Meet the Gillie Callum Team

Leah Smith

Leah began Highland dancing at the age of six and enjoyed a successful competitive career that spanned nearly 20 years, including appearances at the Canadian Championships. As a student of Gillie Callum, she had the privilege of being taught by Gail Danysk, Pierie Danysk, and Keltie Stowkowy. Throughout her development as a dancer, she also trained under esteemed instructors such as Christa Mackie, Jill Young, Bill Troock, and Kelly Abrahart. Her dance journey provided opportunities to travel and compete across Canada, the United States, Scotland, and Japan.

She began student teaching in 1997 under the mentorship of Pierie and Keltie. Since then, she has been passionate about sharing the athleticism and artistry of Highland dance with her students. She has helped train dancers who have achieved success at the local, national, and international levels. Leah remains dedicated to fostering the warm, supportive atmosphere that defines the Gillie Callum community and values the lifelong friendships that grow from it.

Leah is currently a member of the SDTA, a professional member of ScotDance Canada, the National Registrar for ScotDance Canada, and an adjudicator with the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and works as a structural engineer for a consulting firm in Calgary.

Megan Nettleton

Megan began dancing with Gillie Callum in 2000 under the instruction of former directors Pierie Danysk and Keltie Stowkowy, and later, Ashley Stowkowy. She had the privilege of dancing under the instruction of Bill Troock and Kelly Abrahart during her university years in Edmonton, and continued to work with them until she retired from competition in 2018. Her competitive career was long and successful, extending well into adulthood. Highlights include representing Alberta, placing in the top six multiple times at the Canadian Championships, and performing in many winning Gillie Callum choreographies at SDCCS. 

Megan has been teaching with Gillie Callum for over a decade, and in 2019, she joined Leah and Ashley as a co-director of the studio. She is a member of the SDTA and a professional member of ScotDance Canada. Megan has played a key role in training dancers who have gone on to compete successfully on some of Highland dance’s biggest stages. Her love for choreography, in partnership with the talented Gillie Callum teaching team, has contributed to top-placing performances at SDCCS in recent years.
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Megan is dedicated to instilling a love of dance, strong technique, and a solid work ethic in her students. She is committed to upholding the legacy of Gillie Callum and cherishes the friendships she has built within the Highland dance community. Outside the studio, Megan is currently working on her Master's of Education and can be found continuing to share her love of teaching as a member of the Early Learning Team with the CBE.

Megan Pryor

COMING SOON! 

Ashley Stowkowy

Having danced most of her career with the Gillie Callum studio, Ashley holds dear the culture and legacy this community of dancers has. Ashley has a passion for dance and loves enabling that same passion in her students. Highland dance has so much to offer and Ashley strikes a balance of bringing fun and hard work to a class; she strives to create an engaging environment for the dancers. In her 20+ years of teaching she has trained dancers that have been successful at regional, national and international levels. Ashley loves working on the traditional Highland dances, but also has a keen interest in creating choreography. Her creative talents have led dance troupes to several top finishes at the ScotDance Canada Championship Series.

Ashley had the benefit and joy of being trained by some superstar teachers at Gillie Callum; Gail Danysk, Pierie Danysk and her mom, Keltie Stowkowy. With their coaching and mentorship, Ashley became an accomplished dancer herself; and strives to live up to their legacy and bring out the best in her dancers, inside and outside of the studio. Ashley is an an eight time Alberta provincial champion. She has won three National titles, and placed 2nd at the 1999 World Championships. Over her career, Ashley had the privilege of being trained by some other talented teachers; Sherril Medd, Bill Troock, Kelly Abrahart, Mrs. Jean Simpson, Jill Young and Cheryl Rafter. Ashley is also an Adjudicator with the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance. She is a member of the SDTA and BATD, as well as being a professional member with ScotDance Canada. Ashley recently relocated back to Calgary and has been delighted to re-engage with TeamGC, in person. Outside of the dance studio Ashley is the Director of Canadian Regulated Business Development for TC Energy. 

Keltie Stowkowy

Keltie has nurtured and developed Gillie Callum Highland Dancers for over 25 years. Keltie is masterful at engaging young dancers and developing, not only a passion for dance, but also a strong work ethic. One thing all of Keltie's students share is a love of dance. She has a great eye for technique, a trait that has led her to develop national champions and world class dancers. 

Keltie is a Fellow of the SDTA, is a member of ScotDance Canada, and also the former National Registrar and National Competition Organizer chair for ScotDance Canada. As a respected teacher in the Highland community Keltie is also an accomplished judge with the RSOBHD. She has travelled all over the world to judge major championships and lead workshops for dancers.