Highland dancing

Most of the true Highland dances are connected with ancient Scottish folk customs. The present form had been developed through the centuries and been refined into its now general form; however the original basic steps and themes have been passed through the years.

Highland dances were originally only performed by men, but today there are far more women who perform these dances. The Highland dances are performed solo, and have precise, difficult movements and require much stamina and co-ordination.  They are also regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of national dances in the world. (photo: Girl from Jenkins School of Dancing; Courtesy Scottish Traditions of Dance)

Highland dancing is most commonly done to bagpipes, and the version pipers play today dates back to the 16th century. The music itself consists of the melody, which is played on the chanter, backed by continuous and unvarying tones from the three drone pipes.

The most commonly known Highland dances are the Sword Dance and Highland Fling, other frequently performed dances are the Sean Triubhas, the Sailor’s Hornpipe, the Irish Jig, and the Strathspey and Highland Reel.

To find out more about Highland dance and how to learn Highland dancing at your local dance centre please refer to the links list to the right.