Highland Dancing, which requires the endurance and strength of an athlete and the artistry of a dancer, is the traditional solo dancing of Scotland. In the past, Scottish regiments used Highland Dancing as exercise to keep the troops in shape, and ready for battle. Today, Highland Dancing is one of the premiere events at Highland Games throughout the world in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, mainland Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In order to be a successful competitive dancer, students require many hours of practice and study over a number of years. Students train mainly in 4 Highland dances, namely, the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas and the Strathspey & Reel—all of which are performed in the traditional kilt. Scottish Highland Dancing is regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing in the world. It is almost impossible for dance historians to separate fact from fiction, but the following descriptions are the most credible!
1. Highland Fling
Together with the Sword Dance, the Highland Fling is probably the most famous of the Scottish Highland Dances. Tullochgorm was the earliest form of Highland Fling, but towards the end of the 18th century it had undergone changes and improvements. It is thought to have evolved about 1790, when legend has it that a shepherd boy on a hillside watched stags rearing and wheeling. The boy tried to copy the stag’s antics and hence we have the graceful curve of the hands and arms depicting the stag’s antlers.
The dance should be danced on the same spot throughout, because clansmen traditionally danced on their targes (leather covered studded shield).
2. Sword Dance
Originated in 1054 when Malcolm Canmore crossed his sword over the sword of his slain opponent, symbolizing the sign of the Cross, and danced over them in exultation. After that, the dance would be performed before a battle. If the sword was touched it was deemed to be a bad omen! Before 1850, the steps were danced clockwise round the sword, not anti-clockwise as nowadays.
Seann Triubhas
Said to reflect the Highlanders contempt at having to wear trousers when the kilt was prohibited after the 1745 rebellion. The Act of Proscription in 1746 banned the wearing of Highland dress, the carrying of arms and the playing of bagpipes. In other words, the dance originated as a political protest. The slow tempo shows the dancers attempt to shake off the offending garment and the fast tempo shows the pleasure at the rescinding of the ban in 1782. Many of the movements are balletic and are influenced by French style of embellishments such as pirouettes.
3. Strathspey & Highland Reel
Very little reliable information is known about the origin of Strathspeys and Reels, but they are known to have been danced towards the end of the 17th century and Jacobite days. The slow movement is thought by many to be a mourning dance following the path of the river “Strath” in the valley of the “Spey”. The Highland Reel is a quicker and livelier form of the Strathspey and was known to have been taught from about 1740.
4. Highland Recreational Exam
The Highland Recreational Exam was brought into use at the 117th Annual Conference in 2009. The Syllabus was created to benefit candidates who weren’t quite ready for a Full Medal Test. The Syllabus is available from Head Office and you can also download ithere. Please note you will have to have registered for the website to gain access to this page.
FAQs
Students train mainly in 4 Highland dances, namely, the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas and the Strathspey & Reel—all of which are performed in the traditional kilt. Scottish Highland Dancing is regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing in the world.
What is the hardest highland dance? ›
EARL OF ERROL: This was originally a dance performed in hard shoes, which was choreographed for the Earl of Errol. Errol is a small town in Aberdeenshire. Although it looks quite easy, it is perhaps one of the hardest National dances to perform well.
Who is the most famous Highland dancer? ›
Gareth Mitchelson (born 7 April 1967 in Dundee) is a Scottish dancer. He won the World Highland dancer Championship four times and is now a qualified teacher, adjudicator and examiner in Highland and Scottish step.
What is the difference between Scottish country dance and Highland dance? ›
Scottish Country Dancing is a form of social dancing that involves three or more couples dancing in organized formations called “sets.” Scottish Country Dancing is not to be confused with Scottish Highland Dancing which is a solo form of dance.
What is another name for the Highland dance? ›
Highland dances (Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, and Reel)
Why do highland dancers dance over swords? ›
Legend has it that the initial Ghillie Callum was created by Malcolm Canmore, a Celtic Prince who fought a battle in 1054. Triumphant, he crossed his opponent's sword with his own and danced over them celebrating his victory. It is also said that the Highland warriors danced the Sword Dance prior to battle.
What is the most famous Scottish dance? ›
The Eightsome Reel
Today this is one of Scotland's most popular ceilidh dances. Because it is so widespread there are slightly different ways of dancing it in each area of Scotland. The modern version of the eightsome reel appeared around 1870-80. It combines features of the scotch reel and the quadrille.
What is the hardest dance style in the world? ›
Said to be the most difficult genre to master, ballet is a rigorous style of dance that is the foundation of most forms of dance training. It is usually set, but not limited to, orchestrated music and is often the first dance style a child will experience as they begin their dance classes.
What music do Highland dancers dance to? ›
When you come across Highland Dancing, the music being played nowadays is the bagpipe, especially at Highland Games. Other music and instrumentation can be used, and originally it would have been mouth music.
Who is the most famous dance instructor in the world? ›
Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was an American modern dancer and choreographer, whose style, the Graham technique, reshaped American dance and is still taught worldwide.
Highland dance is competitive-focused, however competing is not required at our studios. There are four main competitive Highland dances, the Fling, Sword, Seann Triubhas, and Reel; and are the four required dances at a Highland dance championship competition.
What is the first position of highland dance? ›
1ST STAND ON THE FLATS OF THE FEET WITH HEELS TOGETHER AND FEET TURNED OUT AT RIGHT ANGLES. YOU MAY ALSO BE POISED ON THE BALLS OF BOTH FEET. OTHER LEG EXTENDED OUT DIRECTLY TO THE SIDE WITH TOE POINTED (IN LINE WITH THE HEEL OF THE SUPPORTING FOOT). MAY BE PLACED ON THE GROUND OR RAISED TO THE REQUIRED LEVEL.
Can boys do Highland Dancing? ›
For long Highland Dancing was a male dominated event but today it is the opposite. Earlier, both sexes danced in male costume but the introduction of the feminine Aboyne Dress encouraged more female contestants and the subsequent out numbering of young men on the dance platforms.
What are the 4 typical Scottish dances? ›
Scottish traditional dance can broadly be described as four different styles, with some techniques, moves, footwork and patterns common to all: Ceilidh dancing, Highland dancing, Scottish country dancing & Step dance.
What are the levels of Highland dancing? ›
There are five levels of Highland Dancing: Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Premier. Unless the dancer moves up early, all dancers under the age of seven compete at the Primary level. Each level after Primary has requirements that once met, the dancer must move up to the next level.
What is Scottish highland dancing called? ›
The main dances you will come across are: Highland Fling. Sword Dance. Seann Triubhas. Strathspey and Reel of Tulloch (dances with 3 other people)
