July 5-11, 2026
2026 Teachers
Fred DeMarse
I started Scottish Country Dancing in 1986 in the San Francisco Branch. I attended St. Andrews Summer School for teacher training and passed my Full Certificate in 1996. I achieved my Highland Dance teaching certificate in 1995 and my Highland Dance judging qualification in 2002 after retiring from Highland dance competition.
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In the San Francisco Bay area, I teach Scottish Country dancing and Highland dancing to children and adults. Since 2018, I have been the Artistic Director of the Red Thistle Scottish Dancers performing group.
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I am very fortunate to have traveled to different parts of the world and to have met many wonderful people – all because of Scottish dancing. As a dancer, teacher, and judge, I have travelled to many places, including all around the US and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and many countries on the European continent.
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My viewpoint on teaching and dancing is to have fun and to make it fun for others. I strongly believe in learning and practicing the basics of Scottish dancing – this is the way I have been taught by the many wonderful teachers whom I have had – and my goal is to impart the knowledge I have learned and the desire to dance well to my students while creating a social environment that is friendly, supportive and fun.
Deb Lees
I began Scottish Country Dancing at Newcastle University as an 18-year-old student – one class and I was hooked, going to my first dance four days later! I started SCD teaching at the University class, obtained my full certificate in 1987 and for many years I taught SCD and step classes in Newcastle, before moving to Perth in Scotland.
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Over the years I have had the privilege of teaching classes and workshops across the UK, continental Europe and in Canada, including at the RSCDS Summer and Winter Schools. I am also a long-time member of Dunedin Dancers in Edinburgh and have regularly danced with them at home and abroad, including being the dance leader/choreographer with both Dunedin and Newcastle Branch when we have been invited to traditional music and dance festivals in Europe and further afield. And you might also find me with my whistles, playing for the dancing or just joining in with a tune session!
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I love sharing my enthusiasm for dancing, seeing people learn and achieve and making friends all over the world. I have enjoyed some tremendous hospitality and worked with great musicians and I’m really looking forward to coming to Blue Ridge!
Jeanne Moody
I started Scottish Country Dancing at Bryn Mawr College in the Delaware Valley Branch, PA, then continued dancing in Portland, OR, and now San Diego, CA. It has been my pleasure to teach a dedicated beginner’s class since earning my teaching certification in 2012, and my deepest satisfaction comes from the core group who return every season to welcome new dancers. I’ve been fortunate to teach at workshops around the US and Canada, including the Asilomar weekend, Scottish Weekend, Pinewoods, and TAC Summer School.
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When not dancing I work as a medicinal chemist in drug discovery. It’s a challenging and rewarding pursuit.
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I absolutely love sharing the joy of this dance form. It is my hope to make dancing approachable, fun, and elegant – “to make the music visible.” I am honored to join you in celebrating our music, our dancing, and the rich and varied community of SCD!