The History of Highland Dancing

We love all things Scottish tradition here at ScotlandShop. Of course Highland dancing plays a huge role in Scotland's history and more importantly modern day. It is every dancers dream to win a Gold Medal at the games. Today, we thought we would take you through the history of highland dancing and how it turned into the worldwide phenomenon it is today.

Highland Dancing first came about hundreds of years ago, long before history was even recorded. This form of dance was first started by Scottish Warriors as one of the best ways to test men on their agility, strength, stamina and accuracy. It was how they selected which men were fit for battle. They also used dancing as a form of exercise. The first documented Highland Dancing to bagpipes recorded was in 1265 at the second marriage of Alexander III in Jedburgh.

However, in 1746 an act was passed by the government in London which made wearing kilts and carrying weapons illegal, this made the traditional sword dance completely out of the question and put an end to most Scottish traditions and as was their goal, really dampened the patriotic spirit. Even after the law was reverted the Scots didn't pick up where they had left off and it took time for culture and traditions to be re-instated. It wasn't until years later when Queen Victoria was in reign that the revival of Highland Games came about. The Queen travelled to Scotland and fell in love with both the country and culture, she was a key figure in the return of many traditions and in particular Highland Dancing.

As mentioned earlier, Highland Dancing was first performed by only men but today competitions are made up by 95% females. Women only started performing Highland Dancing in the early 20th Century during the First World War, as the women wanted to keep the traditions and culture alive while the men were away at war. Since then, the gender roles have slowly shifted resulting in a female led sport.

Competitive dancing is huge at Highland Gatherings, and has been for many years. Cowal Highland Gathering is home to both the Scottish and World Dancing Championships and dancers travel from all over the World to compete in the prestigious competition. To make the judging easier the number of highland dances performed competitively has been cut down to only four, when once there were a huge variation performed, meaning that sadly many dances have been lost and forgotten about over the years. The four main dances performed competitively are: The Sword Dance, The Seann Triubhas, The Highland Fling and The Reel of Tulloch. Although most of the traditional factors of the dancing remains, there are a few modern twists entwined in the competitions.

To be a true Highland Dancer it is important to know your Pas de basques, Fling steps and Sword steps.

There are 5 positions of the feet so surely it can't be that hard? There are also 5 positions of the arms though and if you are like me it is the introduction of doing 2 different things with legs and arms that makes Highland Dancing rather more daunting. However apparently the best way to learn is to do the same number of minutes of practise per day as your age. Oh dear quite a lot for me then! We will not detail the positions for you as you can find them on any good Highland Dancing website but the thing to keep in mind is the weight of the body must be maintained over the supporting foot, this allows you to point and place the working foot correctly throughout the different movements.

Feeling inspired already?

Aspiring dancers require mastery of the four basic Highland dances, namely, the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, Seann Truibhas (pronounced ‘shawn trewes’), and the reel and of course all must be performed in the correct attire. More on that in a later blog.

The Highland Fling

History and origins of the dances are varied and the most common story is that the ‘Fling’ is that it is a celebratory dance, performed after victory in battle. Having survived battle the Clansmen tested their agility and skilled footwork further by dancing on a wooden shield with a spike protruding from the centre, also known as a targe. Other stories include the dance mimicking deer bounding across the heather, or stags at play with the arms representing the antlers, and the stags being an ancient sign of virility.

The Sword Dance

Also known as the Ghillie Callum, there is no better known Highland Dance than the Sword Dance, the ancient dance of war of the Scottish Gael and said to date back to King Malcolm Canmore. The 2 crossed swords that dancers perform over today represent the original Ghillie Callum's bloody claymore (a two-handed broadsword particular to Scotland), which he crossed over the even bloodier sword of one of MacBeth's Chiefs at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054, and on defeat danced a celebration. This dance of exultation became a tradition among the highland warriors, and in subsequent battles, clansman would cross their swords and dance around them in the same way. As well as showing off their superior fitness and talent, dancing without touching the swords was seen as a good omen for battles ahead. Today you lose 5 marks in competition if you touch a sword.

