The Case School of Highland Dance, LLC has been producing dancers for over 25 years. Originally founded by Sherry Case in 1987, her daughter Jocelyn Case began teaching in 2003 — and has continued her mother's love of teaching to this day. Elaine Beatley, a former Case School Highland Dancer, is now a substitute teacher. All three instructors are BATD (British Association of Teachers of Dancing) certified under the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance. They are also members of FUSTA (Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators) and are active in the local Portland Highland Dancing Association, PHDA.
Get to know the instructors!
Jocelyn (Case) West
Thanks to my mother Sherry, I grew up in the studio jumping around and learning this incredible dance form. I started competitively dancing at age four and at age seven continued my dancing career under Bonnie Mackenzie, who originally taught my mother. Over my dancing career I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed of.
I'm a two-time United States National Champion, 10-time Northwest Champion, and have placed in the top 10 at the World Championships in Scotland. I was the first dancer from the Northwest Region to have won a U.S. title. I grew up in Northeast Portland and finished my studies at Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Activity and Exercise. I am also certified as a Barre Above instructor. Outside of dance, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. Hayley Jameson
I began dancing at the Case School of Highland Dance when I was 10 years old. Over the years I have loved the challenges Highland Dance has brought me- both physically and mentally. I also love my dance community. I have made life long friends through dance and have traveled around the world competing with them. Dancing has led me to compete around the US, Canada and Scotland and I have qualified for the U.S. National Championships twice. In my day to day life I am a First Grade teacher and I love being outside skiing, gardening, and playing with my dog.
Dancing is music made visible. |
Sherry Symington
I started Highland dancing at age five when my father played in a local bagpipe band. My main focus was on performance dancing. As an adult and upon returning to Portland I resumed dancing with my former teacher Bonnie MacKenzie. I danced competitively for a number of years. The birth of my three daughters turned my attention to teaching and I became a certified teacher in 1987. I have taught dancing for over 25 years taking many students to the National competitive level. When not teaching, I enjoy baking and cooking. I always look forward to putting my passion to work helping our local dancing association, by catering the annual 'Tartan Tea' fundraiser.
Elaine Beatley
At the age of five, I began dancing competitively in Highland Dancing and formed what would become a life-long passion. Throughout my competitive dance years I've traveled to different parts of the US and Canada and qualified for four U.S. National Championships. I'm a certified dance teacher and a substitute instructor at the Case School of Highland Dance in Portland, Oregon — the studio I attended throughout my dancing career. When not dancing, I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, and sipping on a wee dram of whisky.
Zoe Hertlein
Zoe is an assistant teacher with the Case School of Highland Dance
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Let us share our love of dance with you!