Dance Competitions
Janet Grant
Chair
dance1@arizonascots.com

Download Highland Dancing Entry Form

Highland Dance Schedule
February 23, 2008	February 24, 2008
9:00 - 11:30 AM Primary, Beginner and Novice Dancers Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Scottish Lilt	9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dancers' Workshop with judge William T. Weaver
1:00 - 4:00 PM Intermediate and Premier Dancers Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Barracks Johnnie, Highland Laddie, Earl of Errol, Irish Jig, and Sailor's Hornpipe

About Highland Dancing

Right along with the ancient stories of daring warriors and master pipers, you will find dance as a crucial part of celebrations and ceremonies of the Highlands. Nothing can compare with the graceful power of a Highland dancer recalling a glorious victory.

Highland dancing is of military origin; some dances, such as the Highland Fling, date back to the time of the Roman occupation of ancient Caledonia. Once considered an athletic event, these solo dances of the Highland men were so vigorous that one had to be in top physical shape to perform them.

Most competitors today are female, but the remaining Scottish regiments are still represented by male dancers who continue to perform the traditional dances.

About the Dances/Events:

The Highland Fling – The oldest and probably most familiar of the Highland dances, the Highland Fling is said to have originated as a victory dance.

The Sword Dance (The Ghillie Callum) – The Ghillie Callum (the solo Sword dance – there are a number of different sword dances in the Scottish repertoire) is a very old and powerful dance. Dating from the days of Malcolm Canmore, King of the Scots, this dance, like the Highland Fling, began as a victory dance after battle.

The Seann Triubhaus– The name of this dance, pronounced shawn trooz comes from the Scots Gaelic and means “old trousers.”

The Reel of Tulloch – The Scottish Reel is one opportunity Highland dancers have to dance together. Four dancers do this elegant dance together (though they are judged as individuals).

Flora MacDonald’s Fancy – This is a Scottish National dance. Flora MacDonald was a courageous young woman from the Isle of Skye who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from Scotland after his defeat at Culloden.

The Scottish Lilt - A graceful, ballet-like dance that celebrates life and heritage.