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HIGHLAND DANCING
HIGHLAND DANCING
Highland dancing is usually performed solo by people of all ages, and is
a very colorful and lively display of artistic and athletic prowess. Many
Scots quote that there is no better scenery in Scotland than seeing a kilted
dancer, swaying and turning to the sounds of the traditional Scottish bagpipes.
Presently, Highland dancing has transformed into a very competitive form
of dance for young people, however people of all ages enjoy the social aspect
of Highland dance as well as the great workout gained.
HIGHLAND FLING
As was traditional of the old kings of Scotland, Highland dancing was used to choose the best men for their men at arms. These dances tested the culminate of warrior skills including accuracy, agility and stamina. Prospects danced upon a small round shield (called a Targe) and they learned quickly to move with dexterity as a false step would land them upon the spike in the middle. The dance is said to have been inspired by the capers of the stag - the dancers upraised arms representing the animal’s antlers. Danced vigorously and exultantly, it is now highly stylized and calls for the greatest skill in technique and exactness of timing.
Here are some basic fling movements:
- Shedding: working foot placed to the side, then hopping, bringing it to the rear of the calf before smoothly moving it to the front of the leg and then returned to the rear.
- Toe-Heels: working foot placed on the toe next to the arch of supporting foot, then hopping placed on the heel in same position.
- Rocks: working foot placed on the toe next to the arch of the supporting foot, then spring to place the new working foot on the toe behind the new supporting foot.
SWORD
Tradition suggests a Celtic prince, Ghillie Callum, was a hero of mortal combat against one of MacBeth’s Chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054. He is said to have crossed his own bloody claymore with the sword of the defeated Chief and danced over them both in exultation. This dance of exultation became a tradition among the highland warriors. It is believed that to complete the dance without touching the sword is a good omen and indicative of a successful battle.
Here are some basic sword movements:
- Pas De Basque: springing onto the supporting foot, place the working foot on the pad of the toe next to the arch and pick up the supporting foot and returning it behind the working foot.
- Spring Point: pointing the working foot in front, then springing placing the new working foot in front.
SEANN TRUIBHAS
Pronounced "shawn trews", the literal translation from Gaelic means "old trousers".
This dance is reputed to date from the rebellion of 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie challenged the might of England at Culloden, and lost. As a penalty, Highlanders were forbidden to wear the kilt. Seann Triubhas is a dance of celebration developed in response to the repealing by the English of the Act of Proscription in 1747, which restored to the Scots the right to wear their kilts and play the bagpipes once more. The first part of the dance comprising of graceful, flowing movements, is supposed to mock the restrictions imposed by the foreign trousers, while the movement of the second part clearly depict the legs defiantly shaking and shedding the hated trousers and returning to the freedom of the kilt. The dance then progresses from slow time to quick time as the final celebration of the rediscovered freedom.
Here are some basic seann truibhas movements:
- Shuffle: with working foot raised in front, it is brushed in to the arch of the supporting foot and brushed out again.
- Balance: with working foot raised diagonally in front, it is brought inward to supporting foot which is extended diagonally to the rear. Movement repeating toward the front again.
HIGHLAND REEL / HALF TULLOCH
Of all the Highland Dancing events in which the competitors vie, the reels are the closest approach to social dancing. While the teams consist of four dancers, the judges mark each competitor individually. Legend has it that the reel originated outside a locked church in the Highland village of Tulloch, where it was danced by chilly parishioners as a method of keeping warm while waiting for a tardy clergyman. The competitive dance normally comprises steps danced to Strathspey tempo and then change to the more exciting Reel tempo.
Here are some basic reel movements:
- Leap: disassembling from both feet, jump extending both feet outward to the sides and returning them together on landing
- Swing: dancers link arms and use outer feet to propel them around each other.
CEILIDH
The ceilidh dances are easy to learn and often looks much more difficult than it is. Learning it is no problem because the bands and the fellow dancers are always happy to help beginners to their groups. The Ceilidh dances are very sociable, easy-going and good exercise when the pace gets going. Scottish country dancing is similar to the ceilidh dances but it is often a little more formal, complexed and more well-organized. Once you know the ceilidh dance steps, you can join in anywhere in the world.
