Highland Dancing
Highland Dance is a traditional Scottish dance style known for its strength, precision, stamina, and proud cultural heritage. It is usually performed solo, with dancers using sharp footwork, controlled jumps, neat arm positions, and strong posture.
The style includes well-known dances such as the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, and Reel-based dances. Each dance has its own rhythm, steps, and character, often accompanied by traditional Scottish bagpipe music.
Highland Dance requires excellent timing, balance, coordination, and athletic control. Dancers often perform on the balls of the feet, using quick foot changes, high extensions, and repeated jumps while maintaining a lifted upper body and precise arm shapes.
It is commonly performed at Highland games, competitions, cultural events, festivals, and showcases. Although rooted in tradition, Highland Dance remains a lively and challenging performance style that combines technical discipline with energy, musicality, and Scottish identity.
Affiliated Schools
Awarding Bodies
UKA Dance
An awarding body validated by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. They assist dance teachers worldwide by providing their pupils with Achievement Awards for all ages & abilities, in all styles of Dance & Drama. They also provide Teaching Qualifications and are proud to help, encourage and support members in all dance disciplines to establish and develop their business.
Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance
The Scottish Dance Teachers’ Alliance has been providing first class training and support for both dancers and dance teachers worldwide since we were established by leading Scottish professionals in 1934.
The SDTA is an Awarding Organisation, validated by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre, and is a member of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, the British Dance Council, the World Dance Council and the Theatre Dance Council International.