Come Watch Us Dance!
Dancers at ASHD have many opportunities to perform throughout their dance careers - our newest dancers start out at parades and retirement homes, while our most experienced dancers perform professionally across the country, including...
U.S. Air Force Band Holiday Concerts at DAR Constitution Hall
Sean Heely's A Celtic Christmas at Strathmore Arts Center
The Washington Tattoo
New York City Tartan Day Parade
St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C.
and many more, including weddings and other private events. Performances can range from a single dancer and piper, to a full company of premier dancers, to a large group of dancers of all ages.
Upcoming Performances
August 24, 2:15pm: Around the World Cultural Food Festival, Oronoco Bay Park, Old Town, Alexandria
September 1: Virginia Scottish Games
October 5, 2:00pm: Harpers Ferry Highland Games, West Virginia
November 9: St. Andrew's Society of Washington DC Tartan Ball
Highland dancing is unique because it is also a solo competitive sport. Competitions help dancers set goals, learn good sportsmanship and stage presence, improve their technique, and forge connections with dancers from across the country.
Interested in competing? Talk to your teacher! Most dancers will need to have taken at least one full semester of class before they're ready for competition. We highly recommend attending a competition as a spectator first so you get a feel for what it's like and you know what to expect.
Upcoming Local Competitions
Pat Johnston Memorial Competition, Mystic Highland Games, Durham NC (March)
Virginia International Tattoo, Norfolk (April)
Fairhill Scottish Games, Elkton MD (May)
August 31: Virginia Scottish Games, The Plains
September 7: Covenanter Highland Games, Quarryville PA
September 14: Ligonier Highland Games, Ligonier PA
September 28: Mountain State Forest Festival, Elkins WV
All the above competitions are within a couple hours drive of Alexandria. Find a complete, up-to-date list of competitive events across the country on the ScotDance USA events calendar.
Workshops & More
February 7-9, 2025: Marguerite Reid Memorial Highland Dancing Workshop, PA
June 28-July 3, 2025: Ohio Scottish Arts School
School of Scottish Arts, NC (July)
David Wilton Dance Clinics - online, held periodically
Fit for Reel - online, held periodically