About the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing
The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD) was established in 1950 as the worldwide governing body of Highland Dancing. The board oversees the history, traditions and development of our ancient dance form.
The RSOBHD comprises a family of member organisations with structured dance classes, for all levels, provided through its three teaching organisations, BATD, SDTA and UKAdance. We also offer competitions run by an established network of experienced competition organisers along with many other opportunities as you develop in your dancing career.
We offer three services through our member organisations:
1
Classes
There are many Highland dance classed available throughout the UK and Europe so you’ll easily be able to find a class in your area. All classes are led by qualified teachers and are safe learning environments for youngsters.
A structured learning curriculum has been developed ensuring that youngsters can quickly participate with more advanced steps and dances ensuring interest is retained as they progress. To help you, we’ve created a handy searchable directory and map.
2
Competing
You don’t have to participate in competitions to enjoy Highland Dancing.
All competitions are governed by the RSOBHD, ensuring that dancers of a similar standard are grouped together with progression based on experience and result placings. Our youngest start at 4 years of age with no upper limit. Our more advanced competitions are called Championships, the most revered one being the annual World Championships at Cowal Gathering in August
3
Examinations
Each of our dance teachers will be a qualified member of one of our 3 teaching partners, STDA, UKAdance and BATD. They provide a structured learning curriculum ensuring that there is progression and development over the weeks and months of dance classes.
Dancers will have the opportunity of sitting examinations where their standard will be independently assessed and helpful feedback provided. Your teacher will guide you through the examination process.