BHGA

When you go to a Highland Games event, or Highland
dance exhibition, there is something about the Highland
dances that draw you in. It could be the strong beat
as the feet of the dancers hit the floor to the music of
bagpipes, or it could be the precise synchronization of
a line of dancers competing for a score that will reflect
their talents and hard work. For some it is the costumes,
but for most it is the culmination of the entire
presentation of dance, music and costumes. One thing is
for sure, as a spectator it is hard to look away when you
get drawn into the dance.

What you will see at the Bellingham Highland Games
are dancers that are performing very precise and difficult movements.
These dancers require much stamina and coordination.

Originally, Highland dances were performed by men
only, however today the female participant numbers
are at a solid 95 percent. In the late nineteenth century,
young Jenny Douglas set her mind on entering a Highland
dance competition. Because there were no rules
against females competing she was allowed to enter. She
became the pioneer for all females who have followed
her over the years.

Highland dances are performed solo and each person is
judged on their own ability to execute the three major
criteria: timing, technique and deportment.
Timing includes the dancer's feet, arms and head in
specific positions at marked beats in the music. The dancer
must be able to follow the rhythm of the music and
work tirelessly on presenting these movements clean
and flawless.

Technique is the execution of the footwork including
the ability to jump with power and precision above the
platform.

Deportment is the interpretation the dancer exhibits when
performing a particular dance. Whether or
not the dance is difficult to perform, the dancer must
present the dance as if it is effortless and a pleasure to
perform.

Since the sixteenth century, Highland dancing has
traditionally been performed to the music of bagpipes.
In your visit to the Highland Games you will find that
Highland dancing and bagpipes go hand-in-hand.

True Highland dances are connected with ancient
Scottish folk customs and each dance tells a story. For
example, The Highland Fling is a victory dance that
was performed by ancient warriors and clansmen after
battle. They danced on a targ, which is a small round
shield they carried with them into battle. It is interesting
to note that the dance has quick footwork, characteristic of
dancing on a shield that had a pinpoint sharp spike
of steel in the center. A careless step could change the
dancer's dance from victorious to painful.

The Sword Dance is an ancient war dance of the Scottish Gael.
Other popular dances include The Seann Triubhas, which translates
to 'old trousers,' The Strathspey and Highland Reel, The Irish Jig,
the Scottish Lilt and more.

The Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing standardizes the
dance steps so that everyone competing in
the world is doing the same dances the same way

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Welcome Dancers to our 2012 games.

There have been some minor changes to how things will work.

Saturday

** Please note due to the number of Premier Dancers- Intermediates will be dancing in the MORNING.

Sunday

PLATFORM SCHEDULE