- The history of Highland dance can be traced to the Scotichronicon, one of the most important records of early Scottish history, according to the National Library of Scotland. These books contain the oldest written accounts of pipe music and warrior dance during the mid thirteenth century.
- The three most popular dances are the Sword Dance, which was done in preparation for battle, the Highland Fling, a victory dance performed by warriors with shields, and the Sean Triubhas, a dance that imitates removing of pants to show kilts. The Sean Triubhas evolved from an old English law that forbid kilt-wearing.
- Modern Highland Dance is very competitive and technical. The competitions are performed at many public events in Scotland, and the dancers must train for many hours to build the muscle strength and stamina to dance. In competition, dancers are judged on technique, timing and general posture.
- Highland Dance should not be confused with Scottish Country Dance, which is a type of folk dance, done in groups in social settings, similar to Ballroom and Square Dancing.
- The Highland Dances were originally done only by men and were used to express triumph, joy, and other reflections of emotion.
