McKinney School of Highland Dance

- 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216

The McKinney School of Highland Dance serves as a dedicated training center in Southeast Portland, Oregon, focusing exclusively on the exhilarating and culturally rich art of Scottish Highland Dance. Unlike general dance studios, this point of interest is a specialized institution committed to preserving and promoting a vibrant traditional dance form native to Scotland. Highland Dancing is not merely a social activity; it is a vigorous discipline demanding immense strength, agility, precision, and endurance from its participants.

The school is a valuable part of the local Oregon arts community, offering professional instruction to students of all ages and proficiency levels, from Highland Tots just starting their journey to experienced Premier-level dancers preparing for competitive Highland Gatherings. The school is led by Hilary McKinney Heiney, a certified instructor through highly respected international bodies, ensuring that the training provided meets rigorous global standards. The studio itself is located within the larger artistic community hub of Portland Metro Arts, reinforcing its role in providing specialized, quality arts education to the 97216 area and the broader Portland metro region.

The McKinney School of Highland Dance is conveniently situated in the Southeast quadrant of Portland, Oregon, making it readily accessible to residents across the metro area. The facility operates from the established creative location of Portland Metro Arts at: 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA.

Located on SE Stark Street, the training center is easily reached by local roads and public transportation routes that serve this active part of Portland. Its placement within a larger arts complex benefits students by providing a central location for creative pursuits. For those driving to the facility, the venue has taken steps to ensure convenience and compliance with accessibility standards:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

While the available information specifically notes the accessible parking, its location within an established arts center suggests a focus on accommodating all Oregonians who wish to pursue Highland Dance, contributing to its status as an important local point of interest for specialized training.

The McKinney School of Highland Dance provides comprehensive training and services exclusively focused on Scottish Highland Dance and its associated requirements. Key services and offerings include:

• Highland Dance Instruction: Offering structured classes that focus on basic dance techniques, foot placement, and core strength necessary for the vigorous nature of the dance.
• Curriculum of Traditional Dances: Training students in the traditional repertoire, including foundational dances such as the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance, as they progress through levels.
• Tiered Age and Skill Classes: Providing structured classes for various age groups and skill levels, such as "Highland Tots" for the youngest learners, Level One for beginners, and more advanced classes for inter-premier and premier dancers.
• Competition and Examination Preparation: Offering specialized training for students who wish to take official exams, participate in performances, and compete at local, regional, and national Highland Gatherings, including those sanctioned by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD).
• Certified Professional Instruction: Providing teaching from Hilary McKinney Heiney, who holds certifications from recognized international bodies like the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) and the Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators (FUSTA).
• Studio Location within a Community Arts Center: Operating out of Portland Metro Arts, providing a professional and supportive environment shared with other performing arts disciplines.

For residents across Oregon and the Portland Metro area, the McKinney School of Highland Dance offers distinct advantages that distinguish it within the local dance scene:

• Specialization in Traditional Highland Dance: A rare focus that provides in-depth, high-quality instruction in this specific cultural dance form, appealing directly to those interested in Scottish heritage and high-level technical dance.
• Internationally Certified Instructor: The training is led by a teacher with verifiable certification through prestigious global Highland Dance organizations, assuring students of instruction that meets world-class standards for technique and safety.
• Focus on Vigor and Agility: The curriculum emphasizes the athletic demands of Highland Dance, helping dancers develop exceptional strength, balance, coordination, and grace.
• Path to Competition and Performance: Provides clear pathways for serious dancers to progress from novice to premier levels, offering opportunities to take exams and compete at Highland Gatherings across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
• Convenient SE Portland Arts Location: Being situated within a known arts complex like Portland Metro Arts offers a professional environment and potential networking opportunities with other creative disciplines.
• Programming for Young Dancers: The inclusion of specialized classes like "Highland Tots" ensures that the tradition can be introduced to children as young as four, fostering a love for dance from an early age.

To register for classes, inquire about schedules, or learn more about the McKinney School of Highland Dance's programming in Portland, Oregon, please use the following contact information:

Address: 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA

Phone: (503) 516-4863

Mobile Phone: +1 503-516-4863

The McKinney School of Highland Dance is the clear choice for any Oregonian seeking authentic, high-caliber training in Scottish Highland Dance. What is truly worth choosing here is the unique combination of cultural specialization and professional accreditation. Unlike larger studios that may offer Highland Dance as one of many styles, McKinney School provides a dedicated environment where the focus is entirely on this one vigorous discipline. This deep specialization, backed by the instructor’s certification from respected international dance associations, means students receive an unparalleled level of technical coaching right here in Southeast Portland.

For parents in Oregon looking for a challenging yet rewarding activity for their children, or adults seeking a physically demanding and culturally enriching hobby, the school offers a structured path from beginner steps to competitive excellence. The inclusion of classes for the very young ("Highland Tots") demonstrates a commitment to fostering the art form across generations. By choosing this school, you are not just signing up for a dance class; you are investing in a tradition of excellence and becoming part of the global community of Scottish Highland Dancers, all without ever having to leave the 97216 zip code. This local point of interest is a beacon for cultural preservation and athletic achievement in the Pacific Northwest.

McKinney School of Highland Dance

9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA