Embedded Files
GRACE. POWER. TRADITION ON THE KELSO STAGE.
Highland dance is one of Scotland's most beloved traditions, featuring a breathtaking combination of athleticism, precision, and artistry passed down through generations for over 300 years. At the Kelso Highlander Festival, dancers of all ages and skill levels compete in full Highland dress to the sound of the bagpipes. Whether you have been dancing since you could walk or are watching for the first time, this competition will stop you in your tracks.
Kelso Highlander Festival would like to welcome our Judge and Piper for this year's competition!
Judge: Louise Reid from Mission Viejo, CA.
Piper: Matt Turnbull Seattle, WA.
We would also like to thank our volunteers, dancers, teachers, and parents!
THE TRADITIONAL DANCES
16 PAS DE BASQUES AND PAS DE BASQUES AND HI-CUTS
These are the first two dances learned by our Primary
dancers. These are the first steps in the Sword dance.
HIGHLAND FLING
Probably the most famous and well known of all the Highland Dances. One story says this is a victory dance. It is said that this dance is danced in
one spot because it was danced on the targe (shield). There
was usually a large spike in the middle of a targe, so it is important to stay in one spot!
SWORD DANCE (GHILLIE CALLUM)
This was supposedly first danced by Malcolm Canmore after a battle near Dunsdane, as a victory dance. After that, men would dance it before a battle. If they
touched one of the swords it was considered to be a sign of bad luck.
SEAN TRUIBHAS
Pronounced "Shawn Trews" and means 'old trousers' in Gaelic.
This dance is in celebration of the end of the act of
Proscription (the banishment of the tartan kilt). This dance shows the Highlander’s joy of ‘shedding’ his lowland
‘trews’ (or trousers) for his beloved Kilt.
SCOTTISH NATIONAL DANCES
THE SAILOR'S HORNPIPE
The Hornpipe mimics a sailor in her majesty's navy doing work aboard ship: hauling rope, sliding on the rollicking deck, and getting his paycheck. Performed in a British sailor's uniform, its name derives from the accompanying instrument, the hornpipe.
THE SCOTTISH LILT
This dance is more balletic in nature than the Highland dances. While most dances are in 4/4 time, this dance is danced in 9/8 time. Can you see the difference?
FLORA MACDONALD'S FANCY
This dance is in honor of Flora MacDonald who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Aboyne Dress is worn during this dance, as well as the Lilt.
COMPETITION RULES & JUDGING
THE COMPETITION
Modern Highland Dancing is highly competitive. Competition raises the level of performance of Highland Dancing. Dancers can begin as early as age 4 but most dancers start between 8-9.
THE CLASSES
The Primary competitors range in age from 4 – 6 years old. They are judged at a competitive level, however an emphasis of love and acceptance from the audience abounds when our darling little "lads" and "lassies" come up to the dance platform!
A new dancer starts to compete in the Beginner class after age 7. After winning a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in six different beginner competitions, the dancer moves up to the Novice class. After placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in six different novice competitions, the dancer moves up into the Intermediate category. After placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in six different Intermediate competitions, the dancer moves up to the highest category, which is Premier.
SOME THINGS TO WATCH FOR
The judges watch for three general things, these are technique, timing and general deportment. The judge watches EVERYTHING the dancers do with their arms, hands, head, feet, toes and posture- WHEW! Can you watch all of that?
You will see different dancers doing different steps during the same dance. Is someone making a mistake? NO! The dancers have many choices when it comes to steps during a dance. Some choose a harder step in hopes the judge will notice their excellent positioning and hard work. But, is it better to choose a harder step if it is not executed properly? Watch and see.
You will notice in some dances there is a clap. The clap is a signal from the dancer to the piper that the piper is supposed to change tempo for a 'quick step' or 'quick time' (quicker part of a dance). You will also notice that the dancer holds the hand with all the fingers extended except the thumb and middle finger, which are touching, the thumb on the first joint of the middle finger. This position represents the antlers of a stag.
COMPETING AT KELSO?
We welcome Highland dancers of all levels. Registration forms are on our Forms page. Questions? We'd love to hear from you. Contact Gail Bacon directly at 971-219-2352 or by using the button here to email her ➡️
COMING TO WATCH?
COMING TO WATCH?
The Highland Dance Competition runs throughout the day on Saturday, September 12th at Tam O'Shanter Park. The stage is covered — rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair, find a spot near the stage, and settle in. Admission to the festival — including all dance performances — is always free!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse