Highland Dance Competition

Scottish Highland Dancing is an exciting celebration of the Scottish spirit! The dances are a combination of strength, agility, movement, music and costume. They are generally danced solo and in competition unlike other dance mediums. Dancers typically dance to traditional Scottish music such as Strathspeys, Reels, Hornpipes and Jigs all played by accompanying bagpiper. Dances are made up of different parts, called steps and are usually four or six steps to a dance.

Highland dancing was traditionally performed by men but is now performed by men and women. It is one of few arenas where men and women compete equally. In most competitions, the number of women competing far exceeds the number of men.

In addition to perpetuating a great cultural tradition, highland dancers appreciate the athletic challenges, competitive goals, performance opportunities as well as the opportunity to meet and become lifelong friends with dancers from other areas, both nationally and internationally.

New for 2026! ScotDance USA Southeast Regional Highland Dance Championships
Taking place Saturday morning, May 16, this premier event will showcase some of the finest talent in the country as dancers compete for the honor of representing the Southeast at the ScotDance USA National Championships.