Highland Dance Competition
When: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Where: Victoria Park Dance Stage
(Rain Location: Arts Centre Theatre - 707 Queen Street)
Organized and sanctioned by the Highland Dancers Association of Ontario, our Highland Dance competition includes the five progressive levels of Highland Dance: Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Premier. Originally Highland Dance was done by men as preparation for war. In more recent times it has become more graceful and artistic, and done by women and men. A very old form of dance, both square dancing and ballet have their roots in this dance form. Dancers are judged on timing, technique and deportment. The younger group awards will be given after the morning competition. The older group awards will take place after the afternoon competition.
Pas de Bas/Pas de Bas Hi Cuts
Is one of the first dances taught in Highland Dance. This dance is exactly the same as the first step of the Sword Dance, but is danced to the front without the use of swords. It is usually taught to young dancers who are not yet prepared to learn the entire Sword Dance
Highland Fling
One of the oldest traditional dances. Originally performed by male warriors as a victory dance over a tang (shield).
Special Fling
A unique addition created for our competition, for Premier dancers aged 15 and under. All the dancers dance together and one award is given to the dancer judged with having the best fling.
Sword Dance
Dating back to 11th Century, this is a victory dance where the victorious warrior places his sword over that of the defeated. Touching or kicking the sword results in a deduction or disqualification.
Sean Truibhas
Used to depict the Scottish displeasure at being forced to wear trousers by the English. Dancers’ movements show pleasure at shedding the trousers and donning the kilt.
Barracks
(Wilt thou go to the barracks, Johnny?) Is a national dance in Highland dancing, and was originally a recruitment dance for the Royal Scottish Army. This dance represents the strength, agility, and determination the soldier received while going through training.
Irish Jig
A Scottish take on an Irish jig in which a washerwoman is angry with her erring husband. A heeled shoe is used in this dance. Male dancers play the erring husband and dance with a shillelagh.
Sailor’s Hornpipe
Adopted from the English Hornpipe. Dancers wear a sailor’s suit and depict everyday movements in a sailor‘s life.