History

Highland Dancing is traditional solo dancing from Scotland which has its roots in the mists of antiquity. To date, there has been very little research carried out into its exact origins and the few opinions that there are often conflict with another.

Most people have not heard of Highland Dancing until, of course, you mention the Highland Fling or the Sword Dance. These are two of a number of dances that have evolved over time and are now taught to those learning Highland Dancing. With the exception of three, they are all solo dances requiring high levels of skill and physical strength. Although Highland Dancing is nearly always accompanied by the music of the bagpipes, it was in very early days danced to the sound of the harp.

Whereas a lot of dancing concentrates on the pattern a dancer makes as they move around the floor, Highland Dancing is far more concerned with the precise execution of intricate footwork. There is mention of a dance called the "Fling" as early as 1805 and from that time the dancing evolved into what it has become today.

Highland Dancing is a very prominent event at the famous Scottish Highland Games which are held throughout the Summer and early Autumn months in Scotland. Originally, the number and combination of steps found in Highland Dancing was almost limitless and competition judges found their task becoming increasingly difficult as allegations of unfairness abounded the Games scene. Consequently, in 1953, the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing was founded. The Board standardised the steps of the four Highland Dances performed in all competitions and published them in a textbook called "Highland Dancing". They also standardised the costumes to be worn for Highland Dancing Competitions. Most of you are familiar with the traditional kilt, but competitive dancers wear other outfits in the course of their competitions. Click here for information on what Highland Dancers wear.

The Present Day

Until the early 1900's, only boys entered for Highland Dancing competitions. That has now, however, completely reversed and the girls outnumber the boys by about 100 to 1! That is not to say that males are completely excluded - a number of world champions have been boys and men including the Mitchelson brothers, Gregor Bowman and Tony Cargill.

Dancing is not confined to Scotland from where, originally, most of the champions came from. Highland Dancing seems to have laid roots wherever Scottish people have originally settled including the United States of America, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa. It often seems now that it is dancers from these countries who are taking the important championship titles as worldwide travel becomes much easier. Never more so than now have native Scottish dancers had to really rise and meet the challenge from fantastic dancers that other countries are producing.

Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Truibhas, Reel of Tulloch,
Flora MacDonald's Fancy, Scottish Lilt, Blue Bonnets,
Earl of Errol, Scotch Measure, Village Maid,
Barrack's Johnnie, Highland Laddie, Broadswords,
Cake Walk, Sailor's Hornpipe, Irish Jig.

The Highland Fling

Of all the Highland Dances that are performed at competitions and championships throughout the world, the Highland Fling must surely be the most infamous. It is said to have been inspired by the sight of a stag cavorting around the hillside. All the movements; the arms held aloft like antlers, the feet dancing from side to side, the body turning around, suggest the stag's playing.

The Sword Dance

Another renowned dance which has its roots in ancient battles. It is reputed to have been created by Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland. In 1054 he fought a battle near Dunsinane against one of McBeth's chiefs. The outcome was success for Malcolm, who placed his own sword and that of his enemy on the ground in the form of a cross and danced in triumph over them. It is also, however, said that the Sword Dance was danced by warriors prior to battle. To land on the swords predicted an untimely end for the dancer!

Seann Truibhas

The Seann Truibhas is a graceful and flowing dance which is executed first of all in slow tempo, the last one or two steps being danced to a quicker tempo. Seann Truibhas is Gaelic for "Old Trousers" and it is believed that this dance came into vogue after the '45 rising when the wearing of the kilt was a punishable offence and trews had to be worn by the Highlanders.

Reel of Tulloch

The Reel of Tulloch usually follows a Strathspey which is one of the few dances in which competitors dance with each other (although they are still being marked individually). The dance call also be performed as a dance on its own in which case it is then called the Hullachan (gaelic for "party"). It is said to have originated in the chuchyard of Tulloch Church in Deeside where on a cold Winter's Sunday morning, the minister was late for his service. The parishioners tried to keep warm by stamping their feet, clapping their hands and chafing their arms until a rhythm was created.

Flora MacDonald's
Fancy

This is a very pretty National Dance which was choreographed in honour of the famous Flora MacDonald. In 1746, she helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden

Scottish Lilt

Another pretty dance which is unusual in that the counting is in 6's as opposed to 8's which is the norm. The dance is also sometimes referred to as the "Scottish Jig".

Blue Bonnets

A very balletic dance which depicts a graceful lady trying to attract the attention of the passing "Blue Bonnets". Blue Bonnets was a name for Scotsmen which arose due to the bonnets they used to wear.

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.

Scotch Measure

This can either be danced as a solo dance or with two people in which case it is called a "Twa Some". It is supposed to depict the Scottish dating ritual!

Village Maid

Perhaps one of the most beautiful National dances which is very heavily influenced by the Continental Ballet. This dance is unusual in that the dancer actually steps onto the flat foot, most of the other dances requiring the dancer to be on the ball of the supporting foot at all times.

Barracks Johnnie

This is supposed to have been a recruiting dance for the army. A recruiting officer would use a dancer to attract people to his recruiting station or use the dancer as entertaining while in a village. The full name of the dance is "Wilt thou go to the Barracks Johnnie?".

Highland Laddie

This dance was devised by soldiers in the first World War I features very often at dancing competitions. It is always danced to the famous tune of the same name.

Broadswords

This is of military origins and was commonly taught to those in the Scottish regiments of the army. This dance is usually performed by four dancers around four highland broadswords placed to make a cross with their points in the centre. It is danced first to a slow strathspey tempo and then speeds up into reel time for the last one or two steps.

Cake Walk

This dance originates in the Southern states of America where domestic servants would gather together in the evenings and amuse themselves by making dances that impersonated their masters' ways! The winner would receive a cake - hence, the Cake Walk! The dance is always performed by two dancers.

Sailor's Hornpipe

Everyone has heard of the Sailor's Hornpipe, but not many know that there is a Scottish version of it! It is a very energetic dance which recreates the many chores of a sailor on board his ship such as hauling ropes, looking out to sea, waving the farewell flag etc. It is danced in a British sailor's uniform.

Irish Jig

This is a Scottish version which to the unitiated is quite an experience to watch. It is, in essence, a parody of Irish dancing and the infamous Irish temper. There are many theories as to what this dance is portraying - the favourite being that the woman who shakes her firsts and flounces her skirt a lot in the dance is angry with her husband who has been out drinking until the small hours. The male version of the dance is supposed to be an impression of the happy-go-lucky Irishman facing his wife's tirade.