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Scottish Dance consists of two general types: Country Dance and Highland Dance. These two differ considerably in both style and purpose. Country Dance is ballroom (or social) dancing, while Highland Dance is derived from ancient custom.

Scottish Country Dancing     Scottish Country Dancing is the traditional ballroom dancing of Scotland, and the origin of our American square or round dancing. It is a social dance whose winding patterns are reminiscent of interlacing knotwork. Actual steps have their origin in the French ballet, while the manners come from the French court, a result of Scotland's 400 year Auld Alliance with France. Performed round the room or in longwise or square sets, one can see the intricate patterns of the dance unfold as dancers step in time to the music. The gaiety of the jig, the smoothness of the reel, the elegance and strength of the strathspey are displayed as couples progress through the dance. Scottish Country dances, unlike folk dances of other countries, do not seem to have been confined to one class of society, They originally belonged to the court but were eventually performed in the barn. Thanks to the efforts of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society they have been preserved. Many of the most popular dances of today date from the 18th Century. New dances are constantly being devised as this living art form adds the Scottish spirit to many social gatherings.

Highland Dancing     The Highland dances were originally highly athletic male dances. The current forms evolved before recorded history. Originally danced by men only, now they're performed by far more females than males. Evaluated using three major crtiteria: timing, technique and deportment. TIMING - judges the ability of the dancer to follow the music's rhythm. TECHNIQUE - evalutates footwork and coordination of head, arm and hand movements. The ability to spring vigorously above the dance platform is valued highly. GENERAL DEPORTMENT - looks at balance and general appearance. The dancer should move with ease, enjoyment, and confidence. THE HIGHLAND FLING - Following victory in battle, the fling was danced around the small shield (a "targ") used in combat. A sharp spike of steel projected from the center of most targs - dancers moved with great care. THE SWORD DANCE (GHILLIE CALLUM) - The oldest and best known of the highland dances. To celebrate a victory in battle, the victor crosses the sword of the vanquished enemy with his own and dances over it. THE SEANN TRIUBHAS - Gaelic for "old trousers", the 'shawn trews' celebrates repeal of the Disarming Act of 1747 when Scots were allowed to wear their tartans and kilts once again.