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I began dancing at McLane high school the summer before my Junior year (1995). After just dancing a year at McLane High School my first teaching experience came as I assisted in the teaching of new dancers coming into the group. At times throughout my Junior and Senior years I took lessons from Ann Rotella (a highland dance teacher located now in Reedley) and Janet Pattullo. Janet was a teacher in Sacramento that traveled to Modesto to teach once a week. I could not make regular classes during high school, but occasionally I was able to travel with Katie Geary-Jackson and Erin McDoniel-Chavez for lessons.

During this time I was able to attend a few competitions around California and was at the Novice level of dancing when I graduated.  Due to financial constraints and injury I did not pursue highland dancing immediately after high school.  Erin convinced me to start dancing again in the Winter of 1998.  I was now 19 and still in the Novice class, but I was now able to travel regularly to Modesto and then to Sacramento for lessons from Janet.  Throughout the years I moved up through the ranks of highland dancing and made it to the premier level of dancing.

In October of 2002 I passed the teaching exam (Commended) and became a member of the BATD (British Association of Teacher's of Dance). From January of 2003 to August 2004 I taught at Cynthia Merrill's School of Performing Arts.   The studio environment helped me develop my teaching experience further, but I needed more flexibility in the scheduling and organizing of classes.  The best solution I could see was creating my own teaching environment for my students.  I now offer classes in my home and encourage my students to participate in performances with the Fresno Stag and Thistle pipe band.

As of December 2005 I have 8 students.  3 in the 4-6 beginner class, 4 ages 9-12 and one 15 year old.  As the school increases in size I hope to begin planning performances, including school, retirement home and city events.

Send mail to hannah@frensohighlanddance.com with questions or comments about this web site.
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Last modified: 10/20/18