Competing in Highland Dancing 

Please note that the levels for classes at our studios are not the same as competing levels.

There are five levels of Highland Dancing: Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Premier. Unless the dancer moves up early, all dancers under the age of seven compete at the Primary level. Each level after Primary has requirements that once met, the dancer must move up to the next level. However, these requirements are not necessary in order to advance, but once at a higher-level dancers cannot go back down. In order to participate in a competition, a dancer must have an SOBHD dance card which identifies the level of the dancer. Once a dancer reaches the Premier level, they will have the opportunity to compete at championship competitions, with the ultimate goal of competing at the World Championships in Scotland. A dancer may not compete in more than 8 dances in one day at a competition.

The levels

Primary (Under 7 Only)

  • Primary is the only level where dancers compete in the 16 Pas de Basques and Pas de Basques & High cuts. Dances also can choose to compete the Fling and the Sword dance.

Beginner

  • Dancers in Beginner compete the Fling, Sword, Seann Triubhas, Lilt, Flora, and sometimes the Reel.

Novice

  • Dancers in Novice compete the same dances as Beginner at a harder level and are working towards their Intermediate dances.

Intermediate

  • In the Intermediate level, dancers compete the Fling, Sword, Seann Triubhas, Reel, Lilt, Flora, Johnnie, Laddie, Jig, and Hornpipe. Competitions generally consist of 4-6 of any of these dances.

Premier

  • Premier is the highest level a dancer can reach in Highland Dancing. In the Premier level, competitions can consist of any dances, including all Highland, National, and Character dances. Dancers in Premier participate in Championship and Premiership competitions, which include set dances and steps in those dances which must be performed.

Competition Information

In order to compete at Highland dance competitions, dancers must obtain a dance card and register. To apply for a dance card, you must fill out paperwork signed by a certified teacher and send it to the SOBHD board. Please ask your teacher for paperwork to compete at your next class. For all competitions in the USA please click this link - ScotDance USA Events — ScotDance USA Events