Highland Dancing Competition...

The Houston Highland Games and Celtic Festival...

Dancing Forms:
* Entry form for Saturday competition (the Highland Dances) :: [ download ]
* Entry form for Sunday Competition (the National Dances) :: [ download ]
* Dance Waiver :: [ download ]

Competitors
For more information or to register as a competitor please contact
Diane MacPhee Krugh.

• Dancing Judge - Gayle Shields, from Sacramento, California
• Dancing Piper - Douglas Frobese

History
The Scottish form of dance originated before the birth of Christ. Through various cultural influences, Scottish dances developed specific characteristics. They were used to tell stories, seek omens, pay tribute, express joys in triumph, as well as displeasures in defeat. Accounts of intricate Scottish dance patterns (sword included) were carried back to Rome by Roman emissaries and soldiers as early as
54 BC.

The stag played major role in the Scotsman's life, providing food, raiment, and materials for making weapons. The elevation of the dancer's arms represent the stag's antlers; the positioning of the fingers, the stag's head; and the steps, his antics.

After the rebellion of '45, Scottish dances, along with the wearing of kilts, speaking of Gaelic, and the playing of pipes were prohibited. All dancing was secretly performed - at great risk - until after the repeal of the Proscription Act.

Scottish Highland Dancing is traditionally a man's dance, used by Chieftains to keep clansmen in good shape physically and mentally. It is considered an athletic event. During World War II, Scottish soldiers in prisoner of war camps did reels to maintain physical strength and mental stability. The Reel of the 51st is a dance choreographed by some of these men. This approach to survival worked so well, soldiers of other nations joined in.

Competitions

Highland Fling is a dance of celebration. After battle, the victorious clansmen would use the shields, of conquered opponents, to dance on. To this day, the steps are done in a limited shield-like area.

The Sword Dance (Gille Calum - original Gaelic spelling - now spelled Gillie Chalum) is an ancient dance of Gael.
It is said to have originated in 1054 with King Malcolm Canmore when he defeated one of MacBeth's chiefs and crossed his own sword with that of his opponent, whereupon he proceeded to do a dance of victory. Afterwards, this dance was also performed by warriors on the eve of battle to seek an omen for the forthcoming encounter. If he should displace the swords, while dancing, he believed he would not fare well in the next battle. Today's dancers are disqualified if they displace the sword.

Sean Triubhas (pronounced shawn-troos) is Gaelic for "old trousers". This is a dance celebrating the repeal of the Proscription Act. The steps indicate the shaking off of the hated trews, or trousers. In the faster tempo, the dancer demonstrates the freedom and ease of movement allowed by the kilts.

Strathspey and Reel. The four men in this dance move in and out in interweaving patterns. These patterns represent eternal life and are an incorporation of the Celtic pattern in dance form. It is said to have originated in memory of the entwined serpents of Moses' Rod of Life. Each dancer must rely on the other three to maintain proper placements and patterns. Originally reels were a martial dance and women did not take part.