Yes your correct this was a more a display of strength historically for men only. It was not a dance for celebration - Hence sword dance. The music was much slower and more like ballet. Has always reminded me of English dance done by Morris men although they danced to celebrate and included bells rather than swords.
In Galiza, the ancient celtic and suevi nation of the Iberic Peninsule there are some Sword Dances too. One of the best known is from Carril. Each year is danced in July, 25 in the party of St. James, the Galician National Day. Regards! Baile Das Espadas, Carril 2011
I am a highland dancer and actually know kristen who is dancing, you can infact do an alternative last step. there are many versons. kristen attends the jenkins school of dance in airth in central scotland.
I don't know her name. I was visiting Scotland and I was blessed enough to get to be a part experience this. Maybe one day I'll get to go back and see it again. :)
lol anyone calling themself The Ard Righ doesn't need to be taken with any amount of value... who died and made you High King? LOL! THE High King at that!
It sometimes is that fast just depends on how the piper plays as a competitive dancer you learn to dance to different speeds of music that how i learnt
I don't really see why a dance is causing all of this strife. As I understand it, while I was visiting (and no, I'm not a native Scot), it was told to our group that this is a tradition that began back with the Celts and that the men would actually be the ones who would perform this dance before they went into battle. I posted this because I thought that it was an amazing show of athleticism and a beautiful piece of Scottish culture as it was told to us. If it offends you, then don't watch it.
@raksnishi It depends what country you live in but maybe look it up on google. There's sure to be a local one in your town. Highland dance schools are ALWAYS looking out for new dancers. I do highland dance and its the best decision ive ever made. Join up and you wont regret it! :)
@raksnishi That's great you have a BA in dance! This would definitely be something to add to your repertoire. However, I don't know where you might learn it as it was a demonstration that I saw in Scotland last summer. Possibly if you could travel there you could take some courses. :)
I know! I was very impressed and a little scared for her, even though she obviously has done this quite a bit. It does make me wonder how many times she's been nicked by the swords while practicing. Maybe that's why she wears the high socks. :)
