SDTA Scholarship Nominees (Friday Only)
Congratulations on your nomination to participate in the 16th Annual SDTA Elspeth G. Strathern & JL McKenzie NA Highland Scholarship. Registration will open on March 1st, 2026 and close on July 31, 2026.
Scholarship Details
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Candidates must qualify from grade examinations taken between July 1st 2025 and June 30th 2026.
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All nominated candidates who wish to participate in the scholarship must register.
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A draw will take place to determine the order in which candidates will dance.
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There are 3 sections to the Scholarship Event that will take place on Friday October 2, 2026, from approximately 8am - 5pm:
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Tribute to JL McKenzie (set steps)
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Written Paper
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Master Class
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A detailed schedule will be released a few weeks prior to the event.
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NOTE: The Awards Celebration will take place on during the banquet on Saturday October 3rd.
**NEW** Pre-Scholarship Details
The Pre-Scholarship is a restricted event. To be eligible, dancers must be non-competitive, Pre-Premier, or must not have placed 1st or 2nd in any Premier competition or championship event within the previous two years prior to October 2nd 2026. Dancers who meet these criteria and have received a nomination letter for the Juvenile, Junior, or Senior event may choose to enter either the Scholarship or Pre-Scholarship.
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Candidates must qualify from grade examinations taken between July 1st 2025 and June 30th 2026.
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All nominated candidates who wish to participate in the pre-scholarship must register.
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A draw will take place to determine the order in which candidates will dance.
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There are 3 sections to the Pre-Scholarship Event that will take place on Friday October 2, 2026, from approximately 8am - 5pm:
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Dusty Miller (set steps)
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Written Paper
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Master Class
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A detailed schedule will be released a few weeks prior to the event.
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NOTE: The Awards Celebration will take place on during the banquet on Saturday October 3rd.
Paulina McMaster Solo Choreography Challenge
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Open to nominated candidates only; separate registration required
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Open to both scholarship & pre-scholarship dancers; this event will NOT be split.
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Age groups to be determined according to entry.
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Solo choreography dance will be performed, with a maximum time limit of one minute and 30 seconds from the start of the music (not the start of the dance).
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Music must edited to the correct length and submitted via an online form by September 15, 2026.
Please speak with your teacher and/or click the link below for more information.
North American Highland Conference
(Saturday & Sunday)
A weekend of dance for pre-premiers, premiers, teachers, judges and parents.
Schedule of Events
Thursday October 1st RSOBHD Judges’ Test
Friday October 2nd Highland Scholarship & Pre-Scholarship Events
Judges & Teachers Reception
Saturday October 3rd SDTA NA Conference, Day 1
Banquet & Awards Ceremony
Sunday October 4th SDTA NA Conference, Day 2
Registration Packages!
All conference registrations include lunch and banquet dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.
All fees listed in Canadian dollars.
Professionals $350
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Access to all classes. Professional membership (SDTA/BATD/UKA) is required.
Dancers
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Silver Medal Test & Under / Pre-Premier: Access to classes designated for up to Silver Medal Test and Pre-Premier dancers. ($300)
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Gold Medal Test & Over / Premier Dancer: Access to classes designated for Gold Medal Test & above and Premier dancers; including championship/premiership classes. ($350)
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If between categories, dancers may choose the category that best suits them.
Parent and Spectator (non-dancer/non-professional)
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Classes & Meals: can participate in 3 classes designated for parents and meals ($275)
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Meals Only ($225)
Banquet Only Tickets
Due to capacity limits of the banquet hall, banquet only tickets are not currently available.
If space allows, tickets will become available after registration is closed. Stay tuned, and follow us on Facebook for updates to this!