Highland Dance

Highland dancing requires the stamina and strength of an athlete and the finesse of a dancer and is the traditional style of dancing in Scotland. In the past, Highland was used by Scottish Regiments in order to prepare and strengthen the soldiers ready for battle. Many of the dances were a celebration of the battle that had been won or some were even used as a test of speed and agility in order to anticipate how well the soldier would do in battle. However, today, Highland Dancing is one of the main events performed in Highland Games throughout the world in places such as Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, the USA, South Africa, New Zealand and Japan. The main four Highland dances that are performed are the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas and the Strathspey and Reel. Scottish Highland Dancing is seen as being one of the most refined types of national dances in the world.