Highland dancing is the unique dance form for
Scottish bagpipes. The Highland Fling and Sword
Dance date back to the Middle Ages and have a
ritual, war-like, masculine character. In the
eighteenth century, ballet influenced dances like
Seann Triubhas (“old trousers”), the Scottish Lilt
and Flora McDonald’s Fancy, giving them a
graceful, feminine character. Vigorous dances like
the Sailor’s Hornpipe and the Irish Jig were
borrowed from neighboring cultures, but are
mainstays at Highland games.
The
Hill Country Highland Dancers hold classes twice
weekly for boys and girls ages 6 to adult.
They compete in Highland games at all levels, and
perform at events throughout central Texas.
Certified teacher Mike Downer is a member of the Scottish
Official Board of Highland Dancing and the British Association of Teachers of
Dance.