History of Highland Dance
Originating in Scotland, Highland Dance is thought to have been created by a young boy when he was hunting for deer. After watching a buck jump around in a field, the boy was so mesmerized by how beautiful the animal was, he could not bring himself to kill the deer. Once he arrived home and was asked why he had nothing for his family to eat, the boy could not even explain how striking the animal was. Instead, he danced with his arms and hands held above his head, just like the stag’s antlers.
Highland Dance was one of the ways that men were tested on strength, agility, accuracy and stamina. The chiefs and old kings of Scotland traditionally used Highland Dancing as a way to select men for their retinue and men at arms. Highland Dancing was also used as an exercise to keep the troops in shape and ready for battle in Scottish Regiments.
Initially, only men were allowed to Highland Dance. In the late 19th century, a young woman named Jenny Douglas entered a Highland Dance competition. Later on during the World Wars, women began to dance more to preserve Scottish culture and history, while the men were defending their homeland. Now the number of female dancers has significantly increased, as 95% of all dancers are females.
Highland Dance was one of the ways that men were tested on strength, agility, accuracy and stamina. The chiefs and old kings of Scotland traditionally used Highland Dancing as a way to select men for their retinue and men at arms. Highland Dancing was also used as an exercise to keep the troops in shape and ready for battle in Scottish Regiments.
Initially, only men were allowed to Highland Dance. In the late 19th century, a young woman named Jenny Douglas entered a Highland Dance competition. Later on during the World Wars, women began to dance more to preserve Scottish culture and history, while the men were defending their homeland. Now the number of female dancers has significantly increased, as 95% of all dancers are females.