Highland dancing
Highland dancing is a style of competitive dance that blends elements of Scottish folk dancing with the conventions and discipline of ballet. It requires agility, strength and stamina to perform.
The Highland Dancing Competition is a central feature of the Montreal Highland Games. View the 2019 competition results > |
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2019 LIST OF DANCES
Barracks
The Barracks dance is thought to have military origins. It may have been used by recruiters to attract men to enlist as soldiers in the Scottish regiments.
Highland Fling
The Highland Fling may have originated as a celebration following a battle. It is danced on the spot and requires great balance and precision.
Hornpipe
The Hornpipe is a character dance. The movements in this dance mimic the actions used by sailors working on board ship, such as pulling ropes, climbing the rigging, and looking out to sea.
Lilt
The Scottish Lilt is thought to be a courting dance intended to display a lady's gracefulness and charm.
Pas de Basque
This is one of the first dances learned by young pupils when beginning to study Highland dance. The steps are similar to those of the Sword Dance but it is performed without the use of swords.
Seann Triubhas
Seann Triubhas (pronounced “shawn trews”) means “old trousers” in Gaelic. This dance is thought to represent the time when kilt-wearing had been banned in Scotland for many years. The kilt was finally permitted to be worn again, and the vigorous kicking motions of the legs are seen as the dancer kicking off the hated trousers.
Sword Dance
According to legend, the Sword Dance was first performed by a victorious king who laid his own sword on the ground on top of that of his vanquished enemy and danced around it in triumph. It requires precise footwork: dancers must perform quick and intricate steps around the crossed swords without touching them.
The Barracks dance is thought to have military origins. It may have been used by recruiters to attract men to enlist as soldiers in the Scottish regiments.
Highland Fling
The Highland Fling may have originated as a celebration following a battle. It is danced on the spot and requires great balance and precision.
Hornpipe
The Hornpipe is a character dance. The movements in this dance mimic the actions used by sailors working on board ship, such as pulling ropes, climbing the rigging, and looking out to sea.
Lilt
The Scottish Lilt is thought to be a courting dance intended to display a lady's gracefulness and charm.
Pas de Basque
This is one of the first dances learned by young pupils when beginning to study Highland dance. The steps are similar to those of the Sword Dance but it is performed without the use of swords.
Seann Triubhas
Seann Triubhas (pronounced “shawn trews”) means “old trousers” in Gaelic. This dance is thought to represent the time when kilt-wearing had been banned in Scotland for many years. The kilt was finally permitted to be worn again, and the vigorous kicking motions of the legs are seen as the dancer kicking off the hated trousers.
Sword Dance
According to legend, the Sword Dance was first performed by a victorious king who laid his own sword on the ground on top of that of his vanquished enemy and danced around it in triumph. It requires precise footwork: dancers must perform quick and intricate steps around the crossed swords without touching them.
