About Us
Though named "McCubben Highland" in 2014, our highland dance school has been operating in Townsville since 2002. Owner/Teacher, Gwenda Nickson (nee McCubben) grew up with highland dancing under Irene Barton in Home Hill. She achieved her Teachers Certificate in 1986 while dancing with the Ceilidh Dance Studio in Mackay. Along with her Highland Dance Teachers Certificate, Gwenda also has Certificate IIIs in Business Administration & Accounts Administration, Certificate IVs in Bookkeeping & Accounting, and a Certificate for First Aid.
After eleven years of providing Saturday lessons at the Heatley Community Centre, in 2017 McCubben Highland became a home based studio operating under the Townsville City Council's home based business guidelines and hours. Cost savings have benefited student families with lower fees.
What dances are taught:
Traditional Dances performed at SOBHD competitions:
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Under 7's: 16 Pas de Basques, Pas de Basques and High cuts.
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Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Scottish Lilt
- Strathspey & Highland Reel, Flora MacDonald's Fancy, Sean Triubhas
- Reel of Tulloch, Wilt Thou go to the Barracks Johnnie, Highland Laddie, Sailors Hornpipe and the Scottish version of the Irish Jig
- Scotch Measure, Blue Bonnets, Village Maid, Earl of Errol, the Cake Walk
Traditional Dances not performed at competitions:
Highland Schottische, Broadswords(occasionally done at competitions), The Shepherd's Crook, Over the Water to Charlie, Strip the Willow
Some choreography is also taught to experienced dancers both for fun and for competition work.
Why does Gwenda teach Highland Dance:
To share her love for highland dance, and to encourage each student to be the best dancer they can be; enabling them to reap the benefits that will enhance their quality of life.
Gwenda has memberships with:
- The National Dancing Association of Australasia (NDAA): an examination body affiliated with Ballet Australasia Limited
- The Far North Queensland Regional Committee of Highland Dancing Inc. (FNQRCHDI): a regional committee operating under the Australian Board of Highland Dancing Inc. (ABHDI)which in turn is under the auspices of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD).
- The Townsville Highland Dancing Association Inc.: a support group (like a school P & C) for all highland dancers across Townsville whose primary role is as a competition organiser under the membership of the FNQRCHDI.
- The Townsville Scottish Community Inc.