Welcome to the Dancer's Corner! 

Dress and Costumes

New to highland dance or need a refresher on what to wear for exams or competitions? Not to worry, we've got you covered! If you are looking for new outfits or secondhand, please check out this Measuring Guide. The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing also has a great presentation on the highland dance dress code. Ms. Robinson and your dance teacher will be more than happy to answer any of your questions, in the meantime, check out these useful tips below.

The essential highland dancer's closet should include the following:
  • Kiltie (for Primaries/Beginners) or Kilt (for advanced dancers - Novice, Intermediate, and Premier) 
  • White blouse with dickie or dress shirt
  • Velvet vest or jacket
  • Hose/white knee socks (for Primaries/Beginners/Gentlemen) or matching Tartan hose (for advanced dancers - Novice, Intermediate, and Premier) 
  • Ghillies (preferably black, though some match their shoes with their outfits) - these should fit snugly.
  • Black boycut shorts are to be worn under a kiltie or kilt.
  • Balmoral Tam for gentlemen
  • Sporran for gentlemen
As you progress in your dances and learn new ones, you will need specific outfits to perform (e.g.,  jigs and hornpipes).

Aboyne
Ladies will have an option to wear a national white dress with tartan shawl/sash pinned on the right shoulder, or the National Aboyne outfit which consists of scalloped velvet vest, fancy white blouse, full tartan skirt with white slip skirt underneath,  and matching shawl/sash pinned on the right shoulder. To learn how to pin a shawl/sash click here. Learn how to fit your Aboyne here (in French only/en français seulement).

Jigs
Special jig shoes are needed for this dance, which differ from ghillies as they have a hard sole and heel. They can be red or green (or both), or black.

Hornpipe
The Sailor's Hornpipe outfit consists of pants and a long-sleeved shirt with a sailor's collar and black or navy ribbon, white socks, Hornpipe hat, and ghillies. You may find the outfit in white, navy blue or black but the hat is typically white.

Practice Music

Lady K's Ceilidh (our school dance) 
Highland Fling Slow (Steps 4, Tempo 112)
Pas de Basques & High Cuts (Steps 1, Tempo 110)
​Sword Dance Slow (Steps 2 + 1, Tempo 104 + 120)
Flora MacDonald Fast (Steps 4, Tempo 88)
Seann Truibhas Slow (Steps 3 + 1, Tempo 92 + 112)
Hornpipe Fast (Steps 5, Tempo 114)
Jig Slow (Steps 5, Tempo 110)
Barracks Slow (Steps 4, Tempo 96)
Earl of Errol Fast (Steps 4, Tempo 76)
Village Maid (Steps 4, Tempo 82)​
Scottish Lilt (Steps 4, Tempo 96)
Highland Laddie (Steps 4)
Blue Bonnets Over the Border (Steps 4, Tempo 88)
We also have our own Spotify account that you can use, just beware that someone else may also be using it! Try not to use it during class times in case one of our teachers needs it. You can log in using our email ([email protected]​) and password. You will find playlists with many choices of music for all your dance needs. 

Step Resource Videos

This Tumblr page is an excellent resource for steps if you forget how a step is supposed to travel, or what movement you seem to be forgetting.... Have a look!
​Highland Dance Steps

Upcoming Exams

If you are interested, you will be invited to showcase your progression at annual exams in front of an accredited judge. Exams are a great opportunity to work towards a goal and learn new steps in the recreation stream. If you are a Primary/Beginner dancer, you may wear a black bodysuit/School T-shirt with a kiltie or kilt, hose and ghillies. More advanced dancers are expected to wear outfits associated to the different dances they will perform. All ladies are to have neatly pulled hair secured in a bun or in French braids (no fringes). Gentlemen typically wear tams.
For a list of exam dances and requirements click HERE (password protected)

Upcoming Competitions and Games

If you are itching to compete at Highland Games, or at local/regional/national and even international competitions, they typically occur in the summer months, but there are competitions that can take place any time in the year anywhere around the globe. Here's a selection at a glance:
Highland Dancing Associations and Championship Series
Highland Games and FestivalsYou will be expected to wear outfits associated to each specific dance for which you register. You should also consider the following checklist as you prepare for the competition:
Highland
  • Kilt
  • Vest/Jacket
  • Blouse/Shirt
  • Dickie
  • Hose
  • Black boycut shorts
  • Elastics for hose
  • Ghillies
  • Tam/sporran (gents)

​Hornpipe
  • Sailor's outfit (pants and top)
  • Hornpipe hat
  • Socks
  • Ghillies
​National
  • White dress with shawl/sash, Slip
  • White bloomers
OR
​
  • Vest, Blouse, Slip, Tartan Skirt with shawl/sash
  • Brooch
  • White bloomers
  • Ghillies

Jig
  • Skirt or dress, and slip 
  • Blouse
  • Apron
  • Cumberbund
  • Jig shoes
Accessories
  • Brush/comb
  • Bobby pins
  • Hair elastics
  • Hair net/bun donut/small bun wig
  • Bun accessories
  • Hairspray/gel
  • Minimal makeup (lipstick, blush, eyeliner, mascara)
  • Safety pins
  • ScotDance/Competitor card
  • Water bottle
  • Rain booties/covers

Upcoming Volunteer Performances

Katharine Robinson Dancers are often invited to dance with the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band and what an honour it is! There are several opportunities throughout the year to follow the pipe band, to perform locally and abroad during commemorative events, in honour of veterans, at residential homes, and for dignitaries. Ask Ms. Robinson or your teacher how you can be a part of this wonderful community, to give back, and share in lasting memories. 
If you are interested in dancing at a concert please let us know by emailing us at [email protected].

Reading Section

The Hidden History of Highland Dance (Michael Newton, 2012)
​Highland & National Dances
History of Highland Dance
Introduction to Highland Dancing (Kristy Duncan)
​The Scottish Dance Tradition
​Scottish National Dance
Traditional Scottish Dance