Audrey Davies
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Melrose native and tenth-grade high school student Audrey Davies is an award-winning Scottish Highland dancer. She began dancing at the age of six and achieved the highest level in Highland dance by the time she was eight. That same year, she secured a spot at the U.S. Championships by winning her age group at the Regional Championships. Since then, she has competed in every U.S. Championship, earning a top-three finish each year.
Audrey has also claimed titles at the North American Championships, the Chicago and Florida Open Championships, and countless other competitions. One of her most cherished memories is traveling to Scotland and placing in the World Championship qualifiers.
Audrey’s passion for Highland dance runs in the family. Her father hails from Scotland, and her mother, Shelley Stiles, is a Highland dance instructor. To support Audrey’s training, they converted their dining room into a dance studio.
Audrey performs in traditional Highland dance attire, including kilts made in New Hampshire. Her soft leather shoes, called ghillies, provide little protection, and because the dance is performed on her toes and the balls of her feet, her feet often endure quite a beating.
In addition to competing, Audrey frequently performs at nursing homes, where she educates residents about the history of Highland dance.
Outside of dance, Audrey plays high school soccer, enjoys a good book, and adores her two dogs. She is a fan of Anne of Green Gables and excels in math and science, with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. She also works as a student assistant at the Roosevelt School.
Audrey is a founding member of the World of Difference Peer Leader Program, a Melrose High School club dedicated to fostering inclusivity in schools and communities. She also serves on the MAAV student board.
When asked how she manages her busy schedule, Audrey credits her success to being highly organized and waking up early.
Her bucket list once included traveling to Scotland but now she dreams of exploring more of Europe and becoming an exchange student in France.
Audrey loves Melrose for its strong sense of community, supportive student body, and charming downtown shops. Her favorite food is pizza.
At the end of the month, Audrey will be touring with Alley the Piper at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH, and Boston’s City Winery.
Through her performances and community involvement, Audrey Davies continues to promote and preserve the rich heritage of Scottish Highland dance.
Melrose is steeped in Scottish history. Melrose got its name from a Reverend named John McLeish, alluding to the hillsides of Melrose, Scotland. I think Reverend John would be delighted that Melrose has an award winning Highland dancer.
