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Cranbrook, BC
Canada

2504329196

Located in the beautiful southeast corner of British Columbia, the Kimberley Cranbrook Highland Dance Association exists to encourage dancers of all ages and levels to enjoy learning and performing Highland Dance.  Through the two dance schools, dancers can learn everything from the traditional Fling to new choreographies.  Dancers can be seen demonstrating their dances at functions such as Burn's Night and Christmas shows at senior homes, and compete in competitions from local to national level events.

Classes are offered for all ages - from preschool through adult.  Levels from Primary and Beginner to Premier are taught under the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD) Syllabus.  Classes are offered for competitive and recreational dance lessons, with the opportunities to do performance work, examinations, competitions, and championships.

Kimberley Cranbrook Highland Dance Association currently hosts a competition on the third weekend of each April, and a summer day camp the last week of every August. 

Practice Information

Practice...Practice...Practice... 

  • Practice Videos: I have uploaded a few video's from Youtube. You should not need a youtube account to view these video's.

Dance Movements- written

Positions of the feet- written

16 pas des basques - youtube video

Pas des Basques and hi cuts - youtube video

hop scotch polka - you tube video

Fling Steps  -written

Fling Dance - Video

Sword dance - youtube video

Lilt steps - Video

The Flora MacDonald “Flora” - Video

Practice Sheets (click on the year of your dancer and these will pop up) - Primary , 2nd Year, 3rd Year, and 4th Year and More

It is very important to practice Highland Dancing at least a few times a week. I like to use the age rule: If you child is 4 years old, they should practice for 4 minutes. 

There are many benefits to regularly practicing your dancing. Here are three good & basic reasons:

1. Confidence

Dancers that practice on a regular basis (outside of class time) gain the confidence in their abilities to achieve great things. Practice leads to confidence in the steps and the dances initially and then leads to confidence in the quality of the steps and the dances.  When a dancer is confident in their performances, you will see that confidence spill over into other areas of dancers life such as schoolwork and other sports.

2. Endurance

Dancers that practice on a regular basis have the endurance to do dance after dance after dance, in class!  When a dancer has endurance to do dance after dance they are gaining the “repetition of movement” required to become the best they can be. Endurance and repetition is key to achieving a high standard in anything.

3. Quality

Dancers that practice on a regular basis consistently produce quality dancing. These dancers will do well on Dance Exams with minimal extra work and will achieve top marks. These dancers will be able to transition from one competitive category to another with ease. These dancers will be able to learn new dances and choreographies quickly and accurately.

For Parents:

Supporting your dancer
Some children have a natural drive to practice their dancing on their own and strive to be better dancers. These dancers need only support and encouragement to continue with their good practice habits.

Some dancers want to be competitive and to improve their dancing but have trouble understanding how to fit practice time into their day. These children often need help from their parents to set out a weekly practice plan and stick to it. Quite often, after a month or two of help and support, these children can learn to practice diligently on their own to achieve their goals.

It is important to discover what your child’s practice style is and compare that with what their goals are for their dancing. Overall, as a parent, your most important role is to accept the character type of your child and do your best to be supportive of them and the decisions they make regarding competition.

 

How to make a Practice Skirt for National Dances