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Highland & Irish Dancing

…who thrills to the sound of the bagpipe can join in and learn the dances.

We’re looking for a few volunteers to help in the dance area.  Check out volunteer opportunities here.

Scottish Highland Dancing is a celebration of the Scottish spirit. The dances are a spectacular combination of strength, agility, movement, music, and costume. Highland dances are generally danced solo and in competition unlike other dance mediums. Dancers typically dance to traditional Scottish music such as Strathspeys, Reels, Hornpipes and Jigs all played by accompanying bagpiper. Dances are made up of different parts, called steps and are usually four or six steps to a dance. Anyone, not just those with Scottish heritage, who thrills to the sound of the bagpipe can join in and learn.

Highland dancing was traditionally performed by men but is now performed by men and women. It is one of few arenas where men and women compete equally. In most competitions, the number of women competing far exceeds the number of men.

Highland Dancing is a healthy workout for adults and for children. A great way to develop good coordination, posture and overall muscle tone, not to mention aerobic capacity and strength. One study showed that a half hour of dance was equal to a game of soccer.

Ambitious new students develop self-discipline and confidence as they learn to tackle the physical demands of Highland dancing. Indeed, the tremendous strength, stamina, and precision that accomplished dancers exhibit comes training and collaboration with experienced teachers.

There are two styles of Highland Dances: the traditional Highland Dances and the graceful National Dances…