The Antigonish Highland Dancing Association is preparing to mark a major milestone as it hosts its 50th annual competition this November in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This anniversary celebration highlights the organization’s long-standing commitment to promoting and preserving the region’s traditional Highland dancing.
Since 1863, Antigonish has hosted Highland dancing competitions as a cornerstone of the annual Antigonish Highland Games. Recognized as the oldest continuous Highland Games in the world outside of Scotland, the event is sponsored by the Antigonish Highland Society, which has supported the festivities for over 160 years.
The association, which is a volunteer-operated non-profit, works in partnership with the society to coordinate key events throughout the year, including the Pre-Premier Competitions, the New Scotland Open Championship, and the Highland Heart Open Premiership held each July. These competitions feature traditional dances such as the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas, and the Reel.
The 50th annual competition this November marks a major milestone for the association. In the meantime, the community is turning its focus to the 161st Antigonish Highland Games, with registration for this summer’s dance competitions opening online on May 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Atlantic time.
Current leadership at the association includes President Meaghan Barkhouse, Treasurer Kim Langille, and Secretary Margaret Boyle, who continue to foster the development of Highland dancing within the community.
