Every year around January 25th, Scots and Scottish-heritage communities around the world gather to celebrate Burns Night, a cultural tradition honoring Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns (1759–1796). Best known for works like “Auld Lang Syne” and “Tam o’ Shanter,” Burns captured the spirit, humor, and heart of Scotland in his poetry and songs.
A traditional Burns Night celebration includes poetry readings, pipes and other Scottish music, the ceremonial Address to the Haggis, and—our favorite—Scottish Highland dancing. From small community halls to large formal dinners, you can find Highland Dance groups across the world performing at Burns Suppers, showcasing the first moves of young dancers to the complicated choreography of seasoned performers. Thousands of Highland dancers worldwide take part annually, sharing Scotland’s rich cultural traditions with audiences of all ages.
Here in New Mexico, Burns Night is a highlight of the winter season. At Highland Dance Albuquerque, our dancers often perform as part of the New Mexico Scottish Highland Dance Association at the Burns Night celebration hosted by the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society of New Mexico in Albuquerque. These performances connect our dancers to a centuries-old tradition while allowing them to showcase their hard work, artistry, and love of Highland dance in a meaningful cultural setting.
Performing at Burns Night is about more than just dancing—it’s about community, heritage, and keeping Scottish traditions alive (though you need not be Scottish to enjoy them!). For many of our dancers, it’s one of the most rewarding performance opportunities of the year. Interested in becoming part of these unforgettable experiences? Learn more about our Highland dance classes today, and with dedication and practice, you could be performing with us at Burns Night next year!