July 10-11, 2010
Events
The Highland Dances...
The character of the Highland Dances has remained largely unchanged over the passage of years, but there have been many changes in detail. The dances are based on the flowing and graceful movements of the wild Highland deer. The arms raised over the dancer's head symbolizes the antlers of the stag.
The dances, which were originally performed only by men, are more customarily done by girls today. The steps which were formerly more extempore have been refined and stylized into a characteristic art form so precise that to the untrained eye, the dancers sometimes appear to have rehearsed together, whereas, in fact, they may never have set eyes on one another prior to appearing on the dancing platform.
Probably the best known of all dances is the Highland Fling, a lively solo dance originally performed upon the shield of the dancer.
The Seann Triubhas (Gaelic for "Old Trousers") is associated with the punitive acts following the rising of 1745, when the wearing of the kilt and tartan and playing of the pipes was forbidden by order of the Sassenach King. It is a dance in which the first portion is in slow tempo and the last part is danced to a quick and lively rhythm.
The Ghille Callum or Sword Dance is a warlike dance performed over crossed swords. The name is from the Gaelic "Gille Caluim," the first two words of the Gaelic song generally associated with the tune to which it is danced. The name means "Malcom's servant" and according to tradition, the dance was first performed by King Malcom Canmore to celebrate his victory over the forces of MacBeth at Dunsinane.
The Reel of Tulloch is said to have had its inception in the efforts of the congregation of the Tulloch parish to keep warm while awaiting the arrival of the minister. A piper struck up a lively tune and the parishioners were soon engaged in a lively dance which has come down to us as the "Reel of Tulloch."
The Hornpipe is an old sailor's dance. It is customarily performed in Navy uniforms and some of the dance steps recreate the actual acts of the working seamen, such as climbing the rigging and hauling on the shrouds.
New dances in 2009 include: Highland Laddie, Village Maid, Earl of Errol, and Wilt thou go to the barracks, Johnnie?
