Opportunities Through Highland Dance
Opening Doors for All
By its nature, Highland dance is a highly disciplined style of dance. Dancers learn early that developing a strong work ethic is essential to reaching goals and bettering oneself.
In a way, Highland dance is very effective at producing strong leaders and individuals motivated to, and capable of achieving their aspirations.
No matter a dancer’s dreams and ambitions, there are opportunities available to help them get there! The strong work ethic and commitment to greatness that dancers develop can carry them through to their dreams outside of dance as well.
The following are just a few of the amazing opportunities that Highland dancers can pursue!
Competitions
Competitions are a great way for dancers to push themselves both physically and mentally to become the best dancer they can be.
It cannot be understated how impactful it can be for a dancer to learn to overcome failure and hardship. Competitions are a valuable place to not only win, and celebrate the value of hard work, but also lose, and learn the value of resilience.
In addition to the strength, technicality and mental and emotional resilience, competitions are a great opportunity for travel. Competitions are held throughout the UK, Canada, the US, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and other places.
Performances
For a lot of dancers, performing is the most gratifying part of dance. No matter the venue, event, or size of the crowd, performing is exciting, exhilarating, and gratifying.
Not only is it fun for the dancers, it’s fun for the crowds! At Saorsa, we love to spread the joy of dance to the community. Performing at nursing homes and community events is a happiness we don’t get tired of!
Exams
The examining bodies of Highland dance offer Medal Tests which challenge dancers with dance exams (physical) and theory exams (oral). Dancers may start doing Medal Tests as young as 3 years old!
Each test a dancers’ knowledge of dance. The dance exams often push dancers to learn new and exciting dances and steps, and the theory exams encourage dancers to understand the deep inner-workings of Highland.
Medal Test examiners provide feedback and grades to help dancers keep track of their progress.
Once reaching the age of 16, Scottish Dance Teacher’s Alliance dancers are eligible to take their “Associates” exam, which allows them to teach Highland lessons! After “Associates”, there are several other tests working toward becoming a Highland dance judge.
Medal Tests challenge dancers’ skills and knowledge, increasing their confidence and capacity for learning.
Teaching
Once dancers earn their qualifications, teaching dance lessons can be a great way to not only have a highly-skilled job as young as 16 years old, but also to experience the gratification of passing on your passion to a new generation!
Teaching Highland dance allows us to build communities and friendships that will last a lifetime. Inspiring a love for dance in the heart of someone else never gets old!
Tattoos
Tattoos (no, not the body modifications) are large-scale performances that happen throughout the world.
Highland dancers, dancers from other styles, pipe bands, other musical artists and bands, and world-class performers come together to celebrate music, movement, and culture for audiences of thousands.
Tattoos are an amazing experience with opportunities for travel, friendship, building performance skills, and making lifelong memories.
To read more about Tattoos, read our Dancer Diary Blog about Scout’s experience at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!
Opportunities available through Highland dance are so wide and varied that there’s something out there for everyone! Whether you love being on the stage; or if you love working with kids; or if you love to travel, Highland dance has something for you.
So, Let's Get Started!
If you’re a Highland dancer or dance parent looking to learn more about these opportunities, be sure to check out our FAQ page for lots of pertinent information, and contact us if there’s anything else we can help you with!
Additionally, we’re proud to offer a free class to anyone wishing to try Highland dance. We’re so excited to welcome you into our dance family – start your journey today!
