2024 SCF Highland Dance Competition
Competition # USSW-0525
Highland Dancing, which requires the endurance and strength of an athlete and the artistry of a dancer, is the traditional solo dancing of Scotland. In the past, Scottish regiments used Highland Dancing as exercise to keep the troops in shape, and ready for battle. Today, Highland Dancing is one of the premiere events at Highland Games throughout the world in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, mainland Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In order to be a successful competitive dancer, students require many hours of practice and study over a number of years. Students train mainly in 4 Highland dances, namely, the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas and the Strathspey & Reel—all of which are performed in the traditional kilt. Scottish Highland Dancing is regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing in the world.
Come watch traditional dance schools showcase the talents of their students as they compete for prizes and glory in the 2024 Sherman Celtic Festival Highland Dance Competition. This event is sanctioned by ScotDance USA.
Dance Competition Schedule:
Saturday morning (Beginner, Novice, Primary)
Dancer check-in - 9:00 AM
Dancing Starts - 9:15 AM
Saturday afternoon (Intermediate, Premier)
Dancer check in - 1:00 PM
Dancing starts - 1:15 PM
Sunday (All levels)
Dancer check in - 10:00 AM
Dancing starts - 10:15 AM
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Ashley Stowkowy
Highland Dance Adjudicator
Sherman Celtic Festival 2024
Ashley Stowkowy loves Highland dancing. She loves the sense of
community. She loves the challenges it provides and she loves that it is
a creative outlet for her. She is delighted to be joining the Sherman
Celtic Festival and Highland Games this year.
Ashley has been involved in Highland dance since the age of 7 and had
the privilege of being trained by her mom, Keltie Stowkowy and mentor
Pierie Danysk, as well as Gail Danysk. She also danced with Bill Troock,
Kelly Abrahart and Sherril Medd. After a successful dance career Ashley
turned her focus to sharing her love of dance with her students at
Gillie Callum Highland Dancers, and helping them achieve their own
dreams. In her 15 years of teaching she has trained girls who have been
successful in their own pursuits at local, national and international
levels.
Ashley loves working on the traditional Highland dances, but also has a
keen interest in creating choreography. Her creative talents have led
choreography troupes to top finishes at several ScotDance Canada
Championship Series.
Ashley is a member of the SDTA, BATD and a judge for the RSOBHD. Hailing
from Calgary, Canada Ashley currently resides in Houston, TX and is a
member of ScotDance USA. She looks forward to see some fabulous dancing
on the stage in Sherman!