Seann Truibhas

Gaelic for ‘Old Trousers’, some say that the dance was Highlanders showing off their new tartan trews to the English King after the Act of Proscription, which banned the wearing of tartan, was repealed in 1783. Another variation of this interpretation is that the first part of the dance, which is slow and graceful represents a clansman wearing the trews which they so hated for being restrictive (unlike the kilt); with the quick-time second part of the dance representing the Highlander’s returning joyfully to his traditional Highland dress. Freedom!

Reel of Tulloch

The reels are the "team" element of Highland dancing and are most similar to Scottish Country dancing. Each team consists of four dancers and each dancer is marked individually. Legend has it that the reel originated outside locked church in the Highland village of Tulloch, where it was danced by chilly parishioners stamping their feet and clapping their hands to keep warm as they waited for a tardy clergyman. The different reels performed by Highland Dancers include:

1. Hullachan
2. Strathspey and Half Tulloch
3. Strathspey and Highland Reel
4. Strathspey and Highland Reel and Half Tulloch.

Highland dance tartans have a rich history rooted in Scottish tradition, evolving alongside the culture significance of Highland dancing itself. Originally worn by men performing the traditional sword dance in battle dress, tartans became more stylised and symbolic as Highland dance transitioned into a competitive and ceremonial art form.

Over time, specific tartans were adopted to represent different clans, regions and later, dance schools and solo dancers. For female dancers, tartan kilts or the Aboyne outfit (featuring a tartan sash) became the standard, often chosen to reflect the heritage or simply to stand out on stage. 

Male Highland Dancer (Image-James F. Perry)

Today, while dancers have more freedom in tartan choices, many still choose patterns with historical or family ties, blending personal identity with centuries of Scottish culture.

The Dancers tartans have been designed for the Highland Dance community using the beautiful bright colours contrasted with lots of white. However this does not mean you have to be a Highland Dancer to use these beautiful fabrics! 

Explore our full collection of dancer tartans here.

Ailsa Dancer Tartans

One of the most popular collection of dancer tartans is the Ailsa collection.

The Ailsa dancer tartans are a collection of vibrant, custom-designed tartans created specifically for Highland dancers, offering a modern twist on traditional Scottish patterns. Inspired by the grace, strength, and precision of Highland dance, the Ailsa tartans feature bright, bold colourways that stand out on stage while honouring the heritage of tartan design. Named after the iconic Scottish island Ailsa Craig, these tartans are not tied to any specific clan, giving dancers the freedom to express their individuality while maintaining a strong connection to Scottish tradition. Popular among competitive dancers and performers alike, the Ailsa dancer tartans combine striking aesthetics with deep cultural pride.

Ailsa Yellow Muckle Fantoosh Handbag

While the Ailsa range is a popular choice among highland dancers, there are many other dancer tartans available that offer just as much flair and personality. Options like the Sunart, Harris and Lewis dancer tartans also provide a variety of vibrant colours and patterns designed specifically for performance.

The bright white lines help define the tartan pattern clearly from a distance, making the design stand out under stage lighting and during fast-paced choreography. This visual clarity is especially important in Highland dance competitions, where judges need to see precise technique and presentation. The addition of white also adds a sense of freshness and brightness to the tartan, giving it a lighter, more energetic appearance that complements the lively nature of dance.

Shop Dancer Tartans and Accessories

Fatto su ordinazione

Lightweight Dancer Tartan Fabric

87,50 €

Available in 24 tartans

Custom made in 5 days

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Mediumweight Dancer Tartan Fabric

115,01 €

Available in 38 tartans

Custom made in 5 days

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Mediumweight Dancer Tartan Fabric Swatches

11,25 €

Available in 38 tartans

Custom made in 5 days

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Lightweight Dancer Tartan Fabric Swatches

11,25 €

Available in 24 tartans

Custom made in 5 days

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Scottish Tartan Dancer Teddy Bear

60,00 €

Available in 1069 tartans

Custom made in 5 weeks

Express Make-up

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Spilla a Rosa in Tartan

50,00 €

Available in 1387 tartans

Custom made in 3 weeks

Express Make-up

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Spilla a Bottone in Tartan

40,01 €

Available in 1318 tartans

Custom made in 3 weeks

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Fascia in Tartan di Lana

92,51 €

Available in 760 tartans

Custom made in 8 weeks

Robin leading Robert Gordon's College community at New York Tartan Day Parade

We were delighted to speak with Robin Macpherson, Head of College at Robert Gordon's College about the College's Highland Dancers. Read on to find out more!

