June 13-15, 2008
E. H. Young Riverfront Park
Riverside, Missouri

Highland Dancing Events

The Sword Dance

It is said this ancient dance of war dates back to King Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, in the misty days of Scottish history. According to the story, the king defeated a MacBeth chieftain in battle near Dunsinane in 1054 and then danced over his bloody claymore (a large two-handed sword) and the even bloodier head of his defeated captive.

The Highland Fling

This is the dance after victory in battle. Traditionally, the ancient warriors and clansmen performed this dance on a small rounded shield (called a targe), which they carried in battle. The dancer's arms are held aloft, supposedly inspired by the movements of a stag on the Highland hills. Another legend says this dance was inspired by Highlanders fording a river.

The Seann Triubhas

Pronounced "shawn trews" in Gaelic and meaning "old trousers", this is a graceful dance that originated after the failed Scottish Rebellion of 1745, when England banned the wearing of kilts. The slower tempo of the beginning steps suggests the disgust of a Highlander who prefers to wear the kilt. The final steps celebrate the symbolic freedom of the kilt. Many consider this Highland dance to be the "proof" of a dancer's ability because it calls for athletic strength, yet balletic ease.

Highland Reels

Unlike the previous dances, the reels have always been group dances for recreational, rather than military, purposes, yet the dancers are still judged individually. There are many variations to the reel, but it remains one of the most stirring events at modern Highland Games.

The National Dances

The Scottish National Dances have many steps which are similar to those in the traditional Highland dances, but, as many were originally women’s dances, they are more graceful and lilting in their execution. Some of the dances are The Scottish Lilt and Flora MacDonald's Fancy. The Sailor's Hornpipe and the Irish Jig are also among the National Dances, and their background stories will add to the watcher's enjoyment.