Highland Dance
Dance is common to all cultures. Most of the true Highland dances are connected with ancient Scottish folk customs. The present form evolved through the centuries as refinement in the general form of dance occurred, but the original basic steps and the themes were passed on through the years.
The two main types of Scottish dance, Country Dance and Highland Dance, differ considerably in style and purpose. Country Dances have the character of ballroom or social dancing, while Highland Dances are quite different. The Highlands are performed solo. They have precise, difficult movements and require much stamina and coordination. Highland Dances were originally danced by men only, but now they're performed by far more females than males. Dance steps are standardized by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) and competitions are held world-wide. In the United States, six geographic regions hold a qualifying competition each spring from which the top three finalists from each region are selected to compete at the United States Inter-Regional Highland Dancing Championships.
2022 Results
Beginner 7 Under 10- Josephine Higgins, Hillsborough NCBeginner 10+ - Lillian Sutphin, Centreville, VANovice 8 Under 13 - Savannah Gannon, Elkins WVNovice 13+ -Amy Dong, Elkins, WVIntermediate - Elias Pealer, Elkins, WVPremier 10 Under 12 - Riley Vincent Middletown, DEPremier 12 under 16 - Camille Campbell, Ambler PAPremier 16 under 25 - Catharine Burgess, Roankoke, VAPremier 25+ - Megan Stangl , Chesapeake, VAChoreography Pre Premier - Maisie Smith-Zoe, Fairfax, VAChoreography Premier - Anna Floyd, Chapel Hill NCMost Promising Beginner - Margaret Walker, Todd NCMost Promising Novice, - Merida McGarry, Huntersville, NCDancer of the Day - Camille Campbell, Ambler PA
Highland Dance COMPETITION
Judges evaluate a dancer on three major criteria: timing, technique and deportment.
- TIMING refers to the ability of the dancer to follow the rhythm of the music. Dancers must place feet, arms and head in very precise position simultaneously with the music.
- TECHNIQUE means the correct execution of footwork in coordination with head, arm and hand movements. 'Elevation,' or the ability to spring vigorously above the dance platform, counts heavily. But: regardless of how showy a movement may appear, it can never really be a winner if performed out of position.
- GENERAL DEPORTMENT covers the interpretation the dancer displays in performing the dance. Balance and general appearance are very important. And, it's important that no matter how difficult the dance really is, the dancer must display supple movement with effortlessness, pleasure, freedom from elaborate showiness, and an unhurried attitude.