Highland Dancing is of military origin and was only performed by men up until the
early 1900's. The Highland Fling is by far the oldest, dating back to the time of the Roman occupation of ancient Caledonia.
Steps have changed throughout the millennia mostly due to the French influence in Scottish history, but the original meaning
of the dance - a victory celebration - remains. Traditionally, Highland dancing is done to bagpipes. The
version pipers play today dates back to the 16th Century, when the MacCrimmon family, pipers for the McLeod of Harris, worked
out not only the form of the bagpipes, but also the intricate fingering on the chanter
Highland Fling is a dance of victory in battle. Traditionally, the ancient
warriors and clansmen performed this dance on the small round shield called a targe which they carried into battle.
One can understand the quick footwork and dexterity of the dancer when you realize that most targs carried a pinpoint
sharp spike of steel projecting some 5-6 inches from its center. A false or careless step could be more than painful
!
Sword Dance "Ghillie Callum" is an ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael.
It is said to date back to King Malcolm Canmore. Tradition says the original Ghillie Callum was a Celtic prince who
was a hero of mortal combat against one of MacBeth's chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1504. He is said to have taken
the chief's sword, crossed over it with his own on the ground before him, and danced over them both in exultation.
Seann Triubhas is pronounced 'shawn trews' in Gaelic. In English, it translates
to 'old trousers'. After Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat at Culloden, which ended the 1745 Rising of the Clans, Parliament
banned the kilt and bagpipes as instruments of war. This ban, which broke the strength and heart of the Highlands, was
lifted some 30 years later, when tartan material became a fashion rage in London. The dance depicts a Scot kicking off
his hated lowland britches and shows his joy of again being able to return to his traditional Highland dress.
Strathspey and Highland Reel has an obscure origin. Legend has it that the
reel originated with well-wishers waiting for the minister to arrive at the church for a wedding on a cold day. The
chilly group danced as a means of keeping warm.
