The Scottish Highland Dance School

Are you looking for ballet classes in Palm Bay, FL, for your child?

Did you know that Scottish Highland dance has many similarities to ballet? In Scottish dance classes, several of the Scottish positions of the feet and arms are similar to ballet positions, and some of the movements resemble each other, as well.

Have you considered signing up your child for Scottish Highland dance classes offered in Palm Bay?

The positions of the feet are the same for Scottish dance and ballet, with some minor exceptions. While turnout is important in both styles of dance, the degree of turnout required is generally lower for Scottish dance. In first position, Scottish dancers turn their feet out to 90 degrees, or the equivalent of a right angle. In ballet, the dancers work toward a 180 degree turnout, where their feet are in a straight line pointing outward. In ballet positions, dancers keep both of their feet flat on the floor. For most Scottish dance positions, dancers put their weight on one foot and point the other foot in the position.

Ballet and Scottish dancers often bend their elbows slightly to bring a curve to their arms. Bras bas, third position, and fifth position of the arms in Russian ballet are similar to Scottish dance positions. However, in Scottish dance, these positions are referred to as fifth position, third position, and fourth position, respectively. Scottish arm positions resemble several French ballet positions in that one arm remains in first position while the other arm moves to a different position.

Scottish and ballet classes also share certain movements. In Scottish dance, you will see movements that nearly replicate ballet’s assemblé, bourrée, changement, and pas de basque.

Scottish dancers wear a unique costume of soft dance shoes called ghillies, kilts, knee socks, blouses, and vests or jackets. They dance to bagpipe music, and even dance over swords.

If you’re interested in signing up for Scottish Highland dance classes, view the Scottish Highland Dance School class schedule. Classes are held at The Knowledge Exchange on Babcock Street in Palm Bay.

However, if you’re seeking traditional ballet classes in Palm Bay, check out these local businesses.

Nicole Cote School of Dance
Elite Dance Center
Heathers Dance Studio

Photo credit: flickr Creativ Commons, Highland Dance by Cok Francken

Do you want your kids to have fun, get exercise, and learn dance skills this summer? Sign them up for summer dance classes in Palm Bay with the Scottish Dance School!

Summer Dance Class Schedule
Beginners, Ages 4-6
Mondays, 3:30-4:00
Sign-ups are monthly. Cost is $25 for June, $20 for July, and $20 for August, payable to Jennifer Howell with cash or check at the first class of the month. For a trial class ($5), or to sign up for a month of classes, please contact jen@scottishdanceschool.com.

Beginners, Ages 7+
Mondays, 4:00-5:00
Sign-ups are monthly. Cost is $50 for June, $40 for July, and $40 for August, payable to Jennifer Howell with cash or check at the first class of the month. For a trial class ($10), or to sign up for a month of classes, please contact jen@scottishdanceschool.com.

Beginners, Adults
Every other Thursday, 6:00-7:00
Cost is $10 per class, payable to Jennifer Howell with cash or check. To sign up, please contact jen@scottishdanceschool.com.

Classes are taught at The Knowledge Exchange, 5151 Babcock Street, Palm Bay, FL 32905.

Dress code:
It is strongly encouraged that students wear highland ghillies or ballet shoes (preferably with a split sole) to avoid dancing barefoot. Students may not dance in socks without shoes because of the risk of slipping and falling.

Dancers should wear clothes that allow movement, such as leggings, shorts, t-shorts, tights, and/or leotards. Wearing knee socks will help with some of the dance movements.

Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons, Canada Day – Dance School Presentation by Rosana Prada