IT'S a long way from the Scottish countryside where it originated, but three Roma girls with a passion for highland dancing will represent their country next month.

Tully Stone, Hannah Hughes and Nina Johnstone will be part of the 32-woman team headed to Norfolk in the US to participate in the Virginia Arts Festival.

They spent the past weekend under the guidance of OzScot Australia dance director Cheryl Roach, who held a workshop for all Roma highland dancers.

"These are three very lucky, very hard-working girls,” Ms Roach said.

"It's the first time Tully and Nina have danced with OzScot. Hannah is an old hand who has managed a couple of overseas trips with us but it's her first time to Virginia.”

The 10-day festival will not only see the girls perform in the Virginia International Tattoo but also participate in parades, shows and will visit schools, teach dance and compare cultures.

"It is unusual to have three national team members from a small town,” Ms Roach said.

"To be able to pick three girls from Roma is quite an achievement.”

Tully, one of the youngest in her team, said she was looking forward to dancing away from regular comps.

"It's pretty cool to be able to ... say 'I've made an Australian team'.” she said.