Victoria Nichols School of Highland Dance (NSOHD)

Discover a World of Possibilities with Highland Dancing

Step into a tradition that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re dancing for fun, fitness, or discipline, highland dancing blends athleticism, artistry, and heritage into one powerful experience. From energetic tots taking their first steps, to juniors building skills and confidence, to young adults pushing creative and competitive boundaries, there’s a place for everyone in the vibrant world of highland dancing.

Highland dancing opens doors to personal growth, meaningful connections, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable experiences. It’s more than just steps, kilts and bagpipes. It’s a journey.

Sign-up for a FREE trial class or Join our Mailing List to receive registration and other general information.

Latest Updates

August 26/26 – We’re excited to welcome both returning and new dancers to NSOHD for the 2026–2027 season! This year, each class will include suggested ages and dances to help guide registration. These are only a starting point because class placements are never set in stone. Dancers progress at different rates, and placements are based on individual development, experience, and goals. Current NSOHD families should have received an email advising which class to select. Adjustments may be made once class sizes and dynamics are known, and dancers get settled in. Our regular classes will be held Wednesdays at Brunton Hall throughout the 2026–2027 season, beginning September 30. Before then, two optional classes will be offered on Monday, September 14 and Monday, September 21 at Centennial Hall in Franktown. These dates are listed separately on the registration form allowing families to opt in or simply begin September 30. Beginning in October, we’ll also introduce a second weekly training day on Mondays for competitive dancers ages 7+, focusing on technique and competitive choreography. More details will be shared soon. We’re very excited for another great year of Highland Dancing and look forward to seeing everyone this fall! Bonne rentrée à tous / best wishes for a great start to the school year!

July 22/26 – Are you interested in registering for Highland Dancing lesson in Beckwith? Registration information and sign-up forms will be available mid-August. If you’re new to NSOHD, you may Join our Mailing List to receive updates and registration information by email, or you can also check back on this website towards the end of summer for registration details. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

July 4/26 – NSOHD dancers performed at Celtfest in Almonte at Gemmill Park. It was a bustling festival with an array of entertainment, Celtic music and performances. Thank you to Celfest organizers for inviting our dancers!

May 31/26 – Our Summer Competitive Class Registration is now live! Sign-up for Saturday private and semi-private lessons is now also available through our online booking system. Visit the Registration & Resources page for more details.

May 25/26 – On Saturday, May 23, 2026, NSOHD dancers were delighted to perform at the annual Franktown Lilac Festival, held at Centennial Hall. Our dancers were proud to take the stage for a 5th year, and share their love of Highland dance with festival attendees. From our newest dancers to our most experienced competitors, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate another successful season together and showcase the hard work and growth that has taken place in the studio over the past year. We are incredibly proud of every dancer and all they have accomplished during 2025-2026. As we wrap up another fantastic dance year, we wish all of our dancers and families a well-deserved and fun summer break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Highland dance classes in September and beginning another exciting year together!

March 11/26 – Classes cancelled due to inclement weather. Stay safe everyone!

March 8/26 – Registration is open for Semester 3. The online form and schedule are posted on the Registration & Resources page. Also, given the challenges with timely social media communication thanks to the algorithm, we are also piloting a new instant communication tool, sportsYou, for calendar, chat, media and practice videos to support student development and timely/urgent updates for families. For security, an access code is needed to join our studio on the sportsYou app. More information is provided in the newsletter distributed this week and after the March Break. Please ensure you download the app and join our studio, so you don’t miss any important announcements or other communication!

January 28/26 – A newsletter was sent home with performance/dance out updates and changes to Saturday classes for this semester. A copy is available in our private FB group or can be downloaded here.

For past news, updates and newsletters, please visit our News and Events page.

Our Faculty

Our recreational and competitive students study the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.) syllabus, while also learning the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD) standardized steps for competition purposes.

At NSOHD, senior dancers shine as Junior Teachers. Mentoring younger students, gaining leadership and confidence, and taking their skills to the next level. It’s a chance to deepen their knowledge, work toward professional credentials, and inspire the next generation. Meanwhile, our younger or less experienced dancers benefit from low teacher-to-student ratios, personalized instruction and role models they can look up to. To learn more about our qualified and experienced faculty, please visit https://nsohd.ca/teachers/.

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” — Forest E. Witcraft (from his essay Within My Power, originally published in Scouting magazine, October 1950)

About

Victoria Nichols School of Highland Dancing (NSOHD) was founded in 2021 to create an inclusive, encouraging space where dancers of all backgrounds and abilities can explore the rich tradition of highland dancing. Based in the community of Beckwith, Ontario, our classes are held at Brunton Hall in the new Beckwith Township Office, and also in heart of Franktown at Centennial Hall.

Both venues have their own charm and are inviting settings for dancers and community alike. Centennial Hall, a former Presbyterian church, has served as a community gathering place for generations. Dancing in this historic kirk-style hall echoes a long-standing Scottish tradition, where many Highland dancers still train in community church halls. Its warm wooden floors and simple, open design create a meaningful connection to the cultural roots of the dance. Brunton Hall, by contrast, is a bright, modern space with radiant floor heating, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, and has a welcoming waiting area for families.

Located in Beckwith Ontario

Do you have questions about our highland studio or the classes we offer? Please email us: nsohd@bell.net

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed