Alexander Campbell: ‘Highland Dancing in the Olden Times’ from ‘Caledonia’ (1895)
The
Collection's Dance Entries · Changing
fashions · Francis Peacock
The Ball-Room Guide · ‘A
Guide to Fashionable Dancing’
‘The People’s Ball
Room Guide’ · Illustrated
Guide to the National Dances of Scotland
‘Highland Dancing in the Olden Times’ · Dance
Video Clips
(JSS0328-JSS0336)
This essay discusses dances that were once performed throughout the
Highlands but are now lost. It mentions the old dances of the Gaelic-speaking
areas of Scotland, such as solo, duo, and trio dances as well as character
and dramatic dance. Some dramatic dances, which have completely disappeared,
are described:
- Dannsa nam Boc (Goat Dance, JSS0333)
- Dannsa an Chlesca (Cloak Dance, JSS0333)
- Croit an Dreathan (Wren’s Croft, JSS0333-JSS0335) is fully described, including the narrative, or spoken section. Story telling through dance, especially dances relating to animals, is centuries-old tradition. In some countries, such as Romania, ancient animal dances are still performed today.
Pat Ballantyne