Robin, you joined Robert Gordon’s College (RGC) as the new Head of College in August 2020. What is unique about RGC and what drew you to the College?

Robert Gordon’s College has a unique culture that goes right back to its founding ethos and history. Robert Gordon deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest Scots for his entrepreneurial spirit and his philanthropy, and those values infuse the current culture at Robert Gordon’s. We are proud to offer the most extensive bursary programme in Scotland and we have an incredible alumni network which extends around the world. There is a very strong sense of community and identity that you very quickly become aware of.

What do you enjoy most about being Head of College?

Everything! It’s wonderful to have 3 year olds running around in their red nursery jumpers, up to the S6 pupils who not only contribute to the day-to-day running of the school but also cultivate a culture of teamwork and responsibility among the pupils. Being able to see toddlers grow into adults, and being a part of that journey, makes my job incredibly rewarding. I love being in education, and being Head of College at Robert Gordon’s really is one of the best jobs in the sector.

Wendy Melville, Highland Dance Teacher and Assistant Head of PE, and Clare Smith, Head of Senior School, preparing for the start of the New York Tartan Day Parade

How important are Scottish arts and traditions to you personally? What does it mean for the College?

It would be hard to overstate the importance of Scottish arts and traditions to me personally. It was a big part of my childhood (my father was a piper and ran school pipe bands) and I grew up in Aberdeenshire being immersed in Scottish culture. I’m a historian by trade and did a Masters degree in Scottish history at the University of Edinburgh. My wife and I have lived abroad, and when we had our own children we wanted them to grow up with that same sense of Scottish identity and cultural capital. That’s a major reason why we moved to Aberdeen, and specifically Robert Gordon’s College.

We were excited to hear about the College’s Highland Dancers and Pipe Band visiting New York Tartan Week for the first time this year and taking part in the parade. That must have been quite something! How did it come about?

The idea of participating in the Tartan Day Parade was first discussed in April 2019 during a trip to Edinburgh with Robert Gordon’s College pipers, where they recorded Highland Cathedral with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers for their upcoming album. Parents were invited to join us for the day, and on the coach returning to Edinburgh, one parent mentioned having seen footage of the 2019 Tartan Day Parade. They said it looked incredible and wouldn’t it be amazing for the RGC Pipe Band and Highland Dancers to take part.

Just as we began planning, the pandemic hit, and the restrictions on international travel put these plans on hold. We were delighted to finally see our Pipers, Drummers, Highland Dancers, parents and former pupils proudly perform and participate in the world renowned Tartan Day Parade 2024.

RGC's Highland Dancers perform on 6th Avenue during New York Tartan Day Parade

How did the Highland Dancing pupils find the experience? What did they perform?

The NYC Tartan Day Parade was an unforgettable experience from start to finish for the Robert Gordon’s College Highland Dancers. Dancing and marching alongside our Pipe Band on the streets of New York with hundreds of people lining the pavements supporting, was a sight to cherish. Meeting the Grand Marshall, Actor Dougray Scott was a highlight too. The RGC Highland Dance Team performed excellent choreography whilst marching, a traditional Highland Fling and a Broad Swords composition. 

It sounded like there was a lot going on when you were in New York including connecting with RGC Alumni. Please can you tell us more about that?

