Organization
Many if not most Highland gatherings worldwide, recognise the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD), formed in 1950, as the world governing body of Highland dancing. The SOBHD standardised dance steps for competition purposes, established rules for competitions and attire, and certifies competitions and instructors and the like. A World Highland Dance Championship has been held annually at the Cowal Highland Gathering since 1934. Today this World Championship is sanctioned by the SOBHD at three levels: Juvenile, Junior and Adult.
The SOBHD is generally recognised by the majority of competitive Highland dancers as the world governing body of Highland Dancing. It is responsible for the standardisation of Highland Dancing around the world. It is made up of representatives from many different Highland Dancing bodies and associations from around the world. The main function of the SOBHD is to bring about co-operation between recognised associations, organisations, individuals, and dancers connected with Highland Dancing.
The board sanctions Highland Dance championships although does not actually organise any of them. There are other non-SOBHD sanctioned championships run by non-SOBHD aligned organisations at which registered SOBHD dancers are forbidden to take part. Similarly dancers not registered with the SOBHD cannot dance at SOBHD sanctioned competitions. This has and continues to cause some confusion for dancers. Each year the SOBHD selects the championship steps to be performed by dancers at championships around the world. They also publish an official Highland Dance technique book for dancers and teachers.
The Board comprises delegates from the Examining Bodies (professional teaching associations), Affiliated Organisations in Australia (Australian Board of Highland Dancing Inc.), Canada (ScotDance Canada), South Africa (Official Board of Highland Dancing (South Africa)), New Zealand (ScotDance New Zealand), and the United States (Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators) which represent the many Highland Dance organisations in those countries. Representatives of organisations in the UK, a limited number of Competition Organisations, Independent Members, and Honorary Members also have vo
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