Gordon Highlanders
Scottish Highland Dance Studio based in Monrovia, CA
About Us
Gordon Highlanders
The Gordon Highlanders are a Scottish Highland dance group based in Monrovia, CA. The dancers are taught traditional Scottish Highland and National dances for competitions and performances. The dance group has performed at the L.A. County Fair, promotional events for Disney-Pixar’s Brave Movie, Scottish Programs and organizations, community events, and even marched in parades. The dancers regularly compete in dance competitions at local Scottish Highland Games/Festivals.
Peggy Willison
Founder
The Gordon Highlanders have a long history in the San Gabriel Valley. The Dance group was originally started in the late 1950s by Peggy Gardner Willison in Glendora, CA. She had recently immigrated from Scotland where she had been a champion dancer and a successful dance teacher. Peggy taught Highland dancing until she turned 90 years old!
Kathy Eisel
Director
The Director of the Gordon Highlanders is Kathy Eisel, a certified Highland Dance teacher, who has been dancing for over 50 years and teaching more than 20 years. Kathy was a student and assistant teacher under Peggy Willison. Kathy took over the Gordon Highlanders when Peggy retired. Kathy is a member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance (SDTA). SHe is also a member of the U.S. national teachers organization ScotDance USA where she currently serves as a co-chair for their Alumni Committee. Kathy is also on the Board of Directors for the United Scottish Society (USS). She serves the USS as vice-chair and Dance co-chair for their ScottishFest Highland Festival. Kathy is a proud member of Clan Chattan and Clan Davidson.
Megan Wiseley-Cook
Assistant Director
Megan has been involved in Highland Dancing for over twenty years and has competed throughout the United States and Canada! She began dancing at the McMahon School of Highland Dance out of Livonia, Michigan where she advanced to the premier category. From there she went on to dance with the Lakes Area School of Highland Dance in Highland, Michigan. During her competitive career in Michigan, she competed throughout Western Ontario and the Mid-West region where she had a very successful career winning various trophies!
After moving to California in 2009 where she began learning and experimenting in vintage ballroom dancing, she grew an appreciation for the partner connection and historical significance it involves. Soon the desire to get back into Highland dancing was strong and so Megan found herself at the Gordon Highlanders School, where she currently dances and teaches.
In 2016 Megan became a certified teacher under the British Association Teachers of Dance and began transitioning from competitive dancer to a Highland Dance teacher. Megan currently lives in the Inland Empire with her husband and their two dogs.
Ready to Join the family?
Get in touch with us today, we would love to have you!