What is more stirring than the drone of bagpipes accompanying smartly kilted dancers at the Highland games? The color, enthusiasm, and verve of the Highland dancers pirouetting and swaying to traditional airs encapsulates the very spirit of Scotland.

At Highland games it is traditional for dancers to compete in four specific dances, namely, the Seann Triubhas Dance, The Sword Dance, The Highland Fling, and the Reel of Tulloch. However, recently, sometime during the 80s two new dances were added to the repertoire: The Irish Jig and the Sailor's Hornpipe. Let's look at these dances in more detail.

The Seann Triubhas Dance

In 1745 the Scots rebelled and in punishment were prohibited from wearing their traditional kilt. This dance illustrates the Highlanders wish to rid themselves of the hated Sassenach trousers that were thrust upon them against their will. The dancers wear these much hated trousers, or triubhas, pronounced trews. In the dance discust is shown by the slow pace. Toward the end, the dance gets quicker, showing the dancers attempting to shake off the garment they so hated. This dance is very interesting in that it shows the French influence on Scottish dancing with such embellishments as pirouettes.

The Sword Dance

The colorful history of this dance goes back to 1054 when King Malcolm Canmore battled with a chief serving under Macbeth. After he had killed his opponent, Malcolm crossed swords with him to make a cross and danced in elation. From that time forward, clansmen crossed their swords on the ground before battles and attempted to complete the dance without touching the swords - this would signify their victory.

The Reel of Tulloch

This dance originated in the village of Tulloch, in the northeast of Scotland, when one winter in the long-ago a minister was running late. His congregation was chilled as they waited outside the locked church, and were forced to clap their hands and stamp their feet to keep warm. Someone started whistling a Highland air and the people's movements morphed into a lively dance.

The Highland Fling

Most famous among Scottish dances, legend has it that the Highland fling originated in 1790 when an old shepherd who was teaching his grandson chanter, happened to see a stag rearing and turning nearby. He asked his grandson to imitate the stagg’s dance, which the boy did, and from this imitation come the steps and the graceful arm and hand movements showing the Staggs antlers. The dancer stays on the same spot throughout which we fancy is because in the old days the clansmen danced on their targe, or leather-covered shield.

Knowing the history of these dances is sure to increase your enjoyment of the Scottish dances you witness at the Highland games. Enjoy the color and history of this great event.