HISTORY OF HIGHLAND, NATIONAL, AND CHARACTER DANCES
Like other dance traditions, what is called "Highland dancing" is a hybrid form that has been constantly changing according to contemporary aesthetics and interpretations of the past. While some elements may be centuries old, other elements are much more modern. The vast majority of dances now performed were composed in the last century.
Nowadays, Highland dancing, which can be seen at nearly every modern day Highland games event, is a highly competitive and technical dance form which requires many hours of practice and training over a period of several years to perfect.As far as competitions were concerned, until 1986 there were only four standard dances - The Sword Dance, The Sean Triubhas, The Reel of Tulloch and The Highland Fling. Since then, various other (pre-existing) dances have been added to the competition repertoire.
THE HIGHLAND DANCES
Highland Fling
Some say the Fling was inspired by the sight of a red deer stag prancing on the hillside. This dance copies the movements of the stag with hands raised antler-like, springing and turning with feet raised to the knee. The warriors made this dance a feat of strength and agility. Dancing on their upturned shields it was important to dance on the spot so as not to impale their feet on the sharp spike of steel protruding from the center.
Sword Dance
This dance demands a strong performance, neatness in crossing the blades and precision in turning. It is said the original Gillie Callum was Malcolm Canmore, a Celtic Prince who fought a battle in 1054. In celebration of victory, he crossed his opponent’s sword with his own and danced over it with joy. Another tale has it that warriors would cross their swords over their opponents before a battle. Together they danced over the swords. If the warrior touched the sword it was a bad omen and was thought to mean certain injury or death in battle.
Seann Truibhas
Dating back to 1745 when the wearing of the kilt was an act of treason, this dance originated as a political protest. The beautiful, graceful steps reflect the Scot’s desire to "Shed the Trousers" and once again wear the beloved kilt. The quick time in the dance recreates the Highlanders’ great joy in the ban being lifted as the steps become light and merry.
The Reels
The reels have always been group dances for recreation. The reel O’Tulloch is said to have originated at Tulloch Churchyard where on a cold snowy morning, the minister was delayed and the congregation started to swing each other by the arm to keep themselves warm. The slow movement, the Strathspey is thought by many to be a mourning dance following the path of the river "Strath" in the valley of "Spey". The Highland Reel is a quick, livelier version of the Strathspey.
THE NATIONAL DANCES
The National dances were primarily intended for the lassies and could be inspired by almost any incident of everyday life.These dances include the Scottish Lilt, the Earl of Errol, Blue Bonnets, Hielan' Laddie, the Scotch Measure, Flora MacDonald's Fancy, The Village Maid and Wilt thou go to the barracks, Johnny?.
The National dances were invented to be danced by women, as women were not originally allowed to dance the Highland dances and wear the kilt. Instead, they danced the National dances, which are softer and more ballet-like, and the outfit usually worn is called an "Aboyne" (after the Aboyne Highland Games, where women are not allowed to wear kilts for dancing to this day). The outfit consists of a full tartan skirt, white blouse, a velvet vest laced up the front, and a "plaid" or "plaidie" pinned to the shoulder and waist. Another option for the National dances is to wear a white dress with a plaid on the shoulder. Nowadays, males and females dance both Highland and National dances (males have the option of wearing plaid "trews"--trousers--instead of a kilt for the National dances).
CHARACTER DANCES
Irish Jig
If the Irish Jig is danced by a lady, it is about either the distressed wife scolding her husband or a washerwoman chasing taunting boys away who have dirtied her washing. If it is danced by a man, it is the story of Paddy's Leather Breeches in which a careless washerwoman has shrunk Paddy's fine leather breeches and he is waving his shilelagh at her in anger.
Sailors Hornpipe
The Hornpipe mimics a sailor in her majesty's navy doing work aboard ship: hauling rope, sliding on the rolicking deck, and getting his paycheck, and has quite a lot of detail involved that portrays the character (e.g. the dancer does not touch their palms, assumed to be dirty, on his uniform).
