Highland Dancing at the Cobourg Highland Games
History - Dating back to the 11th century, the Highland Dances of Scotland tended to be highly athletic dances of triumph, joy, or some other reflection of everyday life. Competitive Highland dancing, for men only, started during the Highland Revival of Victorian Britain. Ladies began competing at the turn of the 1900's. No matter who dances them, Highland Dances require both athletic and artistic skill.
Dancers belong to one of five levels: primary, beginner, novice, intermediate and the big leagues - premier. Each level divides into age categories.
Highland Fling - The Highland fling was originally performed by the highland warrior on his targe after battle. Accordingly, it was danced in one spot without travelling steps. The dance is often considered to be the greatest test for the highland dancer. Despite the variety of steps, it should be danced in the same position on the stage, perhaps because originally, the Highland fling was said to have been done on the shield of the clansman. It has become the classic solo dance at competitive dancing events.
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Technique - The dancers footwork and coordination with head, arm and hand movements. Good dancing requires proper positioning of the feet. No matter how graceful or agile the dancer, the dance loses its attractiveness if the foot positions are wrong. |
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Timing - The dancer's ability to follow the rhythm of the music with his or her body. |
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General Deportment - The dancer's interpretation and ability to capture the spirit and motif of the dance, includes balance, general appearance and carriage of the head, arms, body and hands. Upright posture is essential. Dancers must show pleasure. |
Sword Dance - The sword and scabbard are crossed on the ground to define the dancing spot. According to legend, the sword dance was danced on the eve of battle. The warriors, who were able to dance the sword dance without touching the sword with their feet, would be successful in the approaching battle.
Seann Triubhas
- Pronounced sheen trews, Seann triubhas is Gaelic for “Old
trousers”. This dance celebrated the lifting of the
act of proscription, the law that forbade the wearing of the kilt by
the common highlander. The dance symbolizes the kicking off of the
hated trousers. The seann triubhas is associated with the period
from 1746 to 1792.
Strathspey & Highland Reel - Of all highland dancing events in which the competitors vie, the reels are the closest approach to the social dancing. Legend has it that the reel originated outside a locked church in the highland village of Tulloch, where it was danced by chilly parishioners as a method of keeping warm while waiting for a tardy clergyman.
Dancers wishing to apply please visit: www.hdaontario.com
This year, there will be trophies given for the most improved dancers in the categories of Primary, Beginner, and Novice.
