Thistlebrae Highland Dance Academy

We are all finally back from 4 days in Blenheim for the 2026 NZ Highland Dancing Championships.
Super proud of all our dancers who performed beautifully across the various age groups.

🥇Annabella won the Championship 8-10 winning every event
🥇Emily ranked 4th overall in NZ u16 Championship
🥇Isabelle ranked 10th overall in NZ u16 Championship
🌟Evie top 10 judges placings in u16 in most individual events.
🌟Kaitlin had great runs in all 10 senior events in an extremely strong field.

Was a lovely weekend of camaraderie and a great representation of the Highland dancing talents in this country and our own city.

Now we look forward to setting new goals and aspirations for rest of the year with exams and NZ Highland Dancer of the Year just around the corner!! It really never stops and we love it ❤️

These girls have been working super hard in the run up to NZ Highland Dancing Championships in Blenheim this weekend. Safe travels and all the very best for a successful weekend. We will share the online viewing link when it becomes available.

Come and join us next term. Small beginner classes available for young children to learn to dance with a Scottish twist!!

Brand new Beginner Highland Dance lessons kicking off in Upper Hutt Tuesdays@430. So proud of Kaitlin for taking the leap to kick this off. If you have any friends or family in the area keen to learn, feel free to reach out. Starting at beginner level with others is always easier than joining a term or two later!!

Looking forward to seeing all our beautiful dancers back in studio next week. Busy term coming up with exams & assessments in 3 weeks, some local dance events and build up for those heading to NZ championships in July holidays. For those who have reached out with interest to join, we would love to see you next week for free trial.

It's new term time again, got kids jumping around who love music and moving? Come and try beginner Highland Dancing with Lower Hutts long serving Highland dance Academy @ Thistlebrae. NB Classes also available in Upper Hutt and Wellington by inquiry.

Back at it for the Annual Hawkes Bay Highland Games. We always enjoy the comp but we especially enjoy the good times camping and hanging out with our dance families making great memories for the kids.

Thanks Pipes in the Park for having us today. We love supporting this event and enjoy showcasing our Highland dancers to our fellow Scottish friends.

Highland dancing goodness at Avalon Park tomorrow 1220.

Plenty of free parking
We look forward to seeing you - south end Avalon Park