HIGHLAND FLING

INTERPRETATION The Highland Fling is an exceptionally lively and virile dance, showing the natural energy of the youthful Highlander and is a spirited test of physical skill.

EXECUTION All movements must be clean cut and controlled with Flinging at the same height around the leg. The knees are well splayed and held straight in 2nd and 4th positions with a slight suggestion of a pause on open point positions. The supporting foot must be maintained at its correct turnout and be used in a high ball position. The balance is centered over the supporting foot and the body bears a dignified upright stance.

TIMING & RHYTHM The Highland Fling is danced in Strathspey time, 4/4 but attention must be paid to the "&" count to interpret the melody rhythm which has a "snap" peculiar to Strathspey music such as Monymusk, Marquis of Huntly.

STEPS Flinging is the basic movement. Steps must be recognized by the main foundation movement within the step, this often being combined with Flinging thus giving the steps the characteristics of the Highland Fling.

SWORD DANCE

INTERPRETATION The dance portrays the agility of the Highlander dancing over the sharp cutting edges of the Sword by skilful crossing and re-crossing with intricate steps and perfect balance, the dance culminating in the dancers complete disregard for the sharp cutting edges of the double sided Broadswords as he finishes in Quick Time, his dance of defiance.

EXECUTION The opening step travels around the outside of the crossed swords, the remainder of the dance being performed inside, over and around the centre crossing. Each quarter step must be repeated with progression anti clockwise.

All movements in over and across the Swords must be evenly spaced. In Side and Forward Crossing and Spring Points the working leg is held straight in open positions. In turning over the Swords, the knees will be slightly flexed in Open positions.

The Dance is performed to its own traditional tune" Ghillie Callum" but is performed in two tempos, the dancer signaling for the change in tempo by clapping during the last four counts of the last slow time step.

SEANN TRIUBHAS

INTERPRETATION The Seann Triubhas is a slow, smooth, graceful and artistic dance showing character and dignity conveying the contrasts between the suppressed spirit of the people and their protest at having to wear the Trews, the Sassenach Garb.

The sharp, clean cut, buoyant movements of the Quick Time enable the dancer to portray the ease of movement and express the freedom and delight at again wearing the kilt.

EXECUTION Much of the beauty of the dance is brought about by the dancer displaying sustained controlled movements in a flowing style with breadth of movement giving a softer, lighter quality in the Slow Time. The Quick Time is executed on one spot using Strathspey type steps.

PATTERN The dance commences in Slow time with a circular step followed by steps performed traveling sideways, forward, back and in a diagonal direction giving the dancer a chance to interpret "poetry in motion"

HIGHLAND REEL

The Highland Reel (or Foursome Reel) is a dance in two parts for sets or teams of four dancers, two ladies and two gentlemen grouped in two couples each couple representing a lady and a gentleman.

This dance may be commenced from a line setting, the dancers entry being Lady, Gent, Gent, Lady. It may also be commenced from a Rectangle when the lady always precedes her partner, entry being Lady, Gent, Lady, Gent.

The pattern of the Figure or Reel of Four is like a Figure of eight with an extra loop in the middle.

REEL O TULLOCH

The Reel O Tulloch or Hullachan is a Highland Dance for sets or teams of four dancers grouped in two couples, each couple representing a Lady and a Gentleman. The dance consists of 6 steps each followed by a Swing. The dancers are in line at the beginning and ending of each swing.

IRISH JIG SINGLE TIME

INTERPRETATION The style of the Irish Jig should be relaxed, the movements rhythmical and lilting and danced in dignified manner. Ease, grace and beauty of movement are of paramount importance.

Single steps beautifully danced give more pleasure than difficult steps danced with obvious physical strain.

In the Irish Jig with use of Shillelagh, the interpretation would be more marked due to the nature of the steps and their corresponding arm actions. Timing at all times should be clearly but not violently marked.

EXECUTION There is no over accented beating in Irish Dancing.All movements are controlled from the hips downward.

Beating and Tripling should be centered on ball of foot, and be performed with clarity and rhythmical accent.

Turnout must not be exaggerated.

Both arms swing from side to side with freedom, breadth and balance.

IRISH JIG DOUBLE TIME

INTERPRETATION The dance is performed in a relaxed and dignified manner reflecting the rhythm and lilt of the music through the intricate movements of the feet in perfect timing.

EXECUTION All movements are controlled from the hips downward with no over-accented beating. Head body and arms move with ease in harmony with the various step movements. Timing is clearly marked but never over exaggerated.

IRISH HORNPIPE

INTERPRETATION The light and shades in the music of the Irish Hornpipe should be interpreted in lilting rhythms showing a light, joyous quality.

EXECUTION Ease and grace with smooth and fluid execution is important. Movements must be executed with clarity and resonance in perfect timing showing effortless style of performance and complete understanding of rhythm. Arms, body and head move in a natural manner and in coordination with foot movements.

IRISH REEL

INTERPRETATION AND EXECUTION A dignified dance performed with ease and style in all steps and figures. Because of the Reel time rhythm of the music and the composition of the steps and figures the contrasting elements within the dance should be evident. The dance consists of five steps and seven figures preceded and ended with Lead up and Retire.

SAILORS HORNPIPE

INTERPRETATION The Sailors Hornpipe is the national dance of England and it is consistent with the characteristics of a maritime nation that the dance should centre round the life and work of a typical sailor in the British Navy in the days of the Sailing Ships. It should reveal some of the traits of the sailor at work - a serious countenance, steps confined to a small space owing to the inadequacy of the deck space, the movements of the body, arms and feet showing vigour and precision and the whole performance presented in a nautical manner.

EXECUTION In executing the dance, the demeanour should be calm while the movements must show appreciation and animation.

The dancer must visualize a sailor at work and be able to display vigour and strength in the heavy tasks and ease of movement in the lighter duties.

Beating and shuffles should be firm and distinct and must be performed in the correct ground positions with many of the arm positions depicting the use of the rope with hands opening and closing when pulling and releasing ropes.

In certain movements the roll of the body should be combined with and evolve naturally from the movement of the feet. The roll must never be exaggerated.

© 2002-2007, New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing (Inc)