History of Highland Dance
What started as an athletic endeavor has become a combined effort in athleticism and commitment in order to learn the intricate movements of Scottish dance. Long hours of practice and patience are required to learn and perform highland dancing. Here is an abbreviated history of a few of the dances:
The Highland Fling
This was first presented as a victory dance in battle. Originally, clansmen and warriors performed this dance on a small shield (also known as a targ) which was carried into battle. These shields had long, sharp spikes that circled the perimeter of this heavy piece of protection. These clansmen carefully placed this targ and danced on the center of it; the dancer remained in the middle because one false move could be painful.
Sword dance: (Ghille Calum)
There is no better known highland dance than the sword dance. The sword dance dates back to 1504. A Celtic Prince — who won a fierce battle— took his opponent’s sword, crossed it, along with his, symbolizing the sign of the Cross, and joyfully danced over these swords.
Sean Truibhas:
Pronouced ‘shawn trews’ in the Gaelic language, its English version is, "old trousers." The quick foot movements depict a person in the act of shedding his britches (pants) and eagerly anticipating wearing his traditional kilt.
Strathspeys and Reels:
Legend says that this dance, performed by four, started by a group of well-wishers waiting for a minister to arrive for a wedding. They danced together on a cold day trying to stay warm.
Irish Jig:
This dance is meant to be a parody of an Irish washerwoman in an agitated state of mind. The dance combines tap movements with expressive arm gestures. (Uncommon in traditional highland dance).
Sailor’s Hornpipe:
This dance depicts various shipboard activities. Its name derives from the instrument "horn pipe", —similar to today´s tin flute— which accompanied the dance. This upbeat dance became so popular among seamen that it became known as the "sailor´s hornpipe". You may observe climbing and hauling ropes, look—outs, and many other traditional sailors´ movements.