Founded in 2007 in Moneyreagh, Northern Ireland, the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance has grown from just four pupils to over 100 dancers, offering classes both in person and online. The school provides training for RSOBHD competitions, SDTA examinations, and numerous performance opportunities that foster confidence, teamwork and experience.

Over 17 years, the school's dancers have achieved remarkable success, including 23 Ulster Championship titles, as well as national and international competition victories. Senior dancers benefit from professional development, workshops, theory lessons and first-aid training, with 12 Associate Teachers trained to date. Prestigious performances include The Belfast Tattoo, the Cross Border Orchestra's Peace Proms and the UAE National Day Celebrations, alongside community events, nursing homes and charity fundraisers.

Principal – Michelle Johnston

Michelle Johnston's passion for Highland dancing began in her teens after training in multiple dance styles. She is an eight-time Ulster Champion and has placed in top positions at national and international events, including the All England, UK, European, North American and Sacramento Valley Championships. She was the first Northern Irish dancer to reach the World Highland Dancing Championships finals in Dunoon.

Michelle has performed with the Alisa Craig Highland Dancers and the Tattoo Dance Company across Europe and the USA, including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and for Prince William and Prince Charles at Holyrood Palace. A Fellow and Examiner of the SDTA, an RSOBHD adjudicator and head delegate for the NIHDA, Michelle has also choreographed large-scale productions for events such as the Belfast International Tattoo, Peace Proms, BBC TV productions and the Queen's Garden Party at Stormont.