About the SHDA
The Saskatoon Highland Dancing Association (SHDA) is a proud, volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a love for Scottish culture and heritage through the beautiful art of Highland dance. Based in Saskatoon and serving the surrounding communities, the SHDA provides a supportive structure where dancers can grow technically, compete with confidence, and perform with passion.
Our Misson
To organize high-quality competitions, educational workshops, and traditional performances so that Highland dancers in Saskatoon and the surrounding area can share their love of Scottish culture, develop their talents, and access the resources they need to succeed.
Our Vision
We envision a thriving, inclusive community where dancers of all ages and levels, Alongside their families, teachers, and volunteers, can connect, encourage one another, and keep cultural traditions alive for generations to come.
Our Core objectives
- Preserve Heritage: Promote and celebrate Scottish culture through community-wide Highland dance initiatives.
- Create Opportunities: Collaborate with local accredited teachers to host workshops with guest instructors, dance-outs, and sanctioned competitions.
- Support Families: Build a resourceful network that provides families with financial support through subsidized entry fees and annual dancer scholarships.
- Maintain Excellence: Uphold the highest global standards of technique, sportsmanship, and judging by aligning strictly with national and world governing bodies, including ScotDance Canada and the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD).
Our History
For decades, the Saskatoon Highland Dancing Association has servead as the heartbeat of the local Highland dance scene. Run entirely by a dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors made up of passionate parents, teachers, and dance enthusiasts, the association has grown from a small group of dedicated families into a robust community anchor.
Over the years, the SHDA has been proud to bring the energy of Scottish heritage directly to the public. Through our traditional community “dance-outs” at local festivals, senior care homes, and cultural celebrations, our dancers serve as vibrant cultural ambassadors for the Saskatoon region. We are also proud of our long history of hosting highly anticipated annual local competitions, providing a stage for local Premier and pre-Premier dancers to showcase their hard work before world-class, accredited judges.
By continuously reinvesting into our dancers via workshops, legacy bursaries, and technique training, the SHDA remains committed to ensuring that the rich legacy of the bagpipes, kilts, and traditional steps remains a dynamic part of Saskatoon’s cultural fabric.
Join Our Story!
Whether you are a competitive dancer, recreational dancer, or dance family looking to connect with your roots, you are a vital part of keeping highland dance alive in Saskatoon!