|
PIPING AND DRUMMING | HIGHLAND
DANCING | ATHLETICS
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND DANCING
Scottish Highland dancing is one of the oldest forms of folk dancing
from which both modern ballet and square dancing can trace their
roots. Dating back to the 11th or 12th century, the highland dances
of Scotland were highly athletic dances of celebration, triumph
or battle with some being performed over swords or spiked shields.
Originally they were performed and later competed by men only. According
to tradition, Kings and Scottish Chiefs of old used highland games
as a means to select the best men for their services. Highland dancing
was one way of testing them for strength, stamina, accuracy and
agility. Later, Scottish military regiments used Highland dancing
as a form of training. Today, Scottish military divisions continue
to incorporate highland dancing and piping into their regimen.
While highland dancers today are predominantly female, the style
and form remains extremely athletic requiring skill and stamina.
Dances you will observe during competitions continue to include
traditional highland dances as well as various “national” dances,
developed in more modern times. Traditional dances, performed in
classic highland attire, include:
The Highland Fling - a traditional victory dance.
The Sword Dance - a traditional battle dance Seann Truibhas - dance
commemorating the repeal of the Acts of Proscription decades after
the rebellion of 1745 and the subjugation of Scotland by the British.
Strathspey and Reel - traditional group dance
National dances, performed in various costumes appropriate to the
dance, include:
Flora McDonald’s Fancy - honoring the woman credited with saving
Bonnie Prince Charlie following the 1745 rebellion and massacre
at Culloden field.
Sailor’s Hornpipe - portrays the daily work routines of a sailor’s
life.
Irish Jig - a caricature dance depicting an Irish washerwoman angry
with her erring husband.
Scottish Lilt and others - various dances created in the on-going
attempt to elucidate the history of Scotland as well as the important
role of dance through its history.
Dancers, today in competition, are judged based upon timing, technique,
and general deportment. All highland dance competitions are governed
by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD). This
governing body monitors and sets acceptable dance techniques, costumes
and rules. Registration #USSE-0408.
|
