Highland Dance is a traditional style of dancing from Scotland. It is one of two dance forms in the world that are danced entirely on the ball of the foot (the other is Irish step dance). The music is typically a tune on the bagpipes, and a dancer usually wears a kilt. The dances are made up of different parts, called steps. There are usually four or six steps to a dance, which are chosen by the dancer.

Modern Highland Dancing is very competitive. Competition raises the level of performance of Highland Dancing. A dancer usually starts lessons around six or seven, but many dancers start older - starting when 12, 13, or 14 is becoming more common.

A new dancer starts to compete in the Beginner class. After winning a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in six different beginner competitions, the dancer moves up to the Novice class. After a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in six different novice competitions, the dancer moves up into the Intermediate category. The dancer stays in this category for one year after their first Intermediate competition, then they move up to the highest category, which is Premier. For dancers ages 7 and under there is a special class called Primary. In a competition, the different classes are divided up into age classes as well. There is another class of competitions for Premier dancers called Championships. In championships, dancers all dance the same steps, which are chosen by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing. These steps change every year.

Highland Dancing in North America is regulated by the Scottish Official board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) in Edinburgh. The National Dances are regulated by three different organizations: The Scottish Dance Teachers' Alliance (SDTA), British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) and the United Kingdom Alliance (UKA).

 

For all the Midlands Celtic Festival Highland Dancers - A huge 'Thank You' for coming out!