Arm & Head Positions in Scottish Highland Dancing

Series Summary

It was written in the 1440's that Scottish Highland dancers performed a war dance at the wedding of Alexander III, King of Scots, in 1285 A.D. Today thousands of people perform before audiences and compete in championships around the world; with their incredible balance, authentic dress, great foot strength, and proud countenance Scottish Highland dancers are a sight to behold and fun to watch. Similarly learning these dances can be great fun and as easy as watching video lessons and practicing at home. In this free online video lesson, learn from certified BATD member, and competitive Highland dancer Kira Cogswell VanSteenkiste as she teaches and demonstrates Scottish Highland dancing. Learn dance moves including shedding, toe & heel, crossover, and last shedding in the Fling; Pa De Bas and quick step Pa De Bas; addressing the sword, pointing step, and open Pa De Bas quick steps in the Sword Dance; and arm, head, and feet positions.

Video Transcript

"Hi this is Kira Cogswell VanSteenkiste and you could contact me at michiganhighlanddance.com and in this clip I will be demonstrating the arms and head positions of Scottish Highland dancing. There are five basic positions of arms that we use in Highland dancing. The first is first position with the elbows straight out to the side, the backs of the hands facing the front, and your fists are resting on your waist. You usually do this when you are in first position and there are occasions when you use it in other positions throughout Highland dancing. The next position is second position and when you extend your foot out to second position the opposite arm where we raise to second position which is slight diagonally forward and in front. When you are extending your right leg to second position your arm your left arm would be raised up and when your extending your left foot you would be raising your right arm out. The next position is third position and third position is when both arms are in second position and you will use this when you are dancing in third position. Forth position is adventive of third position just slightly higher and closer with the arms. In fifth position you will bring your arms out forwards and downwards towards the bottom so it is circling outwards and downwards so that the pinkie fingers are slightly just slightly away from the kilt and that they are almost touching. There are two basic head positions that we use in Highland dancing. The first is first position which is the eyes are leveled and the heads facing straight forward and you use this throughout most of your Highland dancing. The second position is second position where the head is turn diagonally to the right or to the left and the shin is tilted slightly upwards. So when you are in second position with the head you will be in second position with the arms."