How to Do Arm and Head Positions in Scottish Highland Dancing

Scottish Highland dancing, originally taken from folk dancing in Scotland centuries ago, is a lively combination of fast footwork and exacting moves. Since most of the difficulty in the moves is found in the foot work, polishing off arm and head positions adds a simple finishing touch to this traditional dance form.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get your fingers in position from the start. Unless otherwise stated, the finger position is the same for all arm positions. Using your thumb and your middle finger, put the tip of your thumb and touch it to the first joint of your middle finger.

2. Make fists with both of your hands. Place each fisted hand on your hips, right fist on right hip and left fist on left hip. This is known as the first arm position. Your arms will be in the correct place if you are standing tall with your shoulders back.

3. Create the second arm position by leaving one hand fisted and at your hip. With the other arm, raise it so your fingers are near the side your head. Make sure that the fingers on the raised arm are set, as described in Step 1.

4. Raise both arms, fingers in the traditional placement, for the third arm position. Your arms will be curved slightly at the elbow. Fourth position is an adaptation of the third position where you raise your arms, eliminating the curve. Your fingers will be close to touching straight above your head.

5. Lower your arms for fifth position and rest your fingers on the edge of your kilt. Your arms will be slightly curved in front of you. Your fingers will be close to touching with only an inch or two between them.

6. Set your head in one of the two head positions. In the first head position, your face will be forward and your neck will be long and straight. In the second position, the head will move to the side diagonally, either to the right or left, depending on the dance routine.