Thistle Highlanders

Looking for recommendations!

I'm on the hunt for a new studio space to rent in the Athens, TN area.
The space should be at least 200 square feet and able to accommodate a wood platform (for dancing on) along with mounted mirrors. A bathroom on-site is also required.
We're working with a tight budget, so monthly rental fees need to be under $150-200. We'll be using the space 2-3 times per week, and I'm open to bartering free lessons while my studio is growing!
If you know of any locations or have leads, please drop a comment or send me a message. Thanks for your help!

Gift Certificates AVAILABLE NOW!

Hey hey! 🤗
For everyone who is new here, my name is Aimee Engelbrecht! (Formerly MacIsaac - I recently married my handsome South African husband!)

I am the founder and instructor of Thistle Highlanders - Athens’ first Scottish Highland Dance School! 🎉

I started dancing at age 8 with my sister Rebekah under the talented Mrs. Tracey Rast and later more sisters joined us to learn!
I began teaching after completing my training for certification under two incredible instructors, Mrs. Towns Killough Paolucci and Mrs. Tracey Summers Walton, and with their help passed both my Associate and Members exam!
I have taught under both the British Association of Teachers of Highland Dancing as well as, currently, the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance.
Next year I will have 20 years of Scottish Highland Dance experience - which feels so unrealistic to even say.. 🫣😅

To say that I love to dance is an understatement, and getting to teach what I love is an absolute joy! I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like without the incredible opportunities and people I’ve met through the Scottish Highland Dance community!
I teach this traditional dancing to coach dancers to become their best selves and share their love for dancing with others!

If I’m not doing something dance related, I’m normally baking something delicious that makes me do happy dances (and that also makes me need to dance more, can we be honest?) or I’m enjoying time with family and friends! And can we just thank each of our parents that have funded, supported and sacrificed to help make our dreams a reality. Mine did. And I am beyond grateful. ❤️

So before I reel off to teach a dance lesson..
so you know, there always room in class for you!

And of course, I definitely had something Scottish in my wedding.. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

10 things every highland dancer learns 👆🏻

An investment in a dance education is an investment in your child’s future. Ask any highland dancer: the skills they gained through highland dance have taken them through life!

What’s the biggest thing highland dance taught you (that wasn’t dance)?! Let us know in the comments 👇🏻

The MacIsaac Sisters (Ages 9-19)!

In honor of Siblings Day!

Fun Fact! There were a few years when all of the Mac girls danced together for performances!
Only one time did two of us compete against each other in a competition!

Imagine all your girls/kiddos doing the SAME activity! Ask about our family discount and home school classes!

Left to Right:
Aimee, Holly, Rebekah, Ceilidh, Ruth


❤️

Mark your calendars! Not only are the Thistle Highlanders performing at the Piping on the Green event on April 6th, but the Tannahill Weavers are coming all the way from Scotland to play beautiful traditional Scottish music there!

Also! We have new classes on Mondays and Tuesdays! Message now to hold your spot! And remember, your 1st class is always FREE!

https://thistlehighlanders.com/

We are thrilled to be dancing Scottish dances with Southern Irish Dance!! You don’t want to miss this treat!!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-spring-showcase-2024-tickets-807459231297?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&fbclid=IwAR3cZra10d1j_p7FsR8T_r4H9xUeT8aA3-03hyqBSRp2S7FoV4E7lCdbQe4_aem_AdVEGy0AUBDEG54nZg32dZ-3oqhURvo_uD5ATeet3riHJGrJBmGaKFuOiYqVgnHMesw

At Thistle Highlanders, we are passionate about traditions. It makes us feel alive and connected to our heritage and dance community.