Our Mission
ScotDance USA was formed to promote and nurture the traditions and heritage of Scottish Highland dancing in the United States by providing opportunities for the professional development of teachers and adjudicators and by creating a rewarding environment for dancers.
Our Founders
ScotDance USA is the successor of The Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators [FUSTA], which was founded in 1980. The founders of FUSTA were pioneers of their time with their creation of a community system and resource center for Highland dance teachers and judges in the US.
We continue to honor the many individuals who shaped this community early on, including Anne Andrews, Jeannie Brauns, Margaret Callander, Catherine Fisher, Norine Harmon, Florence Hart, Cathy Hynd, Sheila Mittig, Vera Patterson, and Marguerite Reid. And those who served as the first officers of this organization: Christie Freestone (President), Jeanne Roberts (Vice President), Janis Burkhardt (Secretary), and Diane Krugh (Treasurer).
Our Governance
In continuing the mission of FUSTA, spreading Highland dance culture nationwide, ScotDance USA supports ongoing education for teachers and judges, provides a communication channel for the Highland dance community, and acts as the core of Highland dancing within the US. It is the official US affiliated organization of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing [RSOBHD], the worldwide governing body of Highland dance. ScotDance USA spearheads the United States Inter-Regional Championships [USIR] held annually. The national championship rotates among the 6 geographic regions, encompassing all 50 states:
East Region- Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.
Midwest Region- Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Southeast Region- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Southwest Region- Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
West Region- Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Northwest Region- Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
The ScotDance USA Board of Directors is comprised of 6 nationally elected officers, which include the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, National Registration Secretary, the Chair of the Judges Network, and 6 Regional Delegates for a total of 12 Board members. This non-profit organization is supported by membership fees and tax-deductible gifts from generous individuals and organizations. Donations and scholarships are gladly accepted.