highland

Teacher: Mrs. Jeanie Lewis, a native scot from Aberdeen. Started dancing at the age of three; Competed in competitions for over 20 years; Danced before the Queen of Great Britain.

Scottish Highland dancing is a great aerobic and development exercise. It is a healthy workout for children and adults, both male and female. It develops coordination, posture and overall muscle tone. As one of the oldest forms of folk dance, it has contributed its form and agility to both modern ballet and square dancing, which trace their roots back to the Highlands.

Dating back to the 11th or 12th century, the Highland Dances of Scotland tended to be highly athletic male celebratory dances of triumph or joy, or warrior dances performed over swords and spiked shield. Highland dancing was one of the various ways men were tested for strength, stamina, accuracy, and agility. Over the centuries the Highland dancing expanded to include females, and its style has become more refined. Now it shares many elements from classical ballet.

Competitive Highland dancing started during the Highland revival of Victorian Britain, and was for men only. Ladies began competing only at the turn of the century. Although historically Highland dancing was restricted to men, today both men and women perform it. Although the majority of today's competitive dancers are female, the male dancers are for the most part very athletic, possessing skills parallel to those of gymnasts. No matter who dances them, Highland dances require both athletic and artistic skill.