Dancer in full Highland costume performing over swords.

So You Want to Dance with Swords and Kilts?

Highland dance is a unique blend of tradition, athleticism, artistry and community. Rooted in Scottish culture, Highland dancers develop strength, coordination, discipline, musicality and confidence while learning traditional dances that have been passed down through generations.

While Highland dance is one of the most physically demanding dance styles, it is also supported by an incredibly welcoming community. Dancers challenge themselves to improve, celebrate each other's successes, and build friendships that last for a lifetime.

At Celtic Element School of Dance, dancers can choose to enjoy Highland dance recreationally, pursue examinations and medal tests, or participate in competitions. Whether you're looking for a fun new activity or dreaming of competing on stages around the world, there's a place for you in our Highland program.

RECREATIONAL HIGHLAND

Perfect for dancers who:

✔ Want to learn traditional Highland dances

✔ Enjoy dance without the pressure of competition

✔ Are interested in medal tests and personal achievement

✔ Are new to Highland dance

Beginner Highland (Ages 7+)
Monday & Saturday

Dancers learn the foundational Highland dances while developing posture, strength, timing, and technique. This class also provides a pathway into competitive Highland dance for those who decide they would like to pursue it later.

Step/Highland Combo

Wednesday

Want to try a little bit of everything?

This relaxed and enjoyable class combines Highland dance and Scottish Step Dance in a low-pressure environment. It is an excellent introduction to Scottish dance styles and perfect for dancers who simply want to have fun while learning something new.

Interested in Competition?

Competitive Highland dance is an individual sport where dancers compete against others of similar age and experience.

While each dancer competes individually, the Highland community is incredibly supportive. Training alongside classmates creates friendships, motivation, and encouragement that help dancers work toward their personal goals.

If your dancer is interested in competing, we recommend joining at the beginning of the season so they can grow alongside their classmates and build strong fundamentals from the start.

We recommend two classes per week for competitive dancers age 7+, this can come in the form of their competitive class and a private lesson, a recreational class and the competitive class, or our choreography & exam class with a private lesson or the competitive class.

Competitive Class schedule

Primary- Tuesday 5:30–6:00 PM

Beginner- Tuesday 6:00–7:00 PM

Novice & Intermediate- Tuesday 4:30–5:30 PM

Youth Premier Private lesson

Adult Intermediate & Premier- Tuesday 7:00–8:00 PM

Competitive dancers are able to choose their preferred exam/recreational class listed above, or the chorography/exam class listed below along with their competitive class:

8 Years & Under
Thursday 5:30–6:15 PM

9 Years & Over
Thursday 6:30–7:30 PM

Highland dance is a skill-based activity that improves through consistent practice.

Practice Expectations:

Age 7& Under: 10 minutes 3x/ week

Age 8& Above: 30–40 minutes 3–4 x per week

As dancers progress, practice shifts from simply running dances to focused technical work, drills, strength training, and refinement of specific movements.

Primary -> Beginner -> Novice -> Intermediate -> Premier

Primary

For dancers under 7 years old who are just beginning their Highland journey.

Not all dancers pass through this level.

Beginner

The starting level for dancers age 7 and older.

Dancers may compete in:

Highland Fling
Sword Dance
Seann Triubhas
Reel
Flora MacDonald's Fancy
Scottish Lilt

To advance, dancers may:

Earn 6 stamps
Spend at least one year in the level - which ever is longer

A stamp is earned by placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in an eligible dance at a competition. Only one stamp may be earned per competition.

Novice

The next level after Beginner.

Requirements to advance:

Earn 6 stamps
Spend at least one year in the level - which ever is longer

Dancers continue competing in the same core dances while refining technique and consistency.

Intermediate

Additional dances include:

Wilt Thou Go To The Barracks, Johnny?
Highland Laddie
Irish Jig
Sailor's Hornpipe

Requirements to advance:

Earn 6 stamps
Spend at least one year in the level - which ever is longer

Premier

The highest competitive level.

Premier dancers may perform all traditional Highland and Scottish National dances, including:

Village Maid
Blue Bonnets
Earl of Erroll
Scotch Measure

Premier dancers may also compete in Championships and Premierships and have access to additional performance and special event opportunities.

What are competitions like

What Are Competitions Like?

For many families, competitions are the most unfamiliar part of Highland dance.

Competitions can take place:

At a Highland Games
In community halls
In school gymnasiums
In theatres and auditoriums

Dancers perform individually before judges and are grouped with competitors of similar age and level.

If you or your dancer would like to see a competition before committing, we'd love to have you join our cheering section at an upcoming event.

Miss Elizabeth attends as many competitions as possible throughout the year, though not every event is feasible. Competition forms when sent will indicate whether a teacher will be in attendance.

For new dancers, attending alongside teammates and teachers can make learning the competition environment much easier and more enjoyable.

Costumes

Competitive dancers are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their own Highland costume. Before purchasing a costume, please consult with Miss Elizabeth to ensure it meets competition requirements.

Once your costume arrives, dancers should bring it to class and practice dancing in it several times before their first competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at celticelementdance@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can adults start highland dance?

Absolutely! We welcome adult dancers at a variety of experience levels.

Do I need Scottish heritage to dance Highland?

Not at all! Highland dance is enjoyed by dancers of all backgrounds.

Do I need to compete?

No. Many dancers participate recreationally and never compete.

How old should my child be to start?

Many dancers start around the age of 5-6, but dancers can start at any age, we have beginner classes for ages 4-18+

How expensive is competition

Costs vary depending on the number of competitions attended, and the costumes purchased. Most dancers start with only a kilt outfit. Kilts are highly alterable, so while they may be an investment of $50-$500, they will be worn for many competitions, recitals, shows, etc. There are many used costumes available on Facebook marketplace or similar platforms. Miss Elizabeth is a professional tailor and can help with measurements required for orders. Competitions themselves can range in price from $35-90 depending on location, number of dances, and level.

What if my dancer starts competitive and decides to dance recreationally

Then that is the right choice for your dancer! We believe that dance should be fun, and a place to express yourself, we want to ensure you find the right classes to enjoy dance for a lifetime.

Celtic Element School of Dance

So You Want to Dance with Swords and Kilts?

Which Highland class is right for you?

RECREATIONAL HIGHLAND

Interested in Competition?

Competitive Class schedule

Highland dance is a skill-based activity that improves through consistent practice.

Understanding the competitive levels

Primary -> Beginner -> Novice -> Intermediate -> Premier

Primary

Beginner

Novice

Intermediate

Premier

What are competitions like

What Are Competitions Like?

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to give highland dance a try? Can't wait to see you at the studio!

Celtic Element School of Dance

So You Want to Dance with Swords and Kilts?

Which Highland class is right for you?

RECREATIONAL HIGHLAND

Interested in Competition?

Competitive Class schedule

Highland dance is a skill-based activity that improves through consistent practice.

Understanding the competitive levels

Primary -> Beginner -> Novice -> Intermediate -> Premier

Primary

Beginner

Novice

Intermediate

Premier

What are competitions like

What Are Competitions Like?

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to give highland dance a try? Can't wait to see you at the studio!

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