From July 5th – 9th, 2025, the Rogers Centre Ottawa welcomed over 1,000 dancers and their families to the ScotDance Canada Championship Series (SDCCS), a premier cultural sporting event that featured the 49th annual Canadian Championships.
ScotDance Canada, is a registered federal charity dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Scottish Highland dancing. This event brought together dancers of all ages and skill levels, from young beginners to seasoned professionals. Their performances reflected not only technical precision but also a strong sense of heritage and cultural pride.
A World-Class Venue for a National Stage
The 2025 Championship Series took place here at the Rogers Centre Ottawa, within our Canada Hall as the primary venue. This spacious hall, designed for large-scale events, was transformed into a dynamic competitive space featuring a 220-foot stage and seating for more than 2,000 spectators.
Despite its scale, the event maintained a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Visitors could browse a wide range of unique Scottish-themed items from numerous exhibitors, while food kiosks with café-style seating provided families a place to relax without missing any of the action, making the event a truly accessible and inclusive experience for all.
Beyond the competitions, the event fostered cultural exchange and camaraderie. Participants from across Canada and abroad connected over a shared love of Highland dance, reinforcing the global reach and unifying power of this traditional art form.
Flawless Execution Behind the Scenes
Planning for SDCCS 2025 began years in advance, led by co-chairpersons Fiona Champagne and Gillian Macdonald, who worked closely with the Rogers Centre’s event team to bring the shared vision to life.
“Coordinating over 1,000 dancers ranging in age from 4 to 40+ is no small feat, but the Rogers Centre team delivered exceptional service across all aspects of the event,” said Fiona Champagne. “From the very beginning, they embraced our goals of creating a family-friendly and cost-effective experience.”
One of the most impressive highlights came during the final evening, when the competition space was seamlessly transformed into a stunning venue for the closing banquet and gala, attended by nearly 1,000 guests. By the following morning, the space had been fully restored to competition-ready condition, a remarkable accomplishment for an event of this magnitude.
More Than a Competition
While competition remains at the heart of the ScotDance Canada Championship Series, the event also serves as a cultural celebration. Families, instructors, and supporters come together not just to witness high-level dancing, but to engage in Scottish traditions, through music, attire, and shared community values.
Through its programs and partnerships, ScotDance Canada promotes correct technique, cultural education, and a safe, inclusive environment for professional members, dancers (competitive and non-competitive), and event organizers. With a strong focus on excellence, accessibility, and community, the organization plays a vital role in ensuring the continued relevance and success of Highland dancing in Canada and beyond.
