Kimberley Cranbrook Highland Dance Association
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Instructors

Liela Cooper Liela started teaching in Kimberley and Cranbrook in 1973 and is still teaching in both cities today. In 1975, Liela attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland to study Scottish History, Culture and Dance. Because of her long time commitment to Highland dance, Liela was awarded a “Lifetime Membership” into the British Association of Teachers of Dance, Glasgow Scotland in 2001. To round out her Highland life, she also teaches the bagpipes and plays in the Kimberley Pipe Band.

Hali Duncan Hali has been Highland Dancing since the age of 4, taking her practical exams under the S.D.T.A. and became a member of the B.A.T.D. in 2010. She has a degree in Kinesiology (the study of muscle and movement) from the University of Alberta . Hali has danced with the Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band and the Kimberley Pipe Band, and her training includes dancing in highland, ballet, and hip hop.

Classes are offered for all ages - from preschool through adult.  Levels from Primary and Beginner to Premier are taught under the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD) Syllabus.  Classes are offered for competitive and recreational dance lessons, with the opportunities to do performance work, examinations, competitions and championships.  Students will learn not only the basic steps of Highland dance, but will also explore the history and roots of the style.  Classes are done is a positive and stimulating environment in which children learn to love and appreciate the art of dance, and are inspired to achieve their personal best.  Along with traditional Highland dancing, courses are also offered in Choreography, Ballet, and Plyometrics.  Classes are taught in studios in both Kimberley and Cranbrook, British Columbia.

The Kimberley Cranbrook Highland Dance Association is the parent group of students at the Liela Cooper's School of Highland Dance.  Their primary focus is to foster and encourage Highland Dance in the local communities.

Liela Cooper's School of Highland Dance shares a close relationship with the Kimberley Pipe Band, and as such has the opportunity to perform often with the band.  Thanks to this association with the KPB, some dance students also learn traditional Scottish instruments.