Colour and noise filled the Ashburton Event Centre on Friday morning.

More than 250 tartan-clad performers put their best foot forward at the Highland and National Dance competition, which runs through to Sunday.

Students competed across three styles of dance – Scottish Highland, Irish and British National.

Ashburton Highland and National Dance Association committee member Bridget Prendergast said along with the different types of dance, there are different costumes.

“There are some similarities, but they’re quite different.”

Prendergast is one of 20 committee members who organised the event.

She’s new to the national dance scene, but said most of the competitors are from the south.

“The Canterbury West Coast region has pretty large numbers, and Blenheim too.

“Most dancers are absolutely passionate about what they’re doing, and they just love what they do, and train really hard.”

Friday was for the junior students, under 6s and under 14s, and Highland was the first genre on the menu.

All students learn the same routines, but don’t know who they’ll dance alongside until they take the stage.

“It can be pretty difficult, especially the Highland reel, where they have to weave between other people.”

Marlborough Academy of Dance director Robyn Simmons has taught national dance in Blenheim for nearly 50 years.

“I learnt it, my mum learnt it, my daughter did and now my grandson’s dancing.”

Over the decades, the genres have grown to be loved by Kiwis nationwide. Students can sit exams and enter competitions, like this one, to meet with more of the community.

Father Nick Palmer, also from Blenheim, came down to cheer on his daughters.

“My role is feeding the kids and carrying bags.”

They picked up the hobby after seeing a cousin do it, he said, and will compete over the next two days.

‘You have to support your kids, don’t you?”

The competition continues today with senior performances, and finishes up with an award ceremony on Sunday. It’s free entry and Prendergast encourages the public to come along and support the dancers.

By Anisha Satya