Highland dancing is believed to have originated during the prehistoric period, whilst the Scottish Fling dance said to have developed from a warrior chant many years ago. Today Highland Dancing, rooted from Scotland, has made its way across the border encouraging many to take up the sport and get fit whilst having fun.
According to tradition, the old Kings and Chiefs of Scotland used Highland Games as a form of training and testing stamina. The Highland Games dates back some three hundred years ago, whereby men would be encouraged to take part to show off their strength and endurance. The games include events such as: throwing the hammer, tug ‘o war, athletics and field events, and dancing and piping competitions. They now attract a large following, with the Games taking place between May and September every year; though the competitors no longer enter to join the army, it remains to be a test of strength.
If you think that dancing is simply for the weak hearted, then you are very wrong indeed; it takes a lot of skill, passion, commitment and most of all fitness if you want to make it as a top dancer. It takes the strength of an athlete, not just a dancer and is performed at many Highland Games events all over the world including: Japan, South Africa, America, Australia and, of course, Britain. It may have been a pastime for the soldiers, out fighting for their country; but now female Highland Dancers outnumber men at 100 to one. Highland Dancing reflects ballet in a number of ways, including the technique; whilst spending many hours practicing and perfecting each dance; one thing to note is that hand-eye co-ordination is very important if you intend on becoming a highland dancer.
Highland dances are split up between Highland and National Dances, representing the male and female routines which are performed alongside Bagpipes. The highland dances were traditionally performed by men, and remain as masculine dances which require strength, stamina and skill.
Perhaps the most famous Highland dance is the Fling, which many relate to Scottish dancing. The Fling is known as the dance of battle, whereby the warriors celebrated their victory by dancing the Fling. The key to the dance is agility, speedy footwork and strength. It used to be danced, as one can imagine after battle, in heavy footwear meaning the close round-the-leg footwork of the Shedding wasn’t important, the dance itself has developed a lot since the days where the foot was flung around the leg rather than sharply and neatly danced around the leg.
The Swords is another well known Highland dance, which is suggested to have stemmed from Malcom Canmore, King of Scotland between 1054 and 1096. Malcom is believed to have dance around his sword in victory over battle. Today the dance is performed over fake swords (to risk injury) and obtains a number of quick and nimble steps, which requires focus and most of all: elevation.
The Seann Triubhas remains a slightly unknown dance to many, yet is a joy to anyone who has the pleasure of watching this Highland Dance. The name means ‘Old Trousers’ which is represented through the forced wearing of trousers, or trewes. The dance itself is suggested to have developed after the Jacobite Rising of 1745 when Charles Edward Stuart returned to Scotland to win back his crown. The crusade itself however wasn’t a success, having lacked the French backing it was expecting and therefore retreated to the Highlands, where they were defeated in 1746. The Jacobite clan was eventually dissembled, with their kilts and plaids stripped away from them. The Seann Triubhas came about in response of the repeal of the kilts and plaids being taken away from the Highlanders, and they were allowed to wear their kilts once more. The beginning half of the dance reflects the slow grace, mimicking the Highlander hating his trewes, whilst the latter part of the dance reflects their joy of wearing their Highland dress once more.
One of the only Highland dances to be danced in a group is the Strathspey, which is either danced as a Reel of Tulloch, Strathspey and Half a Tulloch, Strathspey and Highland Reel, or Strathspey, Highland Reel and Half a Tulloch. They are each performed by four dancers, which either begins in a line or a square finishing off in a line of four; the dances can incorporate a figure of eight. The dance itself is believed to have expected to have originated from a church yard in order to keep the parishioners warm during the winter.
The National Highland Dances reflect femininity and has a tendency to show a little more personality. Women were previously unable to wear the kilts of the Highland Dances, so instead competed in the National Dances in dances which showed the balletic, lady-like dances. The costume they are required to wear is known as the Aboyne which includes wearing a blouse, and skirt. It was only up until the 1960s in America that only the women were allowed to compete in such dances, whereas now the competitions are open to all.
National Dances include the Scottish Lilt, otherwise known as the Scottish Jig, which is commonly danced at the Battle of Somme or Drops of Brandy to represent the tragedy of the battles.
The Flora McDonald’s Fancy is also frequently danced as a National Dance choreographed by Flora McDonald. It was introduced during the 1746 fiasco whereby the Bonnie Prince Charlie was a wanted man; Flora turned into the hero, helping him escape to Skye by dressing him as her maid. He escaped to France; however Flora was arrested although her treatment wasn’t severe due to her courage.
Other National Dances include the Blue Bonnets, a graceful dance which resembles a balletic nature, assumed to have been dance to passing ‘Blue Bonnets’ or Soldiers. The Earl of Errol, which was choreographed by the man himself; one dance which was heavily influenced by ballet is The Village Maid, which requires a lot of character. Scotch Measure can either be danced alone of as a twosome, traditionally danced as a dating ritual.
Hielan’ Laddie is a dance thought to have been created during the First World War. It is very common to hear the tune during regimental marches. Lastly Wilt Thou Go to the Barracks Johnnie or more simply known as Barracks Johnnie is known to have been a recruiting dance for the Scottish Army, using the dance to attract people to sign up.
The Highland Jig and Hornpipe are other dancers which reflect the variety of dances which can be performed. The Jig resembles Irish dancing and bears a close similarity to a rather angry Irish Washer Woman. The dance requires Jig shoes which come in a slight heel and is perfect for those who can show a bit of attitude. With feet stomping and arms waving, this is a truly comical and fun dance to either take part in or watch. The Hornpipe on the other hand is a similar quick footed dance, wearing a sailor’s outfit; with many of the movements reflecting that of a sailor. From sweeping the deck, to climbing the crow’s nest, the dance is full of character from beginning to end.
The best known way to show off your dancing skills, or to witness that of others, is to attend the many dancing competitions held worldwide. As well as being a fun day out, it can be an experience to watch the many professional dancers show off their dances with pride. They are often judged by their timing, technique and interpretation of the dance. Each dancer begins with 100 points, which leads to points being taken away for any mistakes, poor timing and execution. Once they have danced, they will be awarded as the judges see fit.
Many may assume that you must be part of the Scottish heritage in order to take part in Highland, which is simply not the case. Highland dancing takes place all over the world and represents the excitement and strength of will and character to take part; something which can be displayed by anyone, male or female, young or old.
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