Highland
               Dance


 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      




                                                                                     

Dedicated to the preservation, performance, and the enjoyment of Scottish music and dance, Tucson Celtic Festival is proud to have the Seven Pipers Scottish Society participating in the 2008 Celtic Festival.

 

Seven Pipers has an active Highland Dance Section with dancers competing at festivals and performing in shows and special events in the Southwest. Anyone interested in Celtic Music or Dance should contact Seven Pipers for more information on their programs. http://www.sevenpipers.org/about.html

Scottish Highland Dance

Highland dances are high-powered and spectacular solo dances, some of which were originally war and battle dances.  They have evolved over the centuries coming through the mists of Scottish history, into the form we know today.  These dances are now danced in competitions at Highland Games and Celtic festivals, and sometimes in artistic performances and choreographies.  Highland dances, usually danced in a kilt, are now dazzling, aerial displays of intricate footwork requiring strength, power, and stamina combined with agility and lightness (some have called the Highland form, “ballet on steroids!”).  

 

Traditional Highland dances have stories or legends accompanying them, and many were historically danced by men to stay fit and prepare for, or celebrate after battle.  Scottish National dances are a more gentle and graceful form that is danced in a dress rather than a kilt.  The following are some of the dances you will see in competition today. 

Highland Dances

The Highland Fling –A dance of victory in battle.  Traditionally, the ancient warriors and clansmen performed this dance on the small round shield (called a targe), which they carried into battle.  The raised arms represent antlers of the great Highland stag.

           

The Sword Dance (Ghillie Callum) – The ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael.  It is said to date back to King Malcom Canmore, when the king danced over swords after victory in battle.

           

The Seann Truibhas – Pronounced shawn trews in the Gaelic language, its translation into English is “old trousers”.  The dance has obscure origins, but tradition states that it represents a Highlander shedding his hated trousers (which he was forced to wear by the English) in favor of the freedom of his native Highland kilt.

Scottish National Dances

Flora MacDonald’s Fancy – the Flora is the best known and oldest of the National

Dances.  It was created in honor of Flora MacDonald who assisted Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape from the British.

 

Scottish Lilt – The Lilt is a gentle flowing dance with balladic style typical of the National Dances.