Explanations of the main dances

Highland dancing, the origin of which is obscure, is distinct from Scottish country dancing. It comprises four dances all of which are exclusively male, but now the majority of dancers are female. In competition, all dances are solo, including the reels, though these are occasionally performed as team dances.

Gille Chaluim (Sword Dance)

The oldest of the dances and dates back from the time of King Malcolm Canmore (1058-1093). Defeating an adversary in battle, he is said to have laid down his sword over that of his defeated opponent in the sign of the cross, and executed a dance of victory over them. It is a warlike dance requiring great skill. The feet must be placed close to the swords, but must never touch them

The Highland Fling

Said to have been inspired by the sight of a red deer stag prancing on the hillside, the arms and fingers are held in the form of the stag’s antlers (cabar feidh), and the dancer must never move from the spot on which the dance began
The Seann Triubhas (Old Trousers) this dance dates back to the time after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 when the Highlander was for bidden to wear the kilt. It shows his contempt for having to dance in the hated trousers (trews), and he is trying to shake off the confining trouser legs. The last part of the dance in quick time shows his joy at returning once more to wearing the beloved kilt.

The Reels

These are danced by four people, and the origin is obscure. The slow movement, the Strathspey, is thought by many to be a mourning dance, used at funerals. The Reel of Tulloch, or Thullachan, is reputed to have originated in the village of Tulloch; where, on a cold, snowy morning, the minister was delayed, and the congregation started swinging each other by the arms to keep warm. The Highland Reel is a quick, livelier version of the Strathspey.
The dancing competitions can be seen throughout the day on platforms placed around the games field in Mossfield Park commencing at 10.15 am