Calling all Lower Mainland Premier Highland Dancers!

The amount of time spent in a premier category while competing (or not competing) isn't important to us. What we require is that all dancers are very familiar with the traditional premier dances (including nationals, jigs and hornpipes) and with a little training can get into solid RSOBHD technical shape.
We do not expect championship form from all dancers but cannot take much time in rehearsals to teach steps that a premier level dancer would already know. Collectively we are working to constantly improve our technique, strength and endurance.

We strongly recommend that dancers who have taken a break from premier level dance apply - our company was formed for dancers like you!

This depends on the level of focus you have on your competitions. If you are competing regularly and are mainly focused on championships, we think that's fantastic and fully support you doing it - but we would prefer you apply to join us after you have hung up your championship ghillies.

We are looking for dancers that are fully committed to performance dance (at a high technical level) and won't feel too stretched between competition and SoS Van projects. That certainly doesn't mean that you can't still enter a competition here or there just for fun, but we want your main highland project to be working with Shot of Scotch.

Other dance training and performance experience is definitely an asset!
Please tell us all about your training on the application form.

We currently rehearse once per week on Wednesday evenings in downtown Vancouver.
Apprentice members are given more flexibility in attendance than our full members, but we would like for them to attend as frequently as possible. Ideally our apprentice members are in training to take on full member positions.
Occasionally extra rehearsals are needed to prepare for special performances, but we know everyone is very busy and try to get as much done on Wednesday nights as possible.
We do an average of 1-2 performances a month, but not all members attend every performance.
We expect new members to be with the company for a minimum of one full year, ideally much longer.

We are a new and growing non-profit society that is working to provide professional opportunities for our dancers. That means that you will be paid professional dancer fees for your performances most of the time. We work to provide pay for your rehearsals for extra creation work when we can, though this is very dependent on donor and grant funding.
All company members currently pay a $50/month studio fee to help us cover the studio rental costs.

Having a dedicated daytime work schedule is not at all a problem! We rarely have daytime commitments and when we do, there are a few of us that have more flexible schedules. Knowing in advance when you are available or not is what's most important.

Company dancers will need to have a full kilt costume, but everything else will be provided by us. If you do not have a full kilt at the time of your application, that’s not a problem, but you will be expected to acquire one (used or new) if selected to join the company.