FAQs
www.dancingkilts.com
Q: How old does my child have to be before he/she can enroll in Highland dance lessons?
Q: Do I/my child have to compete?
Q: Do I/my child have to be Scottish to take Highland dancing?
Q: How much does it cost?
Q: What are the benefits of Scottish Highland dancing?
A: Most children can begin lessons at age 4-5, but we encourage you to consider the strengths of your child. While one child may have the physical coordination and attention span necessary to learn Highland dancing at a young age, for others it may be best to wait a year or two. You are always welcome to bring your child for a trial class before registering. Please contact us for more details.
A: Members of the DHD will never be put under pressure to compete. While there are many benefits of competition and we welcome all interested students to join the competition group, the focus of the DHD has been and will continue to be education of students and the general public through a strong recreational program.
A: No! Although some of our dancers begin dancing as a way to explore their Scottish heritage, many of our dancers don't have a drop of Scottish blood in them. In fact, while our Founder & Director, Fiona, is 100% Scottish, our Instructor, Emily, isn't Scottish at all! Dancers of all ethnic and racial heritages fall in love with the athleticism and excitement of Scottish Highland dancing.
A: Our class rates are very reasonable and less than many other extracurricular activities available to youngsters in the DFW metroplex. Please contact us for current rates. The only equipment you will initially be required to buy is a pair of ghillies or black ballet slippers and several pairs of white knee socks. Most of our beginner dancers wear costumes borrowed from Fiona's extensive costume closet, which keeps the initial investment low for the DHD families.
A: The physical benefits of any type of dance are obvious, but many people are surprised at how athletic Scottish Highland dancing actually is. The conditioning level needed to stay active in dancing generally increases as the dancers get older. Unlike many activities and forms of dance where many quit once they reach their teens or even early "tweens", Highland dancers tend to stay active well into their late teens and beyond. A strong social component is very common among Highland dancers. Many of the dancers become fast friends and stay close through their years of dancing and beyond. Dance parents often develop lifelong friendships, as well.
One of the most beneficial aspects of Highland dancing is increased self-confidence. As most parents are aware, confidence is one of the major building blocks of a well-balanced young adult. It is rare to see a Highland dancer greatly lack in self-esteem! Much of this is accomplished by regularly providing opportunities to get up in front of large crowds of people and performing. Over time, this and a commitment to working hard and practicing, among other factors like friendships and fun, all help to develop self-confidence.
Unlike some other forms of dance, Highland does not necessarily require a certain body type or natural ability in order to enjoy it and to be competitive. This is one of the reasons many dancers who begin at a young age stay active into their late teens and twenties, and one of the reason why adult beginners can "catch up" with their experienced peers. While attaining Championship levels may be out of reach for some dancers, Highland is enjoyed by dancers with a wide variety of body types and abilities, as evidence at many shows and competitions.
Q: Where can you find pictures of the DHD dancing?
A: You can find pictures of the DHD in action at www.myspace.com/dallashighlanddancers as well as on our facebook page or click on the icons below to be taken to the correct web page.
