Competions

For most highland dancers competing is a dancers favorite part. We get the privilege of traveling all around America. We make new friends from all over the country.

At most competitions there are four dances done. The dances and the length of the dances vary with the level that you are in.

Some competitions are called Championships. Championship competitions have required things each dancer must do. In each dance there are sections of the dance called steps. Each dancer in a Championship competition is required to do the same steps.

Another competition is Regional. Regionals is a competition that is for your region. (example: Midwest)The only thing you need to do to compete in regionals is live in that region and be at the highest level of highland dancing.

At regionals if you are awarded Champion, 1st runner up, or 2nd runner in your age group, you qualify to go to Nationals or USIRs(United States Inter-Regional Championships). USIRs is all the best dancers throughout the United States coming to one competition and competing against each other.

Becoming a USIR Champion means that you are the best highland dancer throughout the whole U.S. in that age group.

This link gives more informtaion about the history of USIR and where it is being held in 2010.