About the Conference
During the 1970s and 1980s, Highland Dance Workshops and Summer Schools flourished in popularity among students, while teachers eagerly embraced opportunities to come together, share ideas, and collaborate. Inspired by this enthusiasm, Cathy Hynd and Sandra Bald Jones envisioned a global event where Highland Dance teachers could connect, exchange knowledge, and learn from leading experts in the field.
To make their vision a reality, they reached out to the SOBHD (now RSOBHD) and various Examining Bodies, inviting them to send delegates to lead sessions and provide updates on the latest developments in Highland Dancing.
Planning the first conference, held in 1980, required countless letters, phone calls, and brainstorming sessions between Cathy in Los Angeles and Sandra in Ontario. One of their biggest challenges was deciding on a location and a name for the event. Las Vegas emerged as the ideal venue due to its accessibility from around the world. They hoped to attract Highland Dance professionals from regions as far-reaching as Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and South Africa.
Choosing a name proved equally challenging. Their initial choice, Professional Scottish Arts Conference, reflected their broader ambition to include piping sessions alongside Highland Dancing.
Securing the right venue was no small task. Cathy and Sandra negotiated with the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, which offered reasonable room rates and ample meeting spaces. The hotel’s conference manager provided invaluable support, helping them turn their vision into a reality. It’s important to remember that all this planning took place in the pre-digital era—before computers and cell phones. For example, during one judges’ meeting, Gail Danysk, one of the founding members of ScotDance Canada, handwrote all the session notes, which the Flamingo’s conference office then copied for attendees.
The inaugural conference was a resounding success, inspiring them to organize subsequent events in 1983 and 1986. By 1986, the event was rebranded as The World of Highland Dancing Conference, a name that more accurately reflected its global scope and mission, inspiring new generations of dancers, teachers, and judges.
As the tradition of gathering to share and learn continues, there is an exciting opportunity to reimagine how we approach teaching and collaboration in Highland Dancing. Embracing modern technology, including virtual learning platforms and online workshops, allows for greater accessibility and connectivity than ever before. By integrating these tools with the time-honoured practices of in-person instruction and community, the Highland Dancing world can honour its rich heritage while innovating for the future. This blend of tradition and technology ensures that the art form continues to thrive and evolve for future generations.
