Introduction to Highland Dance
Highland Dance, a captivating expression of Scottish culture, is a vibrant and energetic art form steeped in tradition. Originating from the Scottish Highlands, this dance style is characterized by its intricate footwork, athletic movements, and striking costumes. Often accompanied by the stirring sounds of bagpipe music, Highland Dance showcases a blend of grace and strength as dancers execute a variety of steps and formations.
Historically tied to Scottish clans and events, Highland Dance has evolved into a celebrated performance art, popular in competitions and festivals worldwide. From the spirited Highland Fling to the graceful Seann Trobhad, each dance tells a story and offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Scotland. Embracing both physical and artistic skill, Highland Dance continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike, connecting them to the rhythms of history and the beauty of tradition.
2025 Highland Dance Competition
Judge: Mandy McCulloch
Piper: Donald McPhee: The Definitive Collection and/or Judge’s preference
Competition Organizer: Patricia Nuzzo
Rillito Raceway Park
4502 N. 1st Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85718
All entries must be made by October 23, 2025.
No entries will be accepted by phone or after this date.
Events Schedule
Saturday Morning
October 25, 2025
Gates Open at 8 am
Registration: 9:20 am
Dancing Begins: 9:45 am
Pre-Premier & Premier Competition
Primary
1. 16 Pas de Basque
2. Pas de Basque & HC
3. Highland Fling (4)
4. Sword (2&1)
Beginner
5. Highland Fling (4)
6. Sword (2 & 1)
7. Seann Triubhas (3&1)
8. Lilt (4 step)
9. Flora (4 step)
Novice
10. Fling (4)
11. Sword (2 & 1)
12. Seann Triubhas (3&1)
13. Lilt (4 step)
14. Flora (4 step)
Intermediate
15. Fling (4)
16. Sword (2 & 1)
17. S. Triubhas (3&1)
18. B. Johnnie (4)
19. Jig (3&1)
Premier 7 & under 12
20. Fling (4)
21. Sword (2 & 1)
22. Seann Triubhas (3 & 1)
23. Lilt (4)
24. Blue Bonnets (4)
Premier 12 and over
25. Fling (6)
26. Sword (3 & 1)
27. Seann Triubhas (4 & 2)
28. Earl of Errol (4)
29. Hornpipe (4)
SPECIAL AWARDS
Terry Burke Solo Choreography Competition: This consists of a perpetual and keeper trophy in memory of Terry Burke who was fond of watching dancers just enjoy performing. Choreography music should be no more than 2 minutes in length and should be able to be played via Bluetooth connection. Choreographies should make use of Highland Dance movements as a core; however, music and costuming may be creative.
Terry Burke Group (n=2 or more dancers) Choreography Competition: This consists of a perpetual and keeper trophy in memory of Terry Burke who was fond of watching dancers just enjoy performing. Choreography music should be no more than 2 minutes in length and should be able to be played via Bluetooth connection. Choreographies should make use of Highland Dance movements as a core; however, music and costuming may be creative and predominantly Scottish or Celtic in nature.
- Choreography competition is open to all dancers with a valid ScotDance 2025 card.
- Groups may consist of different categories and schools.
Jean and Phil Donnachie Premier Highest Aggregate Points: This is a perpetual and keeper trophy that is in memory of Jean and Phil Donnachie who always strived for excellence.
Pre-premier workshop immediately to follow completion of competition 1 hr.
- If attending please be ready in dance clothes and have a water bottle available.
Sunday Morning
October 26, 2025
Intermediate/Premier workshop 8:30-11am at competition stage
Competition Rules
- Competition will be governed by RSOBHD and ScotDance USA rules.
- All dancers must have a valid SDUSA or Scotdance registration number to enter. A valid 2025 card is required to compete and receive awards.
- Dancers without a valid 2025 registration card will not be allowed to compete.
- Pre-Premier cards will be collected at registration
- Change in classification must be received by Oct 13, 2025.
- This is a non-refundable entry.
- Organizers reserve the right to cancel, split or combine, add events or makes changes within the RSOBHD rules.
- Dancers who are last to enter will be the first to dance, and when applicable the dancer will fill in for a reel.
- All competitors are expected to comply with ScotDance USA Code of Ethics.
- Any dancer causing delay will forfeit entry in any event.
- Any attempt to approach a judge or piper on behalf of a competitor may result in disqualification.
- Dancers must be in competition dress to accept all awards.
- Decisions of the judge are final. Protests must be made in writing and submitted to the Executive Secretary with a fee of $5.00 before the end of the competition. Fee will be returned if protest is sustained.
- All dances count toward aggregate trophies except for special challenge dances. Aggregate trophy is awarded to the dancer in their class and age category with the highest points.
- Pre-Premier dancers will receive medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places and ribbons for 4th, 5th, and 6th places. Aggregate trophies will be awarded based on age group and category.
- Premier age groups will be based on total number of registrations.
- Oldest Premier class will receive cash awards. All other Premier Groups will receive medals and ribbons.
- Competitor numbers will be issued at registration.
- Primary PDB and PDB & HC will be first to dance Primary Fling and Sword will be danced in sequence following Beginner Fling and Sword. Primary Awards will take place before the lunch break.
- Pre-paid admission tickets can be purchased online and presented at the gate.
- Judges who conduct teaching or coaching classes, seminars, and any other forms of tuition (eg. by video conferencing), may not adjudicate any competitor who has attended any of these classes, for a period of three months after the last class, workshop, or any other form of tuition that competitor has attended.
Photographs and videos taken by parents/friends must be limited to your own dancer unless you are given permission from the dancer’s parent/legal guardian.
**No field entries allowed except for the workshop**
Privacy Disclosure Statement: Personal Data (PII) is collected from the competition entry form and owned by the Tucson Celtic Festival Association (TCFA) for the purpose of performing our duties within RSOBHD and ScotDance USA guidelines. All data is recorded in electronic format (Excel and Highland Scrutineer) and retained for a period of one (1) year at which time electronic records will be deleted. Competition results may be posted on ScotDance Western Region websites.
*All times and locations are subject to change.
Teacher Admission if free. Contact Trish Nuzzo to be put on the Will-Call list
Registration Fees:
Primary: $8 per dance*
Beginner, Novice, Intermediate: $35.00*
Premier: $40.00*
Premier 12 & Over Registration: $40.00*
Pre-Premier Workshop: $25.00
Premier Workshop: $40.00
* All registrations will have an additional $5 eScotDance support added and online processing fees
All dancers will be able to collect their entrance at dancers Will Call.
Additionally, 1 Accompanying Guest Admission will be included with the dancer’s admission at Will Call.
Additional admissions may be purchased during online registration through Stride Events