We began offering Tots classes in the Fall of 2021 and we couldn't be more excited with how it has been received!
Tots can dance with us for ages 2 and 3. At 4 years, they will progress to the Primary class. Tots will work on developing skills that will set them up for success through their Highland dance journey. We work on things such as jumping on two feet, balance, skipping and body awareness. We also encourage listening skills and work on the basics of musical knowledge by learning to clap to the beat.
An adult is welcome to attend these classes with the dancer, however we understand that some tots are very independent and listen better when attending by themselves! We will leave this up to the accompanying adult.
Our Primary classes begin at age 4. Dancers are generally in the Primary class until either they turn 7 and begin competing in Beginner, or they have a firm grasp on the basic foundations of Highland dancing.
Primary classes are 30 minutes in length and combine a fun combination of high energy games utilizing dance movements and technique, breaking down dances and movements, balance, strength and coordination work, as well as focusing on good listening skills and team work.
Primary dancers can begin competing, if they so wish, until they are age 7 at which point they would advance to the Beginner level. Primary dancers always compete the Pas de Bas and Pas de Bas and Highcuts, as well as sometimes, the Fling and Sword.
Beginner dancers typically begin at age 7, however we welcome Beginners of all ages over 7 into Adult. Our Beginner dancers can expect to learn the core Beginner Highland dances (Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Reel) as well as the core Beginner National dances (Scottish Lilt, Flora MacDonald's Fancy).
In addition to working on dances, our Beginner classes incorporate strength and stamina acitivities, building good stretching habits, as well as developing sound foundational technique.
Beginner dancers can begin competing, if they so wish, once they have learned at least their Fling, Sword and either the Seann Truibhas, Lilt or Flora.
Our Adult dancers account for nearly half of our student base! Our Adults are Beginners, Novices, Intermediates and Premiers competing in Championships.
Our Adults can expect a supportive, fun atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to push themselves that extra bit. Our Adults compete, perform, partake in dance examinations- there is no limit. Our Adult classes focus on strength and stamina as well as building sound technique. This class is also suitable for the Adult dancer who danced many years ago and has been considering stepping back into the Highland world- you will not be alone in this in our school!
Adults are encouraged to compete, although it is not necessary. Most of our Adults start recreationally and find they want to immerse themselves fully into the sport! Adults can begin competing once they have learned their Fling, Sword and either the Seann Truibhas, Lilt or Flora.
Our Novice and Intermediate dancers have generally been dancing for 2+ years or have reached the Novice level in competition. Once dancers reach Novice, we continue to break down our dances and steps into finer detail and begin working on their Intermediate dances.
Our dancers who compete and partake in medal testing would be continuing to work towards their next levels. This means that when our dancers are in Novice competitively, they begin working their Intermediate dances so that they are confident and competition ready when the time comes.
Our Championship & Premiership class is for Premier dancers who wish to actively train for Open and Closed Championships, such as the Nova Scotia Closed Provincial Championships, as well as Premierships. Dancers would be working on the current year's Championship and Premiership steps as set by the RSOBHD.
Dancers in this class can expect high energy classes with lots of stamina and strength work, as well as lots of detailed technique work. These classes are fairly fast-paced and practise at home is mandatory at this level.