You don't have to be Scottish to learn Highland Dancing...

Students receive instruction in Scottish Highland Dancing.  Classes promote personal grace and precise muscle control while providing a unique way for students to receive the benefits of a superior form of physical exercise. Dancers develop a sense of rhythm and coordination between body and mind--while enjoying a disciplined and cultural art form.

Classes are available for students age 4 to Adult and no previous dance experience is required.   Primary classes  (6 & under) use  music and games to improve large motor development, stretching and strengthening, while learning the basic movements of Highland dance.  All classes emphasize fitness, self motivation, goal setting and age appropriate skills and techniques.  Dancers may compete at various highland games and championships, participate in examinations, and perform in local events and shows.

Kiki Bentzen Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Kiki has 25+ years of Scottish Highland Dance training and has been very successful at the Regional, National and World Championship levels.  Kiki has represented the NW Region nine times at the USIR National Championships  and has competed all over Canada, the United States, and Scotland.   She has over 18 years teaching experience and is a full member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance (SDTA), and the Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators (FUSTA)...as well as being a member and side drummer in the Keith Highlanders Pipe band (www.khpb.org)--recently placing 3rd in the 2008 World Pipe band Championships.  Together with her twin sister Inge, Kiki is proud to pass on her passion for Highland Dance and to promote the Scottish Arts through the performance of Highland dancing in exhibition, high-level competition, and examination--while promoting the opportunity for growth and development in a nurturing environment.  Kiki & Inge are currently mentoring students for their SDTA examinations for Associate and Member Level credentials for teaching.

Inge Bentzen Merry Inge Bentzen Merry is a full member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance (SDTA), and the Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators (FUSTA). She has competed successfully at a championship level in Scotland, the United States, and Canada for many years, and has been teaching in the Pacific Northwest since 1991. Inge is passionate about sharing the tradition of Scottish Highland Dancing to students and audience members all over the world, and her interest in the Scottish arts is shared with dancers of all skill levels and age. She instructs for U.S. and international championships, local competition, show choreography and exhibitions. Inge believes her dancers will receive quality instruction, build lifelong friendships, build the strength of an athlete while learning a unique style of dance. Along with Inge’s love for Scottish Highland Dancing, she plays tenor drum in the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band (www.khpb.org). She has been an honorary member of the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band for eleven years and competes both locally and internationally with with band. KHPB took 3rd place in the World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow, Scotland, 2008.