The Seattle Highland Dancing Association was founded in 1950 by a group of parents and teachers with a view of promoting Highland Dance and the preservation of Scottish heritage and culture. Today SHDA continues that endeavor as a volunteer parent association dedicated to the same goals.

SHDA became fully operational in 1951 and in 2001 we became registered as a Non-Profit Charitable Organization.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association is held each June where the new board is elected. President, Vice President, Membership Secretary, Registrar Secretary and Treasurer are the board positions. Membership in the Association runs from June 1 to May 31. Benefits of membership are eligibility to compete in three indoor competitions held from Fall to Spring, newsletters, and entry forms. In addition, parent members are encouraged to participate in their various Highland Studio meetings as well as volunteer for the many roles needed during a competition.

Membership is open to all residents of FUSTA's Northwest Region. Family membership consists of a parent(s), legal guardian(s), and dancer(s) in one family who reside at the same address. Membership is open to anyone 18 years of age or over. All current members are allowed to vote.