We are proud of the strong sense of community that exists at Robert Gordon’s College. This starts when our pupils begin their educational journey and continues for decades after they leave. When we announced to the community that our pipe band and highland dancers would be participating in the 2024 New York Tartan Week, our alumni showed strong support. Over 50 former pupils and their families travelled from across North America, Canada and Europe to join us for a weekend of events. Our Tartan Weekend began with a drinks reception on Friday evening, bringing everyone together to hear about the school's ambition for sport. We were delighted to have two alumni who are former Scottish rugby international players feature in this event. On Tartan Day, we had a brunch event for alumni prior to the Tartan Day Parade, followed by a post-parade party in Brooklyn, hosted by one of our New York based alumni. Furthermore, our pipers, drummers and dancers also benefited from a visit to Google’s New York office on 9th Avenue, where they enjoyed a tour and heard from Google staff who had lived in Scotland before relocating to the US.

Sir Jim Walker, Class of '62, Walker's Shortbread thanks members of RGC for supporting Tartan Week

Finally, we must ask of course about the tartans the College use in your uniforms and for your bands and dancers. There are lots of different Gordon tartans, is there a particular reason why you use the Dress Modern and the Clan Modern?

As a CCF we are proud to maintain a close and longstanding affiliation with the Gordon Highlanders, our sister regiment.

The Gordon Modern Tartan, worn by our Pipe Band, is the regimental tartan of the famous Gordon Highlanders. It was selected by Alexander, the 4th Duke of Gordon, from three patterns submitted by William Forsyth, a weaver and outfitter from the town of Huntly. In a letter dated 15th April 1793, Forsyth wrote, When I had the honour of communing with His Grace the Duke of Gordon, he was desirous to have patterns of the 42nd Regiment plaid with a small yellow stripe properly placed, and noted that the Duke commented, “I imagine the yellow stripes will appear very lively.”

Our Pipe Band proudly wears the Gordon Modern Tartan, along with the Gordon Highlanders Cap Badge in our Glengarries.

We also retain close links with the Gordon Highlanders Museum, which our cadets visit each November as part of their Remembrance activities. Pipe Major James Fraser was invited to perform a recital at the museum’s great room, and we frequently use the venue for band practices during the summer holidays. 

Our Highland Dancers wear bespoke Robert Gordon’s College Highland Dancing navy velvet waistcoats, Dress Gordon tartan kilts with matching hose, a white Highland blouse, and black Highland dancing pumps when performing at events at home and abroad.

We see your kilt at the tartan week parade is a Macpherson Hunting Modern, do you have any other favourite tartans?

Well spotted! I also have a Macpherson Ancient which was my dad’s, so I wear both. Obviously, the Gordon modern dress is special to me as well. The first time I saw each of my daughters wearing their RGC kilt was a very proud (and emotional!) moment. 

Thanks Robin for this wonderful interview! If you'd like to read more about RGC's pupils at New York Tartan Week 2024 click here and here.

Follow them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, and YouTube. 

The Origins

The Clan Davidson Dance School was started in 2005 by Laura Davidson based in Newtownards, South Belfast. Drawing from her roots Laura wanted to call the school Clan Davidson as her maiden name was Davidson and the school are a team who gather people together who have the same interests and commitment building a strong family unit. Just like the Clans of old!

The Emblem

The emblem for the dance school is the a stag which is worn on all of the team tracksuits. Laura explains why they opted for the stag and we love the Bambi analogy:

The Stag is the Clan emblem of Clan Davidson, and in the wild a Stag leads and guards his family teaching the family lessons, new skills and independence. Like Bambi they learn to stand on their own feet.

Tartan

When I asked Laura if the School wore the Davidson tartan she explained although they do wear Clan Davidson tartan from time to time they tend to stick to Dancer tartans for their outfits. Dancer tartans traditionally have a lot of white within the tartan pattern and have a lovely fresh, colourful look perfect for young dancers. Laura did say one day she'd love to design the Dance School's own Davidson Dance Tartan. We can't wait to see this come to life!

Competitions

In its ten year history the school has travelled wide and far to take part in numerous dance competitions. From the major Scottish cities such as Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh to Toronto - Canada and more recently, Disneyland Paris. Imagine the levels of excitement when you combine Mickey Mouse and the bagpipes!

