Craig Johnston 

Craig Johnston began his Highland Dancing career at the age of three and enjoyed a successful twenty years of competition. In his competitive career, Craig achieved a total of 91 Championship wins, both in Australia and overseas, including winning the Grand Australasian Championship title three times and the Adult Champion of Champions Championship of Australia title twice in consecutive events (2004 and 2006.)

 

In 2005, 2006 and 2007 Craig consistently ranked among the top six Highland Dancers in the World, achieving his highest place in World Championship competition at Cowal Highland Gathering in 2005 when he was placed third overall in the Adult section.

 

In 2007, while resident in Scotland, Craig won the United Kingdom Championship and the North East of Scotland Championship and consistently ranked in the top 6 at various championships throughout the UK. He was the highest placed adult dancer at many of Scotland’s highland gatherings and danced before her Majesty the Queen at Braemar Royal Highland Gathering, winning the prestigious J. L. McKenzie trophy for top adult dancer and the overseas medal. Also during 2007, Craig travelled to Canada and competed in the ScotDance Canada Championship Series, winning the North American Championship.  On his retirement from competition in 2008, Craig held championship titles on three continents.

 

Craig was trained by Mrs Margaret Paterson OAM (Thistle Highland Dancing Studio, Brisbane) and, in the latter part of his competitive career, received additional coaching from Marion Clow (Scotland).

 

Craig gained valuable experience when teaching workshops during his time in Scotland and, since his retirement from competition, has continued to conduct workshops in Australia and New Zealand. Craig holds a Fellowship in Highland with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and is a Member of the United Kingdom Alliance Ltd. Now a member of the RSOBHD worldwide panel of judges, Craig has adjudicated at competitions and championships across Australia and in New Zealand.