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Scottish Country Dancing
Scottish country dancing, the traditional ballroom dancing of Scotland, is set or "figure" dancing, like square or contra dances. The dances are composed of formations, lovely to watch and even more fun to do. The formations repeat so that each dancer goes through them from different positions in the set. Scottish Country Dancing shares the reels and jigs with the rest of the British isles, but the strathspeys (the slower, elegant, strong tunes) are uniquely Scottish. Right along with the ancient stories of daring warriors and master
pipers, you will find dance as a crucial part of celebrations and ceremonies
of the Highlands. Nothing can compare with the graceful power of a Highland
dancer recalling a glorious victory. As Scots moved throughout the world,
Highland dancing went with them.
The oldest and probably most familiar of the Highland Dances, The
Highland Fling is said to have originated as a victory dance. As
traditions go, this dance might have been danced on an enemy's hat which
had been thrown on the ground for that purpose, or danced on a targe
(a Scottish shield). The dancer's hands are held above the head, stylized
to resemble a proud stag's horns.
After Prince Charlie's loss at Culloden, the kilt and bagpipes and
other weapons of war were banned by the English Parliament. The Seann
Truibhas dance (pronounced "shawn trews") present a dancer seeking
to remove the hated "trews" (trousers) the Scot had to wear and then
shows the joy of once again being able to wear the beloved kilt.
Of all the competitive Highland dances, the Tulloch, a foursome
reel, is most like country dancing. Legend has it that the reel originated
with parishioners greeting each other on a chilly day while waiting
at the kirk for the minister to arrive. Watch the reel as you think
of those folk walking down a line, greeting each other over and over.
Even though dancing together, judges rate dancers individually.
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The
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) was founded in 1923,
and the Northern Virginia Branch has been dancing in Alexandria for twenty
years. The group meets on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm at the Durant Center on
Cameron Street, close to the King Street Metro station. A class for new
dancers just started, so it's not too late to join in the fun! Our trained
instructors will make you feel welcome. Other classes in the area are
available with different locations and times. For more information, call
(703) 379-5779 or (703} 329-9118.
Highland Dancing
The Sword Dance (or Ghillie Callum) is an old and powerful
dance dating from the time of Malcolm Canmore, King of Scots. Another
victory dance, it is said that King Malcolm, after beating a foe, took
their swords and, after placing them across each other on the ground,
danced jubilantly over them.