Highland Dancing is regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of
national dancing in the world and whilst it is almost impossible for dance
historians to separate fact from fiction when researching the more popular
Scottish dances, the following explanations have gained great currency,
probably because they are imaginative and picturesque stories.
Traditionally, dancing competitions included just four standard dances -
The Sword Dance, The Seann Triubhas, The Reel of Tulloch and The
Highland Fling, but in 1986 a couple of imports were added to the
repertoire - The Sailor's Hornpipe and The Irish Jig.
The Sword Dance
Gille Calum or Gille Chaluim.
Said to have originated in 1054 when King Malcolm Canmore clashed in battle
near Dunsinane with one of Macbeth's chiefs. Having slain his opponent,
Malcolm crossed his claymore with that of his opponent to make the sign of
the cross and danced in exultation over them. After this time, it is said,
clansmen would cross their swords prior to battle and if they could complete
the war dance without touching the swords, it signified that they would be
the victors.
The Sean Triubhas
Said to reflect the highlander's desire to shake off the hated Sassenach
trousers that Scots were forced to wear when the kilt was prohibited after
the 1745 rebellion. The dance is performed in the then much-hated
triubhas (pronounced trews) and the slow tempo shows the dancer's
disgust. The quicker steps show either the dancer's attempts to shake off
the offending garment, or the pleasure at the rescinding of the ban in 1782.
The very great French influence on Scottish culture is shown by the
embellishments such as pirouettes and the final French-style entrechat.
The Reel of Tulloch
Originated in the north east village of Tulloch one winter morning long ago when the minister was late in arriving. The
assembled congregation waiting outside the church doors, stamped their feet
and clapped their hands to keep warm and as someone began to whistle a Highland air, the movements developed into a lively dance.
The Highland Fling
Together with the Sword Dance, the Highland Fling is probably the most
famous of Scottish dances. Thought to have originated in about 1790, legend
has it that an old shepherd was giving chanter lessons to his grandson on a
hillside when he saw a stag rearing and wheeling in the near distance. He
asked the boy if he could imitate the stag's dance which he did, and hence
the steps and the graceful curve of the arms and hands depicting the stag's
antlers. The dance is performed on the same spot throughout and this is held
to be because the clansmen of old danced it on their targe (leather-covered,
studded shield). Another more prosaic explanation is that the dance evolved
as a solo performance of the reel.
Sailors Hornpipe
Is danced in the form of naval uniform and simulate the hauling on ropes,
manning of the yardman, splicing of the mainbrace and other feats performed
by seamen under sail.
The Irish Jig
Is performed in a stylised red and green outfit. Customarily danced to the
tune of "Paddy's leather Breeches" and "The Irish Washerwoman". It
symbolises Paddy's rage at his breeches being shrunk by a washerwoman and
her spirited defiance at the attack on her competence.
Entry forms can be downloaded here:
Dancing Entry
