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| HE NATIONAL DANCES |
| These dances were once only performed by women because they were not allowed to dance the Highalnd dances. That all changed thanks to Jenny Douglas in the 1950's (read to learn more). The National Dances are beautiful graceful dances that belie the actual strength and endurance it takes the dancer to actually perform them. A few of the dances have stories and legends to accompany them. Flora MacDonald's Fancy - purported to have been danced by Flora herself (hand maid to Bonnie Prince Charlie) and is danced in her memory as she helped the Prince escape his foes. (read to learn more) The Scottish Lilt Blue Bonnets Over the Border - In rememberance of the army that followed Bonnie Prince Charlie "Oe'r the Border". (Read to learn more.) Wilt Thou Go To The Barracks, Johnny? - an army enlistment dance performed by the troops or girls to entice the men to join up. There has been said, this dance could have been named "Wilt Thou Go To Berwick Johnny?" This particular National dance is performed wearing Highland attire Village Maid Scotch Measure/Twasome First of August White Cockade - See the link above for the Flora MacDonald's Fancy for a description of a white cockade. Dusty Miller - Robbie Burns penned a poem to the same name. There is also a pipe tune as well. Earl of Errol Highland Laddie - was developed by soldiers circa WW1 Tribute to J.L. MacKenzie - honours one of the founders of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance Irish Jig - A tribute to our Irish cousins who experienced some of the same hardships as the Scots. Though the exaggerated movements are somewhat stereotyipcal, no harm is meant. Sailor's Hornpipe - A hornpipe was traditionally an English dance performed by the sailors to while the way the hours. Later adapted by the Scots, and now performed and competed in. |
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