The Klondike Highland Dancers got a shot of confidence last weekend, just in time for some high-level competition in Alberta.

Twenty-two of the club's 27 dancers were examined this past weekend Saturday, prior to their annual year-end dance recital Sunday at Christ the King Elementary School.

"I am proud to say that all students passed with above average marks,” head instructor Errinlee Fitzsimmons told the Star.

"The examiner was impressed at the quality of dance that our students exhibited and has commented that she would be very happy to come back to the Yukon for our dancers and of course, our hospitality.”

Dancers who also completed their theory exams received the highest award of honours, she added.

The Klondike Highland Dance Club is now preparing to send five dancers to compete in the Red Deer Highland Games and the Ellerslie Highland Games in June.

Competing dancers will be Jordyn Cowan, Kiarra Fitzsimmons, Kylie Pfeiffer, Amelia Ford and Cadence Milford.

Each year, the Yukon dancers participate in exams known as Medal Tests – a program based out of Scotland, Fitzsimmons explained.

The tests see each student scored by a certified examiner. The examinations are broken into categories such as highland, national, jig, hornpipe and theory, and each category has a variety of levels.

Students receive a sheet with critique from the examiner on each of their dances, as well as a certificate upon passing their level. They could also receive a medal or plaque, depending on the grade completed.

The Klondike Highland Dance Club is a non-profit society that has provided dance instruction for students for more than 25 years.

Students perform at various events and venues in the Yukon including Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Robby Burns night, Copper Ridge, Thompson Centre, Festival of Trees, Special Olympics, and other private functions.

The Klondike Highland Dancers also travel throughout Canada and the United States to participate in Highland Games and championships.