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 are 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 annually sponsors the competitions during the Antigonish Highland Games: the Highland Heart Open Premiership and the New Scotland Open Premiership. In early November, the AHDA hosts an annual competition, running for over 40 years now. Highland dancing has been described as a sport, dance and art. Antigonish dancers have a long tradition of achievement and excellence both nationally and internationally. Highland dancing can be a year round commitment but most new dance classes begin in the Fall. There are over 90 AHDA dancers in Antigonish between the ages of 3 and 21+. Our dancers learn not only highland dancing but, they acquire many life skills, such as sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, teamwork and respect for others.
