Highland dance competitions are held all over the world and vary in size depending on the competition.  Dancers are divided into 5 different categories (described below) based on skill, age and experience.  On the day of the competition, the primary, beginner and novice dancers traditionally compete in the morning while the intermediate and premier dancers compete in the afternoon.

Penny Weiler and Crystal Clanton at the Alma Highland Festival

• Primary: Dancers under the age of 7 

• Beginner: Any dancer 7 years and older. In order to move out of this category the dancer must win a first, second or third place in six competitions. 

• Novice: The dancer moves to this category from beginner and moves out of the category after winning a first, second or third place medal in six competitions. 

• Intermediate: The dancer moves into this category from novice and spends one year in this category before moving into Premier. 

• Premier: This is the highest level of competition for a dancer. In this category the dancer has the opportunity to compete at the regional competition. The top three dancers in each age group at the regional competition represent the region at the national championships held every summer.