The dances are divided into three groups: Highland Dances, National Dances, and Caricature Dances. Each dance is usually made up of four to eight steps and performed individually unless otherwise noted.

Highland Dances

Highland Fling

Still used as calisthenics by the British Military today, the Fling is said to have originated as a victory dance centuries ago. Danced on a targ or shield with a tall spike protruding through the center, the dancer must perform the steps “on the spot” to avoid being pierced. Usually taught first, this dance contains many of the basic movements of Highland Dance.

Sword Dance (Ghillie Calum)

Folklore has traced the origins of the Sword Dance to as early as 1054 when Malcolm Canmore defeated MacBeth’s chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane. It has been said the dance was originally performed prior to battle. If the swords were touched, it was a bad omen. Still performed today, touching the swords in a competition is still a bad omen – the dancer won’t win a prize!

Seann Triubhas

The Seann Triubhas (pronounced shawn trews) is said to have originated after the British Disarming Act of 1747 was repealed allowing the Scots to wear kilts once again. The movements depict the Scots happily shedding their trousers for their beloved kilts.

Strathspey and Highland Reel

This is one of the few dances that is performed in groups. Performed in groups of four, the dancers weave around each other making a figure–8 pattern. This dance originated within groups of chilly churchgoers attempting to stay warm while waiting for the minister to arrive. Dances similar to this include the Strathspey and Half Tulloch and the Hullachan.

National Dances

The Scottish National Dances are more modern than the Highland Dances and were developed so women could participate. The costume worn by the women is called the Aboyne dress named in honor of the Aboyne Highland Games in Scotland where women were forbidden to wear the traditional Highland outfit. Compared to the Highland Dances, the National Dances are much more rhythmic and balletic though still requiring quick and precise movements. Please note that men can also perform these dances, but they wear the traditional Highland outfit.

Flora MacDonald's Fancy

The Flora is one of the oldest known National Dances and was choreographed in honor of Flora MacDonald who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from the English. This dance is still often seen in competition.

Scottish Lilt

Another dance commonly seen in competition, the Lilt is combination of both the Highland and ballet.

Blue Bonnets

This graceful dance depicts the flirtatious movements of women with Scotsmen referred to as “Blue Bonnets” because of the blue hats they wore.

Village Maid

This dance, along with the Jig, Hornpipe, and Blue Bonnets, is one of the few where the dancer performs on a flat foot. Generally, the dances are all performed on the ball of the foot.

Wilt Thou Go to the Barracks, Johnny?

The Barracks was originally a recruiting dance. Members of the military would travel to small towns and perform this dance to either entertain or to attract people to the recruiting station. This is the only National Dance that women perform wearing the kilt and not the Aboyne dress.

Caricature Dances

Sailor's Hornpipe

Versions of this dance were performed throughout the British Isles to the music of a hornpipe–an instrument made from an ox horn. The dances were originally popular with sailors and therefore developed into a dance depicting their movements. Today, dancers wear a costume based on the British naval uniform, and perform steps that emulate movements such as hoisting trousers, gathering rope, looking out to sea, and even drunken sailors!

Scottish Version of the Irish Jig

Depending on the audience, the Jig describes either an upset woman yelling at children who have dirtied her clean laundry or an angry woman whose husband has not yet returned home from a night at the pub. Dancers wear shoes with wooden toes and metal clip heels instead of the soft–shoed ghillies and move about in an angry fit!