Manitoba Highland Dancers' Association Inc.

The Manitoba Highland Dancers' Association Inc. (MHDA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of Scottish Highland dance in the province of Manitoba. It operates as a volunteer-run entity committed to providing high-quality competitions, educational workshops, scholarships, and honoraria to dancers across the region.

History and Incorporation

The MHDA was founded in 1947 to support the development of Highland dance in Manitoba. It was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1978. Since its inception, the MHDA has fostered a vibrant community of dancers ranging from young children to adults, encouraging skill development and cultural engagement through dance.

Activities and Programs

The association organizes six competitions annually, including two major championship events, which serve as key highlights for dancers in the region. These competitions adhere to strict membership requirements; families must hold valid MHDA memberships to participate in closed competitions. Membership categories include Full, Associate, Teacher, and Honourary.

MHDA also offers workshops and provides scholarships and honoraria to support dancers' growth and achievement in the field of Highland dance. The association publishes a newsletter titled Tartan Press for each competition, keeping members informed about news and developments in the Highland dance community.

Membership and Fundraising

Membership in the MHDA is essential for competition participation and contributes to the association’s sustainability. The membership year renews annually by September 30th. Fundraising is a critical aspect of the MHDA’s operations, helping to finance its programs and events. Revenue is generated through memberships, fundraising events, and government grants, allowing the organization to maintain its nonprofit status and support its mission effectively.

Legal Status and Recognition

The Manitoba Highland Dancers' Association Inc. is a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency, with the business registration number 119243871RR0001. This designation allows it to issue tax-deductible receipts to donors and helps secure funding to continue its cultural and educational activities.

The MHDA remains a key institution in Manitoba’s cultural landscape, dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Scottish Highland dance traditions through community engagement, education, and competition.

Note: This summary is based on publicly available information about the Manitoba Highland Dancers' Association Inc.

[1] https://www.mbhighlanddance.com [2] https://www.instagram.com/mbhighlanddancersassoc/ [3] https://mb.211.ca/detail/44807727/?topicPath=497&latitude=49.9&longitude=-97.1 [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-manitoba-highland-dancers-association-inc/ [5] https://causes.benevity.org/causes/124-119243871RR0001