WHY WE DANCE

Obviously we’re passionate about Highland Dance at VSHD – and we're equally passionate about well-rounded development and supporting each dancer in achieving their goals. We work to create a team environment where everyone’s unique personalities are respected and appreciated.

Our core values are:

• celebration - we recognize our own and our teammates’ accomplishments, dance-related and otherwise. 
• perseverance - we set goals to better ourselves and we understand that failing to reach a goal doesn't mean we are a failure.
• sportsmanship – we’re welcoming and supportive to all dancers, and professional in the face of disappointment.
• positivity - we grow by looking toward what is possible instead of dwelling on what is not working. We don’t place blame on others or ourselves when things don’t go as planned.  
• fun – we work hard, at the same time remembering that the journey is enjoyable. We layer light heartedness into tireless effort!

KATE MCRAE - Owner/Principal Teacher 

Kate began Highland dance at age four and has been involved in teaching since her late teens. Highland dance combines her passion for precision, performance and athleticism, and she is particularly passionate about choreographing original dances. 

Highland dance has taken Kate all over Canada and the US to attend competitions, both as a dancer and as a teacher. The friendships she has created through dance have lasted well into adulthood; all her favourite dance memories are associated with the people she got to know through Highland.  

Her background in Training and Development allows her to approach teaching from an individual needs basis. She strives to understand the unique learning styles of each dancer while making classes efficient and fun for all participants. Kate is also a certified Pilates instructor and she brings that awareness and knowledge to teach dancers optimal body alignment while dancing. 

Kate is a SDTA Fellow and a member of Scotdance BC & Scotdance Canada.