Scottish Highland dancing, developed during the 19th and 20th centuries, was named after the area it was developed in, the Scottish Highlands. This type of dancing has been around for many centuries leading up to what is today a highly developed and socialized type of dance. In previous centuries Highland dancing was used by Scottish regiments to exercise and keep their troops in shape. There was also a type of dance referred to as sword dancing, a style in which warriors would place their swords in front of them forming a cross and dance a jig around their swords. The goal was to dance all around the swords without stepping on or touching them. The success of this pre-war dance was said to determine how successful the outcome of the actual battle would be. Today many people compete in Highland Games around the globe and preform these types of dance competitively. Since the 19th century this form of dance has been heavily influenced by the aesthetics of Scottish culture and artistry. Highland dancing is comparable to ballet and influences from this are evident in the dance.

Hands should be placed on hips and remain there throughout the dance:

Step #1 - Foot in Front. (Counts 1-8)
Point R foot to side, bring R foot in front of L knee, in back of L knee and in front of L knee while hopping on L foot (counts 1-4).
Reverse: Point L foot out to side, bring L foot in front of R knee, in back of R knee, in front of R knee while hopping on R foot (counts 5-8).

Step #2 – Toe-Heel Step (Counts 1-8)
Point R foot to side, place R toe next to L foot, place R heel out in front, bring R toe back next to L foot while hopping on L foot (counts 1-4).
Reverse: Point L foot to side, place L toes next to R foot, place L heel out in front, bring L toe back next to R foot while hopping on R foot (counts 5-8).

Step #3 - Spin Step. (Counts 1-8)
Point R foot to the side, bring R foot to L knee, hop 3 times on L foot making a complete turn to the L (counts 1-4).
Reverse: Point L foot to the side, bring L foot to the R knee, hop 3 times on R foot making a complete turn to the R (counts 5-8).

Step #4 - Alternating feet. (Counts 1-8)
This is similar to a high knee running step: R foot comes up in front of L knee, then L foot in front of R knee, R foot in front of L knee, L foot in front of R knee (counts 1-4).

Continue to repeat 4 more times for counts 5-8.

Repeat entire dance for the remainder of the song.

After the students have had time to learn and practice the dance, the class can participate in a dance competition by seeing who can perform the dance the longest without making any mistakes.

Cognitive: Students will be able to tell where the dance came from and why/how the dance was used centuries ago and how the dance is used today.

Psycho-motor: students will be able to perform all four dance steps repetitively, at first at their own pace and eventually staying with the tempo of the music.