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AT ASHD, WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
No prior dance experience is required - see below for a list of our current class offerings. We accept new students of any age or gender, whether you are interested in competing, performing, or just dancing for fun. Registration for the 2025-2026 Spring Semester opens in December!
2025-2026
Fall Semester: September 7 - December 11
Spring Semester: January 4 - April 30
Summer Semester: May 3 - September 3 (no class during the month of July)
Attention parents of 6-year olds! Which scenario describes your dancer the best?
My dancer…
Is currently in Kindergarten, or
Has never (or only briefly) taken any type of dance classes before, or
Turned 6 within the past few months
It sounds like Primary would be a perfect fit!
My dancer…
Is currently in 1st Grade, and
Has taken another type of dance class(es) before, and
Turned 6 in July 2025 or earlier
Your dancer may be ready for Beginner!
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re ever unsure which class would be the best fit for your dancer. The guidelines listed on this page are very general – every child is different and class placement is based on the recommendation of the teacher.
PRIMARY
A fun, creative movement-based class where students learn the very basic Highland dance positions, movements, and dances alongside essential dance skills like balance, coordination, and rhythm, all while making new friends and learning about another culture. For new and returning dancers.
Sundays at 2:45 - 3:30 PM | $250 | ages 4-6
YOUTH BEGINNER
In this introduction to Highland dancing, students learn basic positions, movements, and dances, including the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance. There is a focus on teaching proper foundational technique while maintaining a fun and welcoming atmosphere. For new and returning dancers.
Sundays at 3:30 - 4:30 PM | $275 | ages 6.5-9
YOUTH PRE-PREMIER
Dancers in this class have a basic understanding of the main Highland and National dances and focus on refining and improving their technique to dance at the next level! For returning dancers.
Sundays at 4:30 - 5:30 PM | $275 | ages 9-12
ADULT BEGINNER
In this introduction to Highland dancing, you'll learn some of the most famous dances including the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Scottish Lilt. This is a great workout for the brain and the body! For new dancers.
New session starting in January 2026
$275 | ages 13+
ADULT PRE-PREMIER
This class is for teenage and adult returning beginner, novice and intermediate dancers, both competitive and recreational. Dancers in this class already have a basic understanding of the main Highland and National dance and are looking to improve their technique and learn more advanced steps. For returning Beginners, Novices, & Intermediates.
Thursdays at 7:30 - 8:30 PM | $275 | ages 13+
ADULT PREMIER
Work towards maintaining high-quality technique by learning annual Championship and Premiership steps, less common steps and dances, and original choreography. For competitive, retired, & recreational Premiers.
Sundays at 5:30 - 6:45 PM | $300 | ages 13+
PRIVATES
Private lessons are a fantastic opportunity to get personalized classes and individual attention. This is a good option for students who would like some one-on-one feedback and take their dancing abilities to the next level. Contact us for availability and pricing. Only available for current ASHD students.
THEORY
Behind Highland Dancing are the textbooks released by world governing bodies. Studying these textbooks help dancers gain a more thorough knowledge of steps. In these casual study sessions, we help students of all ages prepare for BATD dance exams held annually at ASHD, as well as professional teaching certification.
TECHNIQUE
Dancers meet on Zoom to work on perfecting their technical foundations and integrating that technique into full-length dances, particularly the six main Highland and National dances. No new dances or steps will be taught in this class. In order to take this class, dancers must be co-enrolled in Adult Pre-Premier or Adult Premier.
All studio facilities pictured on this page are either Local Motion Project or Dance Academy of Virginia.
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