Highland Dancing is a style of competitive solo dancing that requires great strength, discipline, flexibility and endurance.
It developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th and 20th century and is popular across many parts of the world including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, U.S.A and South Africa.
Dancers at Perth Academy of Highland Dance (PAHD) are provided with opportunities to compete and perform locally and across Australia.
Lessons focus on creating a balance between perfecting the highland technique as well as learning about the Scottish history of the dances, having fun, building fitness and forming friendships.
Dancers begin by learning the basic feet and arm positions, movements and then progress to learning the traditional highland dances, including the famous Sword Dance and Highland Fling.
Performances provide dancers with the opportunity to develop skills such as teamwork, creativity, discipline and musicality.
PAHD dancers have been fortunate to travel nationally and internationally to compete and represent WA in their respective levels including at Highland Games in Scotland and at the prestigious ‘Champion of Champions’ and ‘International Highland Dancing Festival’ which bring the best Highland dancers across Australia together to compete in front of National and International judges.
Many PAHD dancers perform at multicultural events throughout Perth as well as at the annual Armadale Highland Gathering.