Highland Dance Classes: Comprehensive instruction is provided for dancers ranging in age from three years old to adult. Classes cover the fundamentals and advanced techniques of traditional Scottish Highland and National Dances, fostering poise, self-confidence, and self-discipline.
• Beginner-Friendly Programs: The group is committed to making Scottish dancing accessible to as many students as possible, regardless of prior dance experience or Scottish heritage.
• Competitive Training: Many of the dancers actively participate and compete at local, regional, national, and international levels, showcasing the high standard of training offered.
• Professional Performances: Ensembles of Thistle & Heather dancers are available to perform for a wide variety of functions, including corporate events, community festivals, private parties, and educational programs.
• Tailored Performance Programs: Performance programs can be customized for different audiences, such as school-aged children, adults, or senior citizens. These often include commentary on Scottish culture and heritage alongside the dance displays.
• Public Event Participation: The dancers regularly appear at prominent public events, including the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, St. Andrew's Day and Tartan Day celebrations at Daley Plaza, and Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry.
• Collaborations: The group has a history of performing with renowned musicians and bands, including Celtic rock bands like the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore, as well as Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas, and violinist Rachel Barton Pine.

## Features / Highlights

Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers is recognized for several distinctive features and highlights that establish it as a significant cultural point of interest in Illinois:

• Rich History and Legacy: Founded in 1981, the group boasts a long-standing tradition of excellence in Highland dance, contributing significantly to the Scottish cultural landscape in Chicagoland for over four decades.
• Experienced and Esteemed Leadership: The founder and director, Nancy Strolle, is highly credentialed, having studied in Scotland and holding a Member Certificate with the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD). She is a Past-President of the Federation of the United States Teachers and Adjudicators (FUSTA) and has received numerous accolades, including Scotswoman of the Year and Clanswoman of the Year by the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. This ensures top-tier instruction and cultural authenticity.
• Diverse Age Range for Students: The academy welcomes dancers from as young as three years old through adulthood, fostering a multi-generational community passion for Scottish dance.
• High-Profile Performance Engagements: The dancers have performed at prestigious venues and events, including half-time shows at Chicago Bulls games, the Heartland International Tattoo, and "Dance Chicago." Their participation in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2015 as some of the first U.S. dancers underscores their exceptional skill and recognition.
• Commitment to Cultural Preservation: Beyond teaching dance steps, the group educates participants and audiences about the history and cultural significance of Highland and National Dances, such as the Sword Dance (a prediction dance prior to battle) and the Seann Triubhas (representing the return of the kilt).
• Holistic Benefits for Dancers: Highland dancing with Thistle and Heather offers participants numerous advantages, including improved poise, enhanced self-confidence, developed stage presence, a connection to ethnic tradition, self-discipline, aerobic exercise, and the formation of lifelong friendships.
• Inclusivity: The group emphasizes that dancers do not need to be of Scottish heritage to participate, making the art form accessible and welcoming to all who are interested.
• Live Music Integration: Performances often feature live music, enhancing the authentic experience of Scottish dance.

## Contact Information

To learn more about classes, book a performance, or get involved with Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2800 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546, USA

Phone: (630) 967-8623

For inquiries regarding classes, performance bookings, or general information, reaching out via phone or checking their official website for schedules and registration details is recommended.

## Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Illinois, Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers represents a unique and valuable cultural asset. Located conveniently in North Riverside, it offers an accessible gateway to the vibrant world of Scottish Highland and National Dancing. This point of interest is suitable for locals for numerous reasons, ranging from its rich educational offerings to its strong community spirit.

Whether you're a parent looking for a disciplined yet joyful activity for your child, an adult eager to learn a new dance form, or simply someone who appreciates cultural performances, Thistle and Heather provides an enriching experience. The highly experienced and dedicated instructors, led by the esteemed Nancy Strolle, ensure that every student receives top-tier training in a supportive environment. Moreover, the opportunity to perform at significant local and even international events fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among the dancers. By offering a blend of physical activity, cultural education, and community engagement, Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers empowers individuals to connect with a rich heritage, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships, making it an indispensable part of Illinois's cultural fabric for generations to come.

Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers

2800 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546, USA