2026 Dance Entry Registration

Entries must be received by March 18th, 2026 to avoid a late entry fee. Late entries will be accepted until March 25th, 2026, with an additional late entry fee of $25.00. 

Entry fees are non-refundable.

San Antonio Highland Games Highland Dance Competition
USSW – 0516

Saturday, March 28, 2026
Location: Helotes Fairgrounds - Helotes 4-H Activity Center
12132 Leslie Rd, Helotes, TX 78023

Adjudicator: Eleanor Belton –Ontario, Canada

Piper: Doug Frobese - Duncanville, Texas

PLEASE DIRECT QUESTIONS TO:
Amy Nelson, Competition Registrar
arnelson328@yahoo.com
OR
Mary Beth Klein, Competition Chairperson
highlandmissb@aol.com
816-739-3487

Competition Times

Beginner & Novice Dancers:

Check In @ 8:30 am; Competition begins @ 9:00 am

Parking Gate to open at 8:00 am

Primary, Intermediate & Premier Dancers:

Check In @ 12:00 pm; Competition immedi­ately following lunch break

A detailed dance schedule and Games information letter will be emailed to all competitors and teachers one week before the Games.

AWARDS

Cash Awards will be awarded in all Premier age groups up to 3rd place based on the ratio of dancers to prizes.

(under 12) $30/$20/$10 (under 16) $40/$30/$20 (over 16) $50/$40/$30

• If there are four dancers or less in any event, awards will be given at judges' discretion. If fewer than 4 dancers in premier age groups, cash awards will only be given for first place and medals for other placings.
• Only medals and ribbons will be awarded in Primary and Pre-Premier events. All dances will count towards aggregate trophy awards in Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Premier Categories. No trophies are awarded in the Primary class.
• Perpetual trophies for special events are the property of the San Antonio Highland Games Association and must be returned prior to the following year’s event. Winners will be required to sign a trophy release form, and are responsible for engraving.

SPECIAL EVENTS AWARDS

• George Angus Mackenzie Memorial ~ Most Promising Beginner Dancer Award
  Awarded at the discretion of the Adjudicator to the Beginner dancer who displays the skills & attitude needed to progress in Highland Dancing.
• Wilma Heberling Memorial ~  Most Promising Novice Dancer Award
  Awarded at the discretion of the Adjudicator to the Novice dancer who displays the skills & attitude needed to progress in Highland Dancing.
• Shavonne Klein Memorial ~ Most Promising Intermediate Dancer Award
  Awarded at the discretion of the Adjudicator to the Novice dancer who displays the skills & attitude needed to progress in Highland Dancing.
• Donald Miller Memorial ~ Premier Sword Challenge ~ Dancer of the Day
  The aggregate trophy winner in each Premier age group will qualify to dance off for this award. The Premier Sword Challenge (2&1) will be danced immediately following the presentation of awards. 2026 Championship steps are NOT required for this special event.

COMPETITION RULES

• SAHGA Competition is governed by the rules and regulations of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD) and Scotdance USA (SDUSA).
• The decision of the Adjudicator is final. Protests must be made in writing and submitted to the Competition Organizer within 7 days of the event accompanied by a $25 fee that will be refunded if the petition is warranted.
• The competitor’s age will be as of Saturday, March 28th, 2026.. Age groups will be determined after the closing date of entries. The Competition Committee reserves the right to change any event, age group, or time schedule as needed.
• Last to enter, first to compete and “fill in” for Reels.
• Three-Month Rule – Judges may not adjudicate any competitor that they have instructed for a period of three months. If a competitor has entered a competition with a judge they have attended a class or workshop with within the last three months, the dancer must step down from the competition.
• All dancers must have a valid 2026 registration card. No entry will be accepted without a current registration number. All dancers must present their registration card the day of the competition in order to compete.
• In accordance with ScotDance USA policies, dancers must not change costumes in public view. Changing areas will be provided.
• Competitors must remain in costume until all medals and trophies have been awarded.
• All dance competitors, teachers, and parents are expected to comply with the ScotDance USA Code of Ethics.

The above rules and procedures will be updated as needed to abide by SDUSA and State rules and regulations.

Privacy Disclosure Statement: Personal data (PII) is collected from the competition entry form and owned by the SAHGA for the purpose of performing our duties within RSOBHD and ScotDance USA guidelines. All data is recorded in electronic format and retained for a period of one (1) year at which time electronic records will be deleted and paper entry forms properly disposed.

By proceeding with this online registration, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release the SAHGA, their agents, representatives, successors, and agencies for any and all damages which may be suffered by myself or my child while attending or participating in the San Antonio Highland Games. I further authorize these authorities to use photographs, video or name of myself or child participating at the San Antonio Highland Games for future promotional and publicity purposes, without obligation or liability to me.

I acknowledge that by submitting this entry electronically, that I have read this agreement carefully and agree to abide by the rules and procedures of this competition and the San Antonio Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival 2026