Ghillies school of Highland Dancing

Really exciting events coming up.

✨ The countdown to the 2026 NZ Highland Dancing Championships is on! ✨

We’ve been looking back on an incredible 2025 Championships — amazing dancing, unforgettable moments, and a weekend full of connection, celebration, and Highland spirit.

From taking the stage for your very first Championship… to performing a brand new dance… to teaming up with friends for the Broadsword Choreography… or letting loose at the Ceilidh — there were so many special memories made.

And now, we can’t wait to do it all again ✨

Join us this Matariki Weekend in New Plymouth — a vibrant place to visit, celebrate, and compete — as we return to the fantastic The Devon Hotel.

With a new dance category added for 2026 and another unforgettable weekend ahead… the only question is:

💭 What memories will you be making this year?
We’d love to hear — drop your favourite Champs memory in the comments 👇

🎟 Entries are now open: https://www.hdcomps.com

Holidays are nearly done and looking forward to Term 2. If you or your children love to move and would like to try out Highland dancing , get in touch.

Classes in Upper Hutt :)

Welcome to Highland Dancing in Upper Hutt!

Hi everyone! I’m Leonie 😊

I’ve been part of the Highland dancing world for 28 years, and I’m so excited to begin this new chapter teaching here in New Zealand. I'm affiliated with the RSOBHD in Scotland. Dancing has given me so many incredible memories and amazing opportunities — including performing at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland — but even more than that, it’s given me lifelong friendships, confidence, and so many special memories.

Now I’m bringing that same experience to fun, welcoming Highland dance classes in Upper Hutt on Saturday mornings 💃

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your skills, dancing is a place where you can:

✨ Build confidence and self-belief
✨ Make great friendships
✨ Stay active and healthy
✨ Learn discipline, teamwork, and resilience
✨ Have fun and enjoy the energy of dance

Everyone is welcome, and I aim to create a supportive environment where each dancer can feel proud of their progress and enjoy the journey.

I’d love to meet you and help you (or your child) start something really special ✨

Send me a message to find out more or book a trial class — I can’t wait to hear from you!