Class Offerings
AT ASHD, WE AIM TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Introductory classes for new beginners (both children and adults) are held frequently, usually at the start of the school year in September. No prior dance experience required, but if you're an experienced Highland dancer who has recently moved to the area or would like to return to dancing after a break, we would love to have you. See below for a list of our current class offerings. All classes are held in-person, unless otherwise specified. We accept new students of any age or gender, whether you are interested in performing, competing, or just dancing for fun.
2023-2024
Fall Semester: September 7 - December 17
Spring Semester: January 7 - April 29
Summer Semester: May 2 - August 29 (no class during the month of July)
On Sundays, classes are held at Local Motion Project (2377 S. Dove St., Alexandria VA 22314).
On Mondays & Thursdays, classes are held in Del Ray at Dance Academy of Virginia (2402 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria VA 22301).
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. This introduction to Highland dancing is meant for children with little to no Highland dance experience.
Mondays at 5:30 - 6:15 PM | $250 | ages 4-6
YOUTH RETURNING BEGINNER
In this class, dancers learn the basic Highland dances including the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Scottish Lilt, and more! Dancers work to attain proper technique in preparation for upcoming competitions, performances, exams, or just for fun.
Sundays at 3:45 - 4:45 PM | $275 | ages 7-12
ADULT BEGINNER
A workout for the brain and the body! This introduction to Highland dancing is meant for teenagers and adults who have never taken Highland before. Over the course of their first semester, students learn a few of the most famous Highland dances including the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance.
Thursdays at 7:30 - 8:30 PM | $275 | ages 13+
ADULT RETURNING BEGINNER
This class is suited to any teenage or adult dancers, age 13 and up, who already know, at a minimum, the main Highland and National dances: Fling, Sword, Seann Triubhas, Lilt, Flora, and Reel. The focus of this class on perfecting technical foundations in preparation for upcoming performances and competitions.
Sundays at 5:45 - 6:45 PM (hybrid available) | $275 | ages 13+
ADULT ADVANCED
In this class, intermediate and premier dancers learn current Championship/Premiership steps, advanced Nationals, character dances, choreography, and more! While learning more advanced steps, they aim to maintain high quality technique in preparation for upcoming performances and competitions.
Sundays at 4:45 - 6:15 PM (hybrid available) | $300 | ages 13+
TECHNIQUE
Dancers will work to perfect their technical foundations and integrate that technique into full-length dances, particularly the six main Highland and National dances. This is a mixed-level add-on class open to dancers who are currently enrolled in the Adult Returning Beginner or Advanced classes.
Thursdays at 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Zoom only) | $150 | 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 in June, as well as professional teaching certification.