the Highland Fling



The Highland Fling is one of the oldest of the traditional Highland dances of Scotland. Returning from a victorious battle, male warriors would perform the dance in celebration of their success. It was performed on a small round shield, called a targe. Most targes had a sharp spike of steel projecting from the center, so the dancers learned to move with skill and dexterity to avoid injuring themselves.

This dance is now performed at dance competitions and events around the world. It is no longer danced on a shield, but it is still the goal of the dancer to stay in the same spot throughout the dance. The Highland Fling is danced at almost all competition levels, from Primary to Premier. It is also performed for most Highland and Theory examinations. Dancers wear the standard Kilt outfit to perform this dance.

Some people believe the Fling may have originated from a different source. There is a story about a young boy who saw a stag. When his father asked him to describe it, the boy could not find the words, so he danced on the spot, shaping his arms and hands into the animal he saw.

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Its been a wee while since i have attempted the Highland Fling and its a wonderful Scottish dance, very graceful.