Ghillie Callum Club

Highland dancing lessons are available for all ages and abilities.  Dance teachers affliated with the Ghillie Callum Club teach the technique of the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing. 

 

Pre-school and young school age children usually begin with the "Let's Dance" and "Getting Started in Dance" programmes, designed to teach musicality, correct positioning, turn out, and stetch, in a fun environment. 

 

Students then progress through the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing examination system, starting at Initial and cuminating in Advanced.  Once completed, dancers will be able to become members of the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing, adjudicate at PDANZ competitions, and teach highland dancing. 

 

There is also a well establish competition scene in Dunedin. The Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand (PDANZ) run several competitions in Dunedin every year.  If competitive dancers want to, they can also travel and dance at PDANZ competitions throughout New Zealand.  Competitions provide opportunities to be in costume, meet up with friends, perform on stage infront of an audience, and travel.  In the senior classes, dancers can win prize money and scholarships which help with their tutition.  Competitions help dancers learn about resilience, sportsmanship, and setting goals.  Talk to your teacher about what is best for your child. 

 

There is no upper age limit to begin learning highland dance, although most teachers do not take students younger than 3 years.  Since each child develops at a different rate, some children may be ready to begin at 3 years of age while others may not be ready until at least 6 or 7 years.   Your teacher will be able to best advise you on whether your child is ready.

 

Each teacher sets their own term fees and studio dress requirements.  Initially you will not need to purchase a highland, irish or sailors hornpipe outfit, but your teacher may ask for you to purchase black highland pumps.  New costumes can be purchased in New Zealand or from overseas suppliers.  There are usually second hand outfits for sell on Facebook and TradeMe, as well as at local competitions.  Your teacher will help you ensure the costume conforms to the PDANZ by-laws on correct dress.  

 

 

 

 

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