Highland Dancing

Dancing has always been part of Highland Games, but when organised Games began over 100 years ago, it was an all male event, but even that has changed greatly and now many more females take part than males. The true Highland dances consist of only three. The Highland Fling, The Sword Dance and The Seann Triubhas.

The Highland Fling is the oldest, considered to be based on the movements of Red Deer on the hill. The hands being like antlers and intricate movements of the feet on one spot.

The Sword Dance is a dance of triumph after battle when the victor laid his sword on top of his vanquished opponents in the form of a cross and danced around and over them.

The Seann Triubhas is the newest of the three dances and was delivered as a dance of derision during the period after Culloden when wearing the kilt was banned. The name means old or unwanted trousers!

The Strathspey and Reel and the Reel of Tulloch are based on Scottish Country Dances, but strictly choreographed for competition purposes.

The Sailor's Hornpipe and Irish Jig are Scottish versions of National Dances and again are strictly choreographed; they add colour and exuberance to competitions at Highland Games.