A little closer to home the dance school have also performed for Action Cancer, the Belfast Tattoo and Dalriada festival on top of all this they often visit elderly care homes and shopping centres to share their love of Highland Dance. As you can see from the cheeky faces below the fantastic range of ages and personalities guarantee a very special performance every time. Long live Highland Dancing!

Meet Gillian, founder of The Highland Hustle fitness class. Lifelong dancer and 4th in the World Highland Dance Championships and soloist performer at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Gillian is now a PE teacher, wife and mum to three children so this is clearly a lady who likes to pack plenty into each day.

Taking inspiration from the smiles on everyone's faces at ceilidhs, Gillian was struggling to find a dance exercise class that she found fun and fulfilling so she decided to create her own:

I loved running and cycling but the feeling of dancing just never leaves you and I could not find an exercise class that allowed me to dance and push myself both physically and mentally too. I also wanted to help share some of the basic movements of Highland dance with friends who had never danced before and so to start with I tested routines and ideas on family and friends until I was sure I had a concept that worked.

The very first class was held in February 2014 in a Church Hall in Perthshire and today there are classes in six countries. Gillian still teaches classes herself and tests the music and moves on these willing participants before releasing new programmes to her team of teachers around the world. If you can't get to class there are DVDs and online streaming so you have no excuse not to give it a go because in Gillian's own words "Highland Hustle is all about getting people dancing no matter age, shape or ability and celebrating everything Scottish."

And Gillian isn't stopping here. As a class targeting all ages Hustle Tots is the new big thing:

It is so important for me to be able to respect and raise the profile of traditional Highland Dance too, particularly to encourage children to get involved. Our newer Highland Hustle Tots class is encouraging parents to start dancing and exercising with their tiny tots. The aim is to help children then find Highland Dance classes to progress to. Parents, family and friends can go along to Highland Hustle and to introduce children to dance, rhythm and lots of Scottish influences from the earliest age!

We caught up with Ann and Heather who attend our local Duns class to find out just why the classes are so special:

Ann told us "I love Highland Hustle because I can be me! Not mum, not Miss Lindsay, not even Ann the home maker or local event organiser, it's time for me and Hustle and nothing else. I've attended Highland Hustle classes across the Borders and is such a friendly activity, wherever you go, if you know people or not, you are welcomed and encouraged. Dance and exercise is why we all go, the added social side is a welcome benefit. Eileen is such a great instructor, she's so welcoming and inclusive. There are low and high levels and she will show you both, no judgement from anyone only encouragement. The Duns group varies in age from 14- 60+, but when we are all dancing none of that matters, we just crack on, dance and have fun."

This is my favourite quote and what you see on the faces of participants if you peep in door:

I love to sing, music had always been a passion of mine, dancing at Hustle gives me the music and you can sing along too! It gives you a sense of freedom, escape from daily pressures.

Heather went to the Hustle on Wednesday night for the first time: "It's a fun class that combines exercise moves with Highland dance moves and all to great music. I did the low impact stuff as a newby! I am stiff as a board today but oh it's fun."
 

If these lovely ladies haven't inspired you I don't know what will. Find out about your local Highland Hustle class here and spread the love of Highland Dancing, smiling and feeling fit. 

The Australian Celtic Festival has been held every year since 1992 in the small town of Glen Innes, the home of Australian's standing stones. Each year the festival honours Celtic nations and this year it will be celebrating Brittany, a region in the North of France and Asturias and Galicia, two communities in the North West of Spain.

People travel from all over the world to visit the Celtic festival, which is so famous for its huge array of entertainment and performers including strongman events, dancing, pipe bands, musical performances, workshops and even its very own dance competition and fashion awards.

Cape Bryon Celtic Dance group will be attending the festival this year for their 23rd consecutive year. They will also be competing in the Australian Celtic Dance Championships, which started in 2016, to defend their two year long title of best solo and group performances at the competition. This year they will be competing with Scottish and Irish dance styles, along with a new Galician style of dancing. We spoke to Karen, the teacher at Cape Bryon Celtic Dance, so we could find out a little bit more about this amazing dance group and see just how excited they are to be performing at the Australian Celtic Festival.

How many of your dancers will be attending the Australian Celtic Festival this year?

In total we have 26 dancers attending the Australian Celtic Festival for 2018, boys and girls ranging from 2 years old to 60 years old. For some it is their first stage experience, while others have been performing at the festival for up to 22 years.

What is the dancers favourite part about performing at festivals like the Australian Celtic Festival?

The atmosphere of festivals is definitely one of our favourite parts of performing. The crowd are always really supportive and appreciative, which makes us enjoy performing even more.

Cape Bryon Celtic Dance Group (Image- Cape Bryon Celtic Dance)

Who is behind the choreography?

All original choreography dances are produced by myself and my daughter Molly, we are the mother daughter duo that are the teachers of Cape Byron Celtic Dance. The dance team also has regular input into finalising footwork and stage layout. Overall, it is very much a team effort.

You dance in such a variation of outfits, how do you choose what outfit you will dance in for each performance?

The majority of our wardrobe is a modern spin on traditional costumes, designed and made according to the style and story that we want to portray. Costumes are tailored to each dancer and their role in each specific dance.

How did you choose the tartan that is featured in some of your outfits?

The tartan featured in some of our outfits was found in a tiny fabric shop in our small beachside town, we loved its earthy-tones and simplicity. It just happened to be on sale for $2 per metre, so we decided to go all out and buy 60 metres of it! We’ve been incorporating and reinventing the fabric in our costumes for the last 25 years.

Cape Bryon Celtic Dance Group (Image - Cape Bryon Celtic Dance )

We read that you have performed with Murphy’s Pigs, have you collaborated with anyone else?

We regularly join forces with Murphy’s Pigs, travelling all over the country to perform. In the past, we have also collaborated with bands Drumworx (a Scottish pipe band drumming corp), Jack O’Leary & Munsterbucks (an upbeat Irish folk group), Emmanuel College Highlanders (a talented Scottish pipe band), and Sasta (Irish folk ensemble).

On Friday 18th May 2018 the Cel'tiron Festival kicks off and oh what a weekend it will be. If you thought Highland Games only happened in Scotland then you are quite wrong. In France they take the "jeux de force ecossais" very seriously and many events take place throughout the year. This weekend in May will play host to the Highland Dancing Championships and will be one filled with dancing, caber tossing, concerts, medieval village, markets and theatre all centred around celtic traditions.

15 lucky dancers and their teachers from Lynella school of dance in our local towns of Eyemouth and Kelso here in the Scottish Borders will be travelling to the Cel'Tiron festival in Thiron Gardais. One of our previous tartan team members, Kaye-her daughter Charlie is one of the lucky 15 very excited about their trip to Paris without their parents. The girls will give a performance followed by the famous Fanny Aubret who will also dance with the Paris and District Pipe Band at an outside duo concert.

Charlie Ross

It was love at first sight when I discovered Highland Dancing thanks to the televised display at the Interceltic Festival in Lorient in 2012! Given the absence of Highland dancing schools in France, I decided to teach myself by watching videos online…

 

Fanny Aubret

Helped by Stéphane Béguinot the pair have raised the profile of Highland dancing in France and in 2016 Fanny competed in her first competition and became the first ever French Highland Dancer to win the Fling trophy, in Edinburgh no less.

Kelso Abbey

The story behind the relationship between Kelso and Thiron-Gardais is also an interesting one. The town is home to an Abbey (Eglise Abbatiale de Thiron-Gardais)built by the same monks who built Kelso Abbey and it is therefore said that the abbeys are twinned.

Is your town twinned with a Scottish one or are you in Scotland and twinned with a town overseas? We would love to hear more and share your stories!

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about Highland Dancing. We would love to hear from you if you are an expert and have some knowledge to share or simply love this beautiful Scottish tradition.