Scottish Highland Dancing
Highland Dance Competition
Perhaps nothing captures the spirit of Scottish culture better than the sight of Highland dancing performed at a Highland gathering, such as our Spokane Scottish Highland Games. Originally from the 11th or 12th century, Highland dancing tells a story or reflects upon a way of life. The dances, requiring athleticism and artistic skill, tended to be performed by men to commemorate the martial victory, conflict, joy, etc., and were also used as exercises by warriors. Scottish dances such as the Highland Fling and the Gillie Callum (Sword Dance) are so vigorous that one must be in top physical shape to perform them. According to tradition, the old kings and clan chiefs used the Highland Games to select their best men at arms. The discipline required to perform the Highland dances allowed men to demonstrate strength, stamina, and agility. Long hours of practice are necessary for a dancer to become proficient enough to dance the intricate figures as lightly and gracefully as they should. Competitive Highland dancing began during the Highland revival of Victorian Britain and was for men only. Women started competing at the turn of the 20th century. While most dancers now entered these competitions are female, the roots of these ritualistic dances lay with warriors imitating epic deeds from Scottish folklore.
For more Highland dance facts, visits our Highland Dance Facts page.
For more Highland dance facts, visits our Highland Dance Facts page.
2024 Highland Dance Competition on Saturday, August 3, at 9:45 a.m.
The Highland dance competition is back at the Spokane Scottish Highland Games. We invite you to join us for an exciting day of dancing and celebration with events for all skill levels. Our judge for this year is Megan Ashworth from San Diego, California, and the competition features our Lilac City Choreography Challenge.
To view the Highland dance competition rules, visit our Highland Dance Rules page.
To register for the Highland Dance Competition, visit our Highland Dance Registration page.
Email the dance competition organizer, Victoria Hawkins, for more information on the 2024 competition at [email protected] or 208-619-9278.
The Highland dance competition is back at the Spokane Scottish Highland Games. We invite you to join us for an exciting day of dancing and celebration with events for all skill levels. Our judge for this year is Megan Ashworth from San Diego, California, and the competition features our Lilac City Choreography Challenge.
To view the Highland dance competition rules, visit our Highland Dance Rules page.
To register for the Highland Dance Competition, visit our Highland Dance Registration page.
Email the dance competition organizer, Victoria Hawkins, for more information on the 2024 competition at [email protected] or 208-619-9278.
