Most teenage girls might decorate their bedroom walls with posters or photos, but the shared bedroom of Bethany and Talie Hawkins, ages 14 and 18, is decorated corner-to-corner with trophies. 

The two teenage dance champions have recently returned to Coeur d’Alene with more trophies to add to their collection after placing first and second runner-up in the National Championships for Scottish Highland Dancing in Dallas, Texas, last weekend.

“It was exciting to go up there on such a big stage in a giant ballroom with lots of people,” Bethany said, “but definitely nerve-wracking.”

This was Talie and Bethany’s fourth year competing in the United States Interregional Championships. It was Talie’s third time placing in the top three in the National Championships, and Bethany’s second. 

This year, Talie placed second runner-up in the 18 & Under 22 age division, as well as placing second in the North American Open Championships in the 18 & Under 22 group.

Bethany received the title of first runner-up in the National Championships overall in the 14 & Under 16 age division, as well as winning the title of Champion of the Age 14 division in the North American Open Championships.

Leading up to the competition day, Bethany trained five hours a week under the guidance of her dance instructors, older sisters Casey and Victoria. They also trained five hours a week individually, and six hours of CrossFit training to stay in shape for the physically demanding sport of Scottish Highland Dancing.

“It’s very much a family-oriented activity,” said Shannon Hawkins, Bethany and Talie’s mother.

Dancing seems to run in the Hawkins’ blood, as all eight of their children are dancers. Ever since the two oldest sisters saw Scottish Highland Dancing in a talent show, their passion spread to their younger siblings, who have found the dance style a way to connect with their Scottish heritage and bond with their siblings over a common interest.

“It’s quite a large age gap between my older sisters and me,” Bethany said. "So, having them teach me, it’s definitely made a stronger relationship between us.”

When Casey Hawkins opened Lake City Highland Dance Studio in 2016, Scottish Highland Dancing was foreign to Coeur d’Alene, and she initially struggled to attract enough students. 

After Casey relocated to Florida five years ago, her sister Victoria took over the dance studio and has continued to rebuild after the pandemic. She currently teaches around 25 students, including Talie and Bethany.

Next year, Victoria believes her sisters have what it takes to win Nationals and move on to the World Championships. The Hawkins family is already planning for the next competition season.

“It’s really great to have role models like Talie and Bethany in the studio because they give the kids something to train for,” Victoria said.

Talie and Bethany’s next competition will be the Western U.S. Open Highland Dancing Championship in September, and they continue to train for next year’s Nationals.

Outside of dancing, Talie is working on her physical education degree at North Idaho College. Bethany has a mind for science and is interested in studying psychology. She hopes she will follow in the footsteps of her older sisters and never give up her passion for Scottish Highland Dance.