Inland Northwest Highland Dance Association
Welcome to the official website of the Inland Northwest Highland Dance Association, otherwise known as INHDA. We are a non-profit organization based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and have members throughout Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana. Our goal is to spread the culture of Scotland throughout the Inland Northwest, primarily through Scottish Highland Dancing. Find out more below:
Why you should Highland Dance
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Scottish Highland Dancing has been recorded as early as the 12th century and the dances have been passed down for generations. The routines tell stories of celebrations, war, and Scottish customs. Modern Highland Dancing is very focused on tradition and dancers perform at historical celebrations around the world, including Robert Burns Night and military tattoos.
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Highland dance reflects conservative and traditional values through its modest attire and respectful presentation. Both boys and girls wear the same traditional kilt and only dance to bagpipes except for special choreographies. The emphasize of the dance form is about representing Scottish culture and respect, as well as showing off strength and stamina.
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Highland dance is excellent for heart health because of its constant jumping and energetic movements. The fast-paced steps raise the heart rate, improving cardiovascular endurance and circulation, while the sustained activity helps strengthen the heart over time. This combination of aerobic exercise and dynamic movement makes Highland dance a fun and effective way to keep the heart healthy.
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Highland dance can open many exciting opportunities for dancers who are dedicated to the art form. Skilled competitors often travel to competitions and scholarship events around the world. There are also chances to perform in prestigious military tattoos, cultural festivals, and community events, allowing dancers to showcase their talent on large stages to gain confidence. These experiences can lead to teaching, leadership, and even judging roles within the dance community, creating a lifelong path in the art form.