Dancing Events

Scottish dancing takes three basic forms. The first, folk dancing, involves both men and women and are frequently performed for recreation.. The other two, the Highland dances and the National dances, are traditionally individual events involving competitions. In judging the competition dances, the judges look for are the precision and timing of the steps in conjunction with the required arm and leg movements. The dance should appear relaxed and in control of all movements.

The Folk Dances

Scottish Country Dancing. Scottish Country Dancing developed in the Lowlands of Scotland and was first accompanied by the fiddle. It is performed in rows with sets of partners facing each other and requires very intricate and precise footwork. It is typically a demonstration and audience participation event.

The Highland Dances

Highland Dancing is thought to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland around the 11th Century. The dances were originally performed by men and require a great deal of stamina. In judging the competition dances, the judges look for are the precision and timing of the steps in conjunction with the required arm and leg movements. The dance should appear relaxed and in control of all movements.

Highland Fling. According to tradition, the Highland Fling was originally performed by the Highland warrior on his targe after battle. Accordingly, it is danced in one spot without travelling steps. The steps are simple but must be executed precisely with positions being strongly held. This dance is often considered to be the greatest test for the Highland Dance.

Sword Dance. This dance was traditionally performed by the Highland warrior on the eve of the battle using the warrior's sword and scabbard. The sword and scabbard are crossed on the ground to define the dancing spot. According to legend, the warriors that were able to dance the Sword Dance without touching the sword with his feet would be successful in the approaching battle.

Seann Truibhas. Seann triubhas, pronounced sheen trews, are the Gaelic words for "old trousers". This dance celebrates the lifting of the Act of Proscription, the law that forbade the wearing of the kilt by the common highlander. The dance symbolizes the kicking off of the hated trousers.

The National Dance

Many of the National Dances were originally choreographed for women. The focus is more on grace than brute strength and stamina.

Strathspey and Highland Reel. The Strathspey and Highland Reel dance begins at the slow tempo of the strathspey. Later, the tempo changes to the fast tempo of the reel. The basic step is the same step used in Scottish Country Dancing combined with figure eight movements. Dancers are judged individually in this group dance.

Strathspey and Half Tulloch. The Strathspey and Half Tulloch is attributed to the movements of cold parishioners used to stay warm. The parishioners were waiting outside the Church one cold morning for a rather tardy preacher. Dancers are judged individually in this group dance.

Sailor's Hornpipe. Of Celtic origin, the Sailor's Hornpipe is a traditional solo dance known throughout to the British Isles. The name is derived from and English wind instrument made from an ox horn with a costume based on the historical British seaman. The dance depicts shipboard activities such as rope hauling, climbing, looking to the sea and being a bit tipsy.

Scottish National Dances. The National Dances are sedate with elegant movements. Traditionally, they were created solely to be danced by women. Many steps are taken from classical ballet. The Scottish Lilt is a dance that is performed in a shortened version of the traditional 17th century women's attire (the arisaid over a white dress). Flora Macdonald's Fancy honors the national heroine who helped hide Charles Edward Stuart after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The Scotch Measure is a graceful variation of the Fling. It can be danced solo or in pairs. The Earl of Erroll uses ballet steps to create a flowing movement with complicated footwork.