Highland dancing has been described as a sport, dance and art. Antigonish dancers have a long tradition of achievement and excellence.
The Antigonish Highland Dancing Association (AHDA) is a volunteer operated non-profit organization founded to promote, preserve and foster highland dancing in Antigonish.
The AHDA is proud to sponsor annual highland dancing competitions. Since 1863, Antigonish has been hosting a dancing competition during the Antigonish Highland Games. In July, the AHDA will once again sponsor the competitions during the Antigonish Highland Games: the Highland Heart Open Premiership and the New Scotland Open Premiership. In November 2021, the AHDA sponsored the 45th annual competition.
Highland dancing can be a year round commitment but most new dance classes begin in the Fall. Our dancers learn not only highland dancing but, they acquire many life skills, such as sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, teamwork and respect for others.