The Antigonish Highland Dancing Association is now accepting enrollments for fall highland dance classes, as the volunteer-run group gets ready for the 161st Antigonish Highland Games this July. Families in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, who want to get their children involved can find membership details and registration on the association’s website.
Most new dance classes start in the fall, so now is the time to sign up. Membership costs $45 per dancer or $60 per family and runs from October 1 to September 30. Highland dancing competitions have been held in Antigonish since 1863 as part of the Highland Games, a tradition the AHDA continues today as a volunteer-led non-profit. Its current executive includes President Meaghan Barkhouse, Treasurer Kim Langille, and Secretary Margaret Boyle.
During the 161st Antigonish Highland Games from July 5 to 12, 2026, at Columbus Field, the association will sponsor three major dance competitions on July 11 and 12: the Highland Heart Open Premiership, the New Scotland Open Premiership, and Pre-Premier Competitions. Registration for those competitions opened on May 21. The Games themselves are the oldest continuous highland games outside Scotland, first held in 1863.
The busy season doesn’t end there. The association will host its 50th annual fall competition on November 7, 2026. Fall classes are the main pipeline for new dancers, who often go on to compete in future Games. Through classes and competitions, young dancers learn skills like discipline, teamwork, and respect, on top of the dance techniques.
For enrollment information, visit antigonishhighlanddance.ca.
