|
Post by andi on Jul 10, 2005 6:56:04 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by andi on Jul 10, 2005 6:57:25 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by andi on Jul 10, 2005 6:58:36 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by LLady on Aug 3, 2005 19:21:47 GMT 10
More about The Highland Dance Competition
A highlight of every Scottish celebration is the Highland dancing.
THE HIGHLAND FLING, celebrated triumph in battle and was originally danced on the shield of clansmen. Inspired by the capers of the stag, the dancer's upraised arms and fingers are held in such a manner as to imitate the animals antlers.
THE SWORD DANCE is an intricate dance performed between the blades of crossed swords placed on the floor. According to legend, the warrior would do the Sword Dance and if he touched or displaced either sword during the dance, it portended evil in the upcoming battle.
THE IRISH WASHERWOMAN, otherwise known as the Irish Step Dance, requires a "hard shoe" that sounds more like tap. In Ireland, it's danced from the hips down. In the Scottish version, however, there is full use of the arms. This dance is a parody of a washerwoman's agitation over clean wash that has been overturned by a drunken husband.
THE SEANN TRIUBHAS (pronounced Shawn Trews) is a dance that celebrated the end of proscription. The law of procription (Aug 1746) forbid the wearing of kilts, the use of tartans or any part of the Highland garb. When the law was repealed in 1782, the joy was such that Scots literally danced for joy. During the performance of the dance, you'll see the dancer clearly going through the motions of kicking off the trousers (trews).
Other dances you see in competion are:
Scotch Measure Earl of Errol Sailor's Hornpipe The Strathsprey Highland Reel Scottish Lilt Flora McDonald's Fancy
|
|
|
Post by LLady on Aug 3, 2005 19:37:39 GMT 10
How Highland Dance is Judged
Highland dance is judged by 3 criteria: timing, technique and general deportment. Any total mark must take account these three basic areas.
Timing is the keeping of good time to the music. This would include not only hopping in time, but also changing arm and head positions on the correct beat. Besides hopping off time, or changing the arm and head positions on the wrong beat, a dancer could also be considered off time if they perform various movements within the steps using an incorrect rhythm.
Technique is the proper execution of footwork simultaneously with proper head, arm and hand movements. Footwork incorporates proper positioning of the feet, both on the ground and in the air. All Highland dances are based on the basic positions of the feet, so it's very important that proper footwork be used and adhered to throughout the dance. It's also important for the dancer to remember that the judges are as interested in the hopping foot and leg as the working foot and leg. Turnout of the legs at the hips is also an important consideration.
General deportment is how well the dancer is able to express the spirit of the dance. This includes how they carry themselves during the performance including the head, arms, hands, and body. During all performances the dancer should strive to show:
Pleasure in the dance Agile movement with lack of strain An upright carriage of the body No unnecessary or elaborate movements Apparent ease in dancing Natural elevation without excessive exaggeration
|
|
|
Post by andi on Sept 20, 2006 23:33:45 GMT 10
|
|