The Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators (FUSTA) has been the cornerstone of Scottish Highland Dancing in the United States since 1980.
Serving as the official U.S. affiliate of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD), FUSTA plays a vital role in supporting teachers, judges, and dancers while preserving the culture and standards of Highland dancing.
This guide explains what FUSTA is, how it operates, who can be a member, and how it works with other major dance organizations.
What is FUSTA and Its Purpose?
FUSTA exists to promote Scottish Highland Dancing and culture in the United States, offering a community and communication platform for teachers and judges.
The organization is responsible for facilitating education, ensuring that members stay updated on technical changes, and acting as the primary registration agent for the SOBHD in the U.S.
It also oversees the United States Inter-Regional Championships (USIR), rotating annually among six geographic regions—East, Midwest, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West.
How FUSTA Connects to SOBHD, BATD, SDTA, and UKA
FUSTA is an affiliated member of the SOBHD, the global governing body of Highland dancing. To join FUSTA, a person must also be a member of the Highland branch of one of the following examining bodies:
- British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD)
- Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance (SDTA)
- United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing (UKA)
These organizations set the teaching standards, conduct exams, and certify instructors in the Highland dance style.
Do Teachers Need to Be FUSTA Members?
You can compete in FUSTA-registered events as long as your teacher is a current member of BATD, SDTA, or UKA. While FUSTA membership for teachers is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged.
Membership ensures teachers receive up-to-date information on SOBHD rules, technical changes, and other important updates.
Does Dancer Registration Equal FUSTA Membership?
No — registering with the SOBHD through FUSTA as a dancer does not make you a member of FUSTA. Membership is reserved for teachers and judges. A dancer who is also a certified teacher or judge may join, but competitive registration alone is not enough.
Inside the FUSTA Mid-Winter Meeting
The Mid-Winter Meeting is a key annual business meeting where the Board of Directors addresses organizational matters, discusses regional issues, and makes decisions about future events and rules.
Each regional delegate presents concerns and updates from their area, ensuring that FUSTA remains a truly national organization.
How National Championship Locations Are Decided
The location for the United States Inter-Regional Championships is determined through a rotation among the six U.S. regions.
This ensures that every part of the country has the opportunity to host the event, promoting fairness and giving dancers from different regions a chance to compete closer to home.
FUSTA plays a central role in preserving the integrity, quality, and tradition of Scottish Highland Dancing in the United States.
By maintaining close ties to international governing bodies, enforcing competition standards, and supporting teacher and judge education, FUSTA ensures that the art form continues to thrive for generations to come.
Whether you are a dancer, teacher, or judge, understanding FUSTA’s structure and membership rules is essential to navigating the competitive Highland dance world.
FAQs
Can a dancer join FUSTA without being a teacher or judge?
No. FUSTA membership is strictly for teachers and judges, although dancers benefit from its events and registration services.
How often does FUSTA hold the Mid-Winter Meeting?
It takes place annually and serves as a major decision-making forum for the Board of Directors.
Why is FUSTA membership beneficial for teachers?
It provides direct access to important updates from the SOBHD, ensuring teachers remain informed about rule changes and technical standards.