We are very pleased to announce that we will be back hosting the San Antonio Highland Dance Competition over the weekend of April 1st & 2nd, 2023 in Helotes, Texas. Although the majority of our competitors are from various parts of Texas, we have had dancers travel from Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Tennessee to attend our Competition. We are excited to welcome all of the dancers back to competition.
Highland Dancing is a long tradition and an integral part of any highland games because it is both an art and a sport that provides young people with the opportunity to build self-confidence, discipline, perseverance and athletic ability. It also promotes the preservation of Scottish culture and ensures that the knowledge and understanding of Scottish heritage is preserved so it can be passed onto the next generation.
Dancers are divided into age groups according to the number of entries received. There are five categories in which the dancers can compete. Primary (age 6 & under), Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Premier. Depending on category, dancers will compete in the following dances: Pas de Basque, Pas de Basque & Highcuts, Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, Strathspey & Reel, Lilt, Flora, Hornpipe, Jig, or other national dances.
Dancers are judged on timing, technique, and deportment in each dance. Depending upon the number of dancers in each group and discretion of the adjudicator, dancers are then awarded 1st -6th place in each dance. The overall winner of 4 dances in each category will receive a trophy. Primary (age 6 & under) receive medals and ribbons only.