by Sarah Downie

Created on: February 04, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Highland dancing is a traditional Scots method of dance. Dances are split into two groups: highland and national.
The highland dances were originally danced as victory dances among the tribes of ancient Scotland, but today they are danced at Burn's Suppers and fairs. Typical dress is a heavy kilt, blouse and a velvet waistcoat.
The national dances are very feminine dances and tend to be shown at fairs. Typical dress is a plaited skirt, an underskirt, blouse and a velvet waistcoat.

Dancers can strive towards medals through examinations and competitions, but neither are compulsory.
Dancing is a good way to keep fit and it is great for stretching the legs. Senoir dancers are very fit and need to be because they dance at many competitions as well as festivals all over Scotland and the U.K.
Highland dancing has spread around the world to where people of Scots origin now live, for example, Canada and New Zealand. These dancers often travel to take part in the Edinburgh Military Tatoo, another festival where dancers can be seen.
As a dancer of nearly ten years, I would urge anyone who is interested to seek out a dance teacher for themselves or their children. Most dancing teachers will ask to see your child first to assess if they are suitable. Some children just have problems with discipline. I would also urge any boys who want to dance to speak up as dancing teachers love having at least one boy in their class.
Highland Dancing is great fun and it is wonderful to feel part of something deep in my nation's history.

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