Our Instructors

A smiling middle-aged man with glasses and short gray hair, wearing a dark blue jacket, standing outdoors near a marina or waterfront.

Fred DeMarse

Fred started studying Highland Dancing in 1988 after completing his studies at UC-Berkeley in Chemical Engineering. He has competed and performed throughout North America. His dance-related travels have taken him to Australia, Russia, the United Kingdom, throughout the rest of Europe, and all around North America.

Fred earned his teaching certificate in 1995 and is a Fellow of the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD). After retiring from competitive Highland Dancing, Fred passed his Highland Dance judging qualifications and joined the Scottish Official Board’s World-Wide Judging Panel in 2003. He has judged and taught workshops throughout North America and has successfully trained Highland Dance candidates for their teaching credentials since 1998.

SJSHD Instructor

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Catherine MacDougall

Catherine began Highland dancing in 2001 at the age of six and brings 25 years of dedication, artistry, and competitive excellence to the studio. Alongside her role as an instructor and assistant director, she remains an active, premier-level competitor on the national and international stage. Catherine has represented the school across the United States, Canada, and Scotland, qualifying for the United States Championships four times and competing on the world stage at the Cowal Highland Gathering.

A certified instructor since 2013, she is a full Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD) and an active member of ScotDance USA, passionate about mentoring the next generation of dancers while continually honing her own craft.

SJSHD Assistant Director and Instructor

A young female dancer performing on stage with a green-lit theatrical background. She is wearing a light-colored blouse, checkered skirt, and red ballet shoes. Her hair is in two braids, and she is holding the edges of her skirt while dancing.

Katie Krull

Katie began Highland Dancing in 2009 at age 9. She has competed around the country and has placed in many championships, including the regional qualifying championship in Costa Mesa. Katie loves to dance for many reasons, but most importantly for the close friendships she has made and for the many opportunities that Highland Dance has given her.

Katie earned her teaching certificate in January of 2020 and is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD) and a member of ScotDance USA.

SJSHD Instructor