Art Form: Scottish Highland dance

Location(s): East Lansing (Ingham County)

Allison Gibson Murad

Allison "Allie" Gibson Murad has a strong familial connection to Scottish dance and culture. Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Scotland to the United States in the early 1900s. To keep her connected to her heritage, Allison’s parents enrolled her at age 10 in Scottish Highland Dance lessons taught by Tracey Walton. After two years of competing and performing regularly, she visited Scotland where she was able to meet her family and even compete. She represented dancers from the Midwest region at the National Championships from 2002-2005. Her passion for dance continued through at Alma College, which she attended on a partial Highland Arts scholarship. She studied under noted instructor Christie Freestone and passed her dance teaching examination with the highest rating.

Allison founded the Gibson School of Highland Dance in 2011. It is the only school of its kind with a certified teacher within 50 miles of Lansing. They host an annual spring competition called Spartan Tartan. She also co-founded Lochanna Mora Highland Dance Company, a small group of professional adult dancers. She is involved with the Glen Erin Pipe Band and is the Midwest representative for the United States Scottish Dance Alumni Association.

Through the Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, Allie has served as a mentor artist 5 times. Many of her students have gone on to complete Premier levels of certification, aiming to become teachers following in her footsteps.