I marvel at the discipline required, memorising long routines, and the development of technical awareness - what other activities do children do, at such a young age, that demands they perfect such fine elements of technique and body positions.
No surprise therefore, that dance has been around for 1000s of years - the athleticism it demands, let alone all the work ethic and training habits to go with it.
Just like Te Matatini, the expression of culture is entwined, and powerful.
The Scottish origins of the Highland dancing give it a real sense of higher meaning.
Bagpipes playing everywhere, the history of the Scottish clans (and whiskey etc) and just the great sight of the older guy beating out the bagpipes to the dancing girls, and boys - yes, great for boys too, in fact a young Maori boy from the South Island was one of the section champions - a magic blend of cultures.
For me it's been a great lesson in letting your kids find their own passions.
I certainly never dreamt I would ever have anything to do with highland dancing - but now I'm a convert, and can see the real value of disciplined formal dance of all types ... it's like I've been born again.
For a parent, the kid's interest, whatever it may be, can open up a whole new world - in my case it turned out there was even a Scottish Agnew clan, ruling down the South West of Scotland, and even with their own fine whiskey, a massive piece of history I knew nothing about ... "what da ya know, cheers"!
The weekend kicked off at a primary school show, with 10 different dance groups of random disciplines putting on a performance they had been working on over the previous six weeks.
The quality they all delivered, at such a young age, was outstanding - the skill, coordination and teamwork was fantastic, but most of all the obvious fun and camaraderie.
The dancers learn to perform in front of people, and on stage, and they sure learn the reality of dealing with failure - they get one chance, and have to execute under pressure, there is no glossing over the results.
Having a dance teacher as a mentor is another good thing - someone else to help knock them into shape with all the discipline and dedication that goes with dance is great.
The Highland dancing is amazing for its repeated bounding, the strengthening of the Achilles and plyometric leg strength, and the core strength and postural stability that goes with it.
As good as dance is though, that can be its downfall - too much of a good thing, can be a bad thing.
Specialising in any one activity can lead to overload, lack of enthusiasm, burnout, and overuse injuries.
A balance is better, a range of physical activities through those crucial young growth years for a broad base of skill development.
Dance can certainly present some exciting international scholarship opportunities and future career pathways, and so if the passion is there, then dancers can specialise at the right time, balance dancing with strength and conditioning training like any other emerging athlete, and take on the world.
For the vast majority of kids though, keep it in perspective, keep it fun, and dance can be a brilliant component of a child's all-round development.