Highland Dance Theory Flashcards

The body should be held in a natural easy manner without stiffness, strain, or exaggeration.

Stand with the feet and head in 1st position, arms by the side or in 1st position. Bow by inclining the body forward slowly, and return to the original position. If arms are by the side they should be taken to first on the first count followinf the bow unless otherwise stated. The depth must not be exaggerated, and the count varies with each dance.

A movement of elevation begun on the ball of one foot and finished by landing on the ball of the same foot.

A movement of elevation begun on the ball of one foot and finishe bay landing on the ball of the other foot.

Hop, spring, or disassemble pointing the working foot in 2nd position(count 1); hop, taking the working foot to 3rd rear aerial position(count 2); hop, executing a round-the-leg movement with the working foot to 3rd aerial position(count 3); hop and execute another round-the-leg movement with the working foot to 3rd rear aerial position(count 4)

Hop or spring and simultaneously on landing, point the working foot in a specified position, then hop and simultaneously on landing, place the heel of the working foot in the same specified position. This movement occupies 2 beats of music.

Spring from 3rd or 5th position to 3rd rear positio, or vice vers, pointing the working foot on landing. Rocks are usually danced in series, in which case the 1st rock may be executed starting from an open position. The rear foot is always pointed first. When the working foot is pointed during the movement the toe touches the ground lightly.

Preparing with an extension of the working leg to 2nd aerial low position, spring to that side, bringing the new working foot to 3rd or 5th position, placing it on the half point, then beat (without exaggeration) the ball of the other foot in 3rd or 5th rear postion, at the same time sharply extending the front foot, if required, to begin the next movement.

Spring and point the working foot in an excepted open position (i.e. 4th position), both feet touching the ground simultaneously.

The heels are together, with the weight of the body equally distributed on both feet, which are turned out to form an angle of 90 degrees ( each foot being at an angle oof 45 degrees from the line of direction). The dance may standing with both feet flat on the ground or may be poised on the balls of the feet.

The working leg is extended directly to the side at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction, the toe and heel of the working foot being in line with the heel of the supporting foot.

The working foot touches the hollow of the supporting foot. The working foot is turned out at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction. Toe, 1/2 point , ball, or heel.

When placed on the toe, the hollow of the working foot touches the heel of the supporting foot. Theworking foot turned outwards at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction.

With the knee of the working leg pressed well back, the outside edge of the working foot is placed in contact with the front of the supporting leg. Togive normal level the working foot is placed with the heel slightly below the level of the knee cap of the supporting, low level with the toe in liine with the ankle of the supporting leg or very mlow level with the foot slightly off the ground above 3rd position.

The working foot is placed behind the