HIGHLAND DANCING
Dances, Competition, Judging, Fling
Sword, Sean Triubbhas, Reel, Nationals
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~THE HIGHLAND DANCES~
HIGHLAND FLING
SWORD DANCE (Gillie Callum) ...
SEANN TRIUBBHAS (Old Trousers) ..
. THE REELS
NATIONAL DANCES
IRISH JIG
SAILORS HORNPIPE
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Cowal ~~ Highland Gatering World
2019 Adult Highland Dance Champions
Adult World champion was Marielle Lesperance, Nova Scotia,
Rebecca Thow, Alberta,Ellis Hayes, Newton Stewart in third.
2019 FULL COVERAGE COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING
2020 GATHERING CANCELLED
READ MORE HERE ~ 2020 CANCELLATION
HIGHLAND DANCING
is a combination of movement,
music, and costume.The dances are generally danced solo
and in competition. The music~~a tune on the bagpipes.
There are usually four or six steps to a dance. Anyone, not
only those who are Scottish, but anyone, who loves dancing,
enjoys the sound of the bagpipes or just wants to learn
Highland Dancing can join in and learn the dances!!!
Students develop self-discipline and confidence as they
take on the physical demands of Highland dancing.Strength,
stamina and precision exhibited by accomplished dancers on
stage comes from years of training with experienced teachers.
Judges evaluate a dancer on three major crtiteria
TIMING, TECHNIQUE AND DEPORTMENT
TIMING
Refers to the ability of the dancer to follow the
rhythm of the music. Dancers must place feet, arms and head
in a very precise position simultaneously with the music.
Refers to the ability of the dancer to follow the
rhythm of the music. Dancers must place feet, arms and head
in a very precise position simultaneously with the music.
TECHNIQUE
The correct execution of footwork in coordin-
ation with head, arm and hand movements. Elevation, or the
ability to spring vigorously above the dance platform,counts
heavily. But: regardless of how showy a movement may appear,
it can never really be a winner if performed out of position
The correct execution of footwork in coordin-
ation with head, arm and hand movements. Elevation, or the
ability to spring vigorously above the dance platform,counts
heavily. But: regardless of how showy a movement may appear,
it can never really be a winner if performed out of position
DEPORTMENT
The interpretation displayed while performing
the dance. Balance and general appearance are very important.
And, it's important that no matter how difficult the dance is~
the dancer must display supple movement with pleasure, effort-
lessly, withoug elaborate showiness, and a unhurried attitude
SOME COMPETITION DANCES
THE HIGHLAND FLING
The interpretation displayed while performing
the dance. Balance and general appearance are very important.
And, it's important that no matter how difficult the dance is~
the dancer must display supple movement with pleasure, effort-
lessly, withoug elaborate showiness, and a unhurried attitude
SOME COMPETITION DANCES
THE HIGHLAND FLING
A dance of battle victory. Traditionally, ancient warriors and
clansmen performed this dance on the small round shield (called
a targ) which they carried into battle. One can understand the
quick footwork and dexterity of the dancer when it's pointed out
that most targs had a pinpoint sharp spike of steel - projecting
5" - 6" from its center - so a false step could be very painful
clansmen performed this dance on the small round shield (called
a targ) which they carried into battle. One can understand the
quick footwork and dexterity of the dancer when it's pointed out
that most targs had a pinpoint sharp spike of steel - projecting
5" - 6" from its center - so a false step could be very painful
THE SWORD DANCE (GHILLIE CALLUM
The ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael. It dates back to
King Malcolm Canmore. There is no Highland Dance older or better
known than the Ghillie Callum. Tradition says the original Ghillie
Callum was a Celtic prince and a hero of mortal combat;against one
of MacBeth's chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1504 he is said
to have taken the chief's sword and crossed over it with his own on
the ground before him - and then danced over them in exultation.
King Malcolm Canmore. There is no Highland Dance older or better
known than the Ghillie Callum. Tradition says the original Ghillie
Callum was a Celtic prince and a hero of mortal combat;against one
of MacBeth's chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1504 he is said
to have taken the chief's sword and crossed over it with his own on
the ground before him - and then danced over them in exultation.
THE SEANN TRIUBHAS
Prounounced 'shawn trews' in Gaelic, in English it transslates to
'old trousers.' Origins are obscure: it definitely depicts one in
the act of shedding his trousers. It's said by some the dance came
about in 1783 when the British Disarming Act of 1747 was finally
repealed and Scots were allowed to wear their tartans and kilts once
again. The dance mimics a Scot shedding his britches (during the slow,
first part of the dance) and returning to his tradition of Highland
dress and custom (during the final, up-tempo fling-like step).
'old trousers.' Origins are obscure: it definitely depicts one in
the act of shedding his trousers. It's said by some the dance came
about in 1783 when the British Disarming Act of 1747 was finally
repealed and Scots were allowed to wear their tartans and kilts once
again. The dance mimics a Scot shedding his britches (during the slow,
first part of the dance) and returning to his tradition of Highland
dress and custom (during the final, up-tempo fling-like step).
THE STRATHSPEY AND HIGHLAND REEL
Of all the Highland Dancing events in which the competitors vie, the
reels are the closest approach to social dancing. Even these,however,
are individual competitions. The teams consist of four dancers and
judges mark each competitor individually. Legend has it the reel orig-
inated with wellwishers waiting for the minister to arrive at the
church for a wedding on a cold day ~ and the group danced to stay warm
EMAIL GLADYS
In memory, Debso
Written/Played by Jay Ungar
JAY UNGAR ~ ASHOKAN FAREWELL
ASR Search Engine
reels are the closest approach to social dancing. Even these,however,
are individual competitions. The teams consist of four dancers and
judges mark each competitor individually. Legend has it the reel orig-
inated with wellwishers waiting for the minister to arrive at the
church for a wedding on a cold day ~ and the group danced to stay warm
A DANCER'S LINK
JR. HIGHLAND DANCING
EMAIL GLADYS
TUNE REQUESTS , HIGHLAND DANCING.....
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SITE UPDATED AUG 28, 2020
W3C Appoved, SSL 100% SECURE SITE
In memory, Debso
Written/Played by Jay Ungar
JAY UNGAR ~ ASHOKAN FAREWELL
ASR Search Engine
