FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If your question is not answered below, Contact Us for guidance.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE S.O.H.D.A AND WHAT DOES IT COST?

Memberships can be obtained through your dance school or you can contact us directly.  Our membership costs and application forms are available from the Membership section of our website.

A membership entitles you to attend and vote at meetings of the S.O.H.D.A.

Dancers membership entitles dancers to compete in the Members dances at competitions and highland games.

I WANT TO LEARN HIGHLAND DANCING BUT DO NOT WANT TO ENTER COMPETITIONS, CAN I STILL TAKE PART?

Competing is not compulsory, there are many dancers who only go to classes to learn the dances and enjoy the social aspect of the sport, making new friends, keeping fit as well as having fun.

DO DANCERS GET BANNED OR PENALISED FOR DANCING AT NON S.O.H.D.A COMPETITIONS?

No, the S.O.H.D.A. do not ban dancers or penalise them for competing at other competitions, we believe in freedom of choice.

CAN DANCERS FROM ORGANISATIONS COMPETE AT S.O.H.D.A COMPETITIONS?

Yes, we welcome all dancers from all organisations at our competitions,  although these other organisations may ban a dancer for dancing outwith their own highland organisation if they are reported.  

The S.O.H.D.A will never report dancers to other organisations as we believe that dancers should be able to choose to compete at any competition or Highland Games, free to dance all dances and steps within a dance without fear of retribution and punishment.

ARE THE OUTFITS EXPENSIVE AND WHERE DO I GO TO GET THEM?

Outfits can be expensive to buy new as they are normally made to measure, although there are other options - second hand outfits are available to buy at competitions, through your dance school, and online.

WILL I HAVE TO PERFORM ONLY CERTAIN STEPS WITHIN DANCES AT COMPETITIONS?

No, we do not set out the dance steps for the rest of the year that you can perform at competitions.  We encourage dancers to learn the alternative steps within a dance and use them at competitions.

Our aim is to keep the dances and the dance steps alive through teaching and performance.

DO I NEED TO HAVE LEARNED ALL THE DANCES BEFORE I CAN ENTER A COMPETITION?

No, you don't have to learn all the dances prior to entering a competition.  You can enter for as many dances as you want or have learned, it's best to check with your Dance Teacher (if applicable) before entering competitions.

WILL I HAVE TO TAKE HIGHLAND DANCING EXAMINATIONS?

Exams are not compulsory, although most teachers encourage them.