Tartan Tots

Tartan Tots

Welcome to our youngest dancers! Tartan Tots are our little stars, aged 4–6 years old, who are just starting their Highland dance journey. At this level, dancers are considered primary dancers and are eligible to compete in their age group.

When they turn 7, they move up to the Beginner level, though sometimes students may advance sooner at the teacher’s discretion based on readiness and progress.

Tartan Tots classes are all about fun, movement, and building confidence, giving your child the perfect start in Highland dance!

The things that we learn first are how stand in 1st position, 2nd position and 3rd position.

We practice counting to 16. The first dance we will learn is the Pas de Basques dance (16 PdB’s). We also learn dances such as I’m a little tea pot (highland version), hop scotch polka, Pas de Basques and High Cuts, Fling and Swords.

Music that will be commonly used:

  • Pas de Basques - Michael Grey, Ramblers , Alan Walters

  • Pas de Basques and High Cuts - Michael Grey, Ramblers , Alan Walters

  • Fling- Michael Grey, Ramblers , Alan Walters,

  • Swords - Michael Grey, Ramblers , Alan Walters,

  • I’m a Little Tea Pot - by The Countdown kids

  • Hop Scotch Polka - Bing Crosby and His Orchestra

The words to the PdB dance:

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, bow down , up tall, step to the side, and put it in 3rd.

(moving to the right first) 1 beat, 2 beat, 3 beat, 4 beat, 5 beat, 6 beat, 7 beat, 8 beat, 9 beat, 10 beat, 11 beat, 12 beat, 13 beat, 14 beat, 15beat, 16 beat. step close and bow.

The words to the Pas de Basques and High Cuts:

Intro- 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, bow down , up tall, step to the side, and put it in 3rd.

(1st PdB will be to the right)- 1 beat, 2 beat, 3 beat, 4 beat, 5 beat, 6 beat

( high cuts start with left foot)- 1, 2, 3, 4,

1st PdB will be to the right)- 1 beat, 2 beat, 3 beat, 4 beat, 5 beat, 6 beat

high cuts start with left foot)- 1, 2, 3, 4,

1st PdB will be to the right)- 1 beat, 2 beat, 3 beat, 4 beat, 5 beat, 6 beat

high cuts start with left foot)- 1, 2, 3, 4,

1st PdB will be to the right)- 1 beat, 2 beat, 3 beat, 4 beat, 5 beat, 6 beat

high cuts start with left foot)- 1, 2, 3, 4,

step to the side (right) close smile and bow