ERIN MCDOUGAL
Erin started Scottish Highland Dance at the age of 6, under the instruction of Jo Moore Kalat, through the City of Raleigh's education classes. Her love of dance took her to dance competitions across the Southeast, US, Canada and Scotland, where she won many prestigious championships and competitions. She was twice ranked second in the United States Inter Regional Highland Dance Championship and numerous times in the top four.
Erin is a Fellow Scottish Dance Teacher with the British Association of Teachers of Dance, where she has been teaching Scottish Highland Dance for over 20 years. Erin now has a dance studio in both Raleigh and Boone, NC. She has had numerous dancers qualify to be a representatives to USIR, with some ranking in the top 6 and top 3. She is so excited to be joining SSA this year and sharing her love of Highland Dance.
LAURA DONLAN
Laura has been involved in Highland Dance since the age of 8. Laura has competed throughout the world for the past 33 years qualifying for the United States Inter Championship 25 years in a row. She has won championship titles throughout the United States and Canada.
Her passion and love for dancing does not stop with competing. She created Highland Wellness and Strength in 2016 after adding cross training to her training routine as well as recovering from multiple injuries. The goal is to share her knowledge of self care and the importance of cross training in a dancers life. Laura has conducted workshops throughout Canada, the United States, Scotland and Australia.
Laura also has her doctorate in physical therapy. She has fifteen years of experience working in outpatient orthopedic settings and has taken continuing education courses in taping, dance injuries and treating back pain. She enjoys working with patients of all ages to help them return to doing what they love.
Laura is honored and excited to be part of the School of Scottish Arts this year.