History of the HDA

The Highland Dancers' Association of Ontario was founded in 1949 by a group of parents and teachers with a view to promoting Highland Dance and Scottish culture and to improve the conditions for dancers at Highland games in Ontario. Today it continues as a volunteer parent association dedicated to the same goals.

The first Annual General Meeting was held in 1950; in 1953 we received our charter from the Province of Ontario and in 1999 we became a registered charitable organization.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association is held each September where the Executive is elected. Membership in the Association runs from September 1 to August 31. Benefits of membership are eligibility to compete at three indoor competitions held during the winter months, newsletters, entry forms to games organized by the HDA. In addition, parent members are encouraged to participate in the 3 meetings held during the year. We invite comments and suggestions from members which can be presented to the games in order to improve conditions for both.

Membership is open to all residents of Ontario. Associate non-voting membership is available to persons outside of Ontario. Family membership consists of a parent(s), legal guardian(s) and dancer(s) in one family who reside at the same address and who are entitled to only one vote per family by a parent or legal guardian. Senior members are members 17 years of age or over. Senior members are entitled to a vote on all matters pertaining to the Association.