My Top 3 Traditional Highland Dances
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What is Highland Dance?Loading...
A form of traditional Scottish dancing, it has important cultural and historic ties. It requires a lot of strength, stamina and precision. There are many competitions which often take place at Highland Games and Scottish festivals.Loading...
Dancers wear matching kilts and vests. They can come in any colour and any tartan pattern.Loading...
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Dancers wear soft-soled leather shoes called ghillies that lace up.Loading...
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The Strathspey and Highland ReelLoading...
Most dances are performed solo, but this dance is unique because it requires four dancers in a line, moving in a figure 8 pattern. Loading...
Another variation is the Reel of Tulloch which requires partners!Loading...
The Sailor's Hornpipe
The movements in this dance mimic the actions of a sailor, such as hoisting the sails and pulling in the anchor.
Definitely one of the most well-known dances and easily recognizable, it requires dancing over two crossed swords. This has a historic wartime connotation which could be a victory dance after defeating an enemy.
This costume is unique to this specific dance. It is similar to those worn by sailors in the navy in the early 20th century.
The Sword Dance
Definitely one of the most well-known dances and easily recognizable, it requires dancing over two crossed swords. This has a historic wartime connotation which could be a victory dance after defeating an enemy.
It requires a lot of technical skill and precise movements. Touching the swords in any way with the feet results in a disqualification in most competitions.