A celebration of dance, dedication, and community

By Kayleigh Armstrong

The ScotDance Canada Championship Series (SDCCS) 2025 in Ottawa has officially come to a close—and what a spectacular five days it was! With over 1,000 dancers registered, the event was a true celebration of Highland dance excellence, camaraderie, and cultural connection.

This year’s SDCCS welcomed dancers from across Canada, as well as international competitors from Scotland, Australia, and the United States—and a panel of judges from these countries plus South Africa, bringing a global flair to the national stage and reminding us all of the strong and vibrant community that surrounds Highland dancing.

From the moment the Opening Ceremonies began to the final awards presentation, each day was packed with unforgettable moments and meaningful connections. Dancers and families took part in a wide range of events, including:

  • Opening Ceremonies introducing Canada’s 154 Provincial Representatives, a welcome performance from a contingency of dancers from across Ontario, and a presentation from Reel Ottawa Dancers

  • The much-loved Pen Pal and Pin Exchange

  • A Meet and Greet for the Boys of Highland Dance

  • Pre-Premier, Premier, and Restricted Premier Competitions

  • The 49th Annual Canadian Championship including the awarding of the SDC James L. McKenzie Scholarship - 2025 Recipients Emily Broberg, SK and Islay Hicks, AB and the Loree Martin Vellner Scholarship - 2025 Recipient Callie Boan, AB

  • Pre-Championship and ScotDance Canada Open Championship

  • A spectacular lineup of Choreography Events: the new and exciting, Pre-Premier Duets and Premier Solos, plus stunning, small and large group choreography

  • Professional Development Sessions

  • The festive Canada’s Capital Celebration Banquet & Gala

  • Vendors from across Canada and one from Scotland

  • And perhaps most importantly—meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones

Hosted by ScotDance Canada, a major highlight of the week was the crowning of our 2025 Canadian Champions, representing the best of Highland dance in our country: Congratulations to the following:

  • 7 & Under 10 Champion: Aoife Purves (AB)

  • 10 & Under 12 Champion: Ollie Henderson (AB)

  • 12 & Under 14 Champion: Aisla Gocan-Wright (ON)

  • 14 & Under 16 Champion: Rebecca Acob (BC)

  • 16 & Under 18 Champion: Katjana Bruinsma (AB)

  • 18 & Under 21 Champion: Annalise Lam (BC)

  • 21 & Over Champion: Marielle Lespérance (NS)

A special shout out to The Rogers Centre Team that was so helpful and friendly and our host hotels, The Westin Ottawa, Les Suites, Double Tree by Hilton. To all the Team Leads and those who supported them, we truly had a Dream Team! We can’t emphasize enough that the success of this event couldn’t have happened without you and the experience and talent you brought with you.

To all who competed, and the many who volunteered, cheered, and supported—a huge thank you for making SDCCS 2025 such a huge success. The energy, resilience, and talent on display were nothing short of inspiring.

Until we meet again, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and keep building this extraordinary community.

The SDCCS 2025 – Team, with Co-Chairs Fiona Champagne & Gillian Macdonald

The Canadian champions dancing

The Provincial tartan bodices