Children cannot compete in any Highland dance event until they are 4 years old.  So, generally teachers will not take students before then.  Many teachers prefer students to be a bit older, so it is best to check with the teachers in your area.  Classes are available for adults also. 

It is not mandatory to compete in Highland dance.  If the dancer wants only to take instruction, it is completely their choice.  If a dancer does choose to actively compete, you must have a registration card from the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD).  Without a current registration card, you will not be allowed to compete.

Primary dancers will need a white blouse/shirt, a kilt, white knee socks and ghillies.  Boys should have a bowtie. 

There are five levels of Highland dance.  Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Premier/Open.

Primary dancers are 4 to 6 years old.  They learn the steps that are the building blocks of Highland dance; Pas de Basques or the Highland Fling.

Beginner dancers must be at least 7 years old.  They start with the simple dances like the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, Lilt and Flora.  Dancers remain in the Begginer level until they have placed in 6 different competitions.  To "place" means to receive a 1st, 2nd or 3rd.  One stamp is received for each competition - not for each placing.  After filling up their card with the required stamps, the dancer moves up to the Novice level.

The Novice will continue to perform the same dances learned as a Beginner, but are expected to become more proficient.  At this time, dancer may start to incorporate more difficult steps.  Novices will need 6 stamps to move up to the Intermediate level.

The dancer's Intermediate level lasts for one year.  When the dancer applies to the regional registrar for their new Intermediate card, they will be asked to give the date of the first competition they will enter at the Intermediate level.  That date will be the start date.  The following year on that date, the dancer will automatically move to the Premier level.  The Intermediate year is designed to prepare the dancer to dance at the Premier level.  They will learn harder dances, and longer steps.  Also, they will learn new dances like the Hornpipe or the Irish Jig.

Premier is the highest level in Highland dance.  These dancers are professional and very experienced.  A Premier dancer can enter championships and receive prize money in competition.  They dance longer steps, harder dances and a wider variety of dances.  Once you have acheived the level of a Premier you remain a Premier - a dancer never moves back down.