Scottish Highland dance emphasizes technique, stamina, and precision. Besides being a part of one of the oldest recorded dance traditions, students in Scottish Highland will benefit from increased endurance, body positioning awareness, counting and timing, and learning the stories behind these enduring dances. Scottish Highland is available to dancers ages 6-adult.

Scottish Highland Dancing has a long, rich history spanning centuries and reaching around the globe. Though likely older, the first documented evidence of men performing choreographed, intricate war dances to the wailing music of bagpipes is at a royal wedding in 1285. Over the centuries, Highland dances and their accompanying lore have been passed down in detailed writings as well as through dance instruction. Unlike many dance forms, Highland dance is primarily competitive, and is recognized as a sport within the Sport Council of Scotland. Though originally only taught to men and boys, women and girls now comprise about 95% of Highland competitors. Today, four main Scottish Highland dances persist: The Highland Fling, Gillie Chaluim (Sword Dance), Seann Triubhas (Gaelic for “old trousers”), and The Reel of Tulloch. Many other Scottish National dances and Character Dances are also taught for competition. These include such dances as the Scottish Lilt, Earl of Erroll, Wilt Thou go to the Barracks, Johnny, the Sailor’s Hornpipe, and Tribute to J.L. McKenzie, to name a few. Competitions in Scottish Highland Dance are held year-round on almost every continent, culminating annually in the World Championships at The Cowal Highland Gathering held in Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland each August.

Elizabeth Kabrick is so excited to share her 45 plus years of knowledge and practice of Scottish Highland dance with EGD students.