The QSDA teachers is a  mother/daughter team of highly motivated, trained, experienced and dedicated individuals.
(Did we mention we also like to have fun?) Take a moment to learn a little more about each of us!

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain!"

Bree Brownlee has been a competitive Highland dancer since the age of 3. She won numerous prestigious titles during her 18 year career. Bree has been the Midwest Regional Champion, United States National Champion and placed 4th at the World Championships! She qualified 11 consecutive times for the US National Championship where she was ranked in the top 6 in the country all 11 times and in the top 3 nine of those times, never finishing lower than 4th. She is a registered member of FUSTA and the BATD. In addition, she has studied classical ballet, lyrical, jazz and tap. At her last ballet performance she was the lead role of Swanilda in the classic ballet, Coppelia. Within FUSTA, Bree is the Footwork (the national newsletter) editor and is the USIR 2010 Co-Chairperson.

She studied Highland under the direction of Bill and Liz Weaver. She began teaching in 1998, when she passed her teachers exam 'highly  commended' through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). In addition to being the founder of QSDA, she is also the website manager and designer. In 2002 she was crowned the Alma Queen of Scots, hence the name of her studio.

Bree is a 2004 graduate of Alma College, where she graduated with honors in Media & Mass Communications  and Theater/Dance, where she was a member of the prestigious Alma College Dance Company, studying under the direction of Tom Morris. While there she performed many classical pieces, had the opportunity to work with well-known choreographers and choreograph works herself to be set on the company. Bree was awarded the 2009 Alma College Young Alumni Award. The award recognizes recently graduated alumni (between 1 and 10 years) who have given faithful service to Alma College and their communities. Bree now works at an advertising agency called Leo Burnett Detroit as the Senior Account Executive of the Special Parts and Operations group working on the ACDelco team.

"The things I love the most I cannot hold in my hand. They are instead the memories I hold in my heart, put there by the ones who love me."

Sheila is Bree's mum and has been with her daughter every step of the way. Being the prefect "dance mum" she attended every lesson where she diligently took notes and helped her daughter practice every day. Through her years of experience she offers guidance not only as an instructor, but also as a former "dancers mum." Sheila currently teaches the Primary classes. She is currently studying to take her teachers exam next year. In addition, Sheila recently began her own company to sell custom-made competitive Highland dance costumes, The Queen of Scots Dance Costumes. Sheila is married to Keith Brownlee and is the proud mum to Bree, and puppies Ghilly & Stirling - the studio mascots!

Kim, known to the dancers as Miss Kimmy, came first into the studio as our biggest fan! Recently, Kim began taking on an additional role by teaching the conditioning class in early 2009 and continues to do so today. Kim also provides stretching and exercises for the dancers. Kim was a highly accomplished softball player and equestrian. As a member of the Alma College Softball team, Kim won 4 regional titles and attended the softball Nationals for NCAA DIII in 2004 and 2005. A 2005 graduate of Alma College with a major in biology and education, Kim currently is an admissions coordinator for Lawrence Technological University where she runs the Lansing University Center. She is currently working towards her masters degree at the University of Michigan in Biology and hopes to teach at the collegiate level upon graduation. The QSDA is excited to use Kim's athletic background and experience to help our dancers make it to the next level!

Keith, otherwise known as Bree's dad or Sheila's husband is affectionately known to the QSDA as "Big Daddy." Keith is present at all main studio events, fundraisers, performances and major competitions to cheer the kids on. Always the perfect dance dad, he has been involved in highland dancing since Bree started dancing back in 1985 and has grown to be a part of the community ever since. The QSDA is so thankful for his support!

Ghilly - the studio mascot is a purebred Airedale Terrier (but we often don't tell her she's a terrier)! True to her Scottish nature, her registered AKC name is officially Ghilly of the Highlands. Ghilly is at every practice and rehearsal, helping get the kids into shape for competitions and shows, comes to show her support at every competition and performance in her Tweedsmuir scarf and is always present at studio activities.

In March 2010, Mrs. Brownlee & Big Daddy brought another wonderful member into our family - our Labradoodle, Stirling. Although we'll only have Stirling for a year before she goes back to Leader Doges for the Blind to help someone in need, we're proud to have her part of our family. Our lively puppy is always up for a a run around the studio and keeps the kids entertained, while sharing lots of love.

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 © Bree Erin Brownlee