Calgary Highland

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Competition FAQ'S

How are Dancers Scored?

Each dancer is given a score out of 100 for each dance. The highest mark is first place and so on. The dancers in first through sixth place are then assigned a point value based on the SOBHD scrutineering system. All SOBHD competitions use the same scoring system. The dancer with the highest aggregate point total, will be the aggregate winner. While ties are broken in championship dancing, in a regular competition, tied marks are not broken.

88 points - First Place

56 points -  Second Place

38 points -  Third Place

25 points -  Fourth Place

16 points -  Fifth Place

10  points - Sixth Place

What is a Restricted Premier Event?

Competition organizers may offer a restricted premier event after meeting SOBHD rules and regulations governing these events. There are very specific criteria an organization must meet to offer these events.  Premier dancers may dance in the restricted premier events if they have not won an aggregate trophy in the previous two years . This would only include aggregate trophies, not a special or best dressed trophy.

What is a Closed Competition?

Competition organizers may chose to hold an "Open" or "Closed" event. Any dancer who wishes may enter an open competition. A closed competition has specific criteria that must be met by entrants. Our  January competition is open to CHDA members only and features bursaries awarded to dancers for each placing. Another example of a closed competition is the Alberta Provincial Championship, which is open to Alberta residents only.

What is a Championship?

A championship is offered to premier dancers only. With the exception of the 9 years and under class, all classes dance long dances, with steps that are set by SOBHD.  The steps change yearly, with junior steps being danced by dancers aged 15 years and under. Dancers 16 years and over, will dance the senior set steps. Nine year and under dancers will dance short step dances with the steps drawn from the junior steps. You must be 7 years old to dance in a championship.  In most championships, the organizers will award the top six aggregate placings in the class, in the form of Champion and 1st through 5th runner up.

What is Premier Challenge Event?

Competition organizers may chose to offer a Premier Challenge event. Any premier dancer who, as the name implies wishes to challenge themselves, is eligible to enter this class. The dances required in this class will be long steps and the age groups broader. The caliber of dance in these classes is often impressive. Age groups will be set by organizers after entries are received, but may have as many as three classes offered, 12 years and under, 15 years and under and 16 years and over.  CHDA pays cash for placings rather than giving medals. CHDA also offers regular open premier classes at the same event. Challenge classes are also offered at the Red Deer Highland Games.

What is a "Special Event"

Organizers can choose to designate a dance as being a special. These dances will not be included in the aggregate totals and often encompass different age groups than the set classes. These may be offered in any category, beginner, novice, intermediate or premier.

Why aren't Trophies given out in Primary?

SOBHD rules state that trophies are not to be given out in Primary classes. At CHDA competitions, each primary dancer will receive a small token of participation. Medals are given out to a maximum of six placings.