Highland Dancing
Highland Dancing is one of Scotland's most celebrated cultural traditions, combining athleticism, precision, and centuries of history. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, these dances were originally performed by warriors and clansmen as demonstrations of strength, agility, endurance, and readiness for battle. Today, Highland Dancing is a highly technical and competitive art form enjoyed throughout the world.
One of the hallmarks of Highland Dancing is the dancer's precise foot placement. Proper positioning of the feet is essential, as even the most accomplished dancer can lose points if footwork is inaccurate. Judges carefully evaluate technique, timing, posture, arm movements, and overall deportment, with each element contributing to the dancer's final score. Excellence in Highland Dancing requires grace, control, strength, and exceptional attention to detail.
The Highland Dance competition is coordinated by Dr. Kathryn White Austin and Lisa Eri Backovsky. Questions regarding Highland Dance may be directed to Dr. Kathryn Austin at kwadance@gmail.com.
Highland Fling
The Highland Fling is one of the oldest and most recognizable Highland dances. Tradition holds that Scottish warriors performed the dance after a victorious battle as a celebration of their success. According to popular folklore, the dance was originally performed on a small round shield known as a targe. Many targes featured a sharp metal spike at their center, requiring the warrior to demonstrate extraordinary balance and agility while dancing. Because of this tradition, the Highland Fling is still performed largely in one spot, reflecting the way it would have been danced atop the warrior's shield.
Sword Dance (Ghillie Callum)
The Sword Dance, or Ghillie Callum, is one of the oldest surviving Highland dances and is often referred to as Scotland's ancient war dance. Tradition tells of a Scottish warrior who defeated his enemy in battle and placed his sword across that of his fallen opponent, forming a cross on the ground. He then danced over the crossed blades in celebration of his victory. Some accounts connect this legend to King Malcolm III and the Battle of Dunsinane in the 11th century.Historically, warriors also performed the Sword Dance before battle. Completing the dance without touching the swords was considered a sign of good fortune, while striking a blade was thought to predict misfortune in the coming conflict.
Seann Triubhas
Pronounced"Shawn Troose," Seann Triubhas is Gaelic for "old trousers." The dance is traditionally associated with the period following the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when laws known as the Dress Acts restricted the wearing of Highland dress, including the kilt. When those restrictions were eventually lifted, Scots once again embraced their traditional attire.The dance is often interpreted as expressing the joy and freedom of returning to Highland traditions. Early movements are said to symbolize the rejection of restrictive trousers (trews), while the lively concluding steps celebrate the return of the kilt and the enduring spirit of the Scottish Highlands. Although some modern historians debate the exact origins of this story, it remains one of the most beloved traditions associated with the dance.
Sailor's Hornpipe
The Sailor's Hornpipe is a character dance that reflects Scotland's long maritime history and the influence of the Royal Navy. Competitors traditionally wear a sailor's uniform and perform movements that represent everyday tasks performed aboard ship, such as climbing rigging, hauling ropes, and maintaining the vessel.Known for its lively rhythm and expressive storytelling, the Sailor's Hornpipe combines precision footwork with theatrical movements, creating an entertaining tribute to the skill, discipline, and adventurous spirit of sailors throughout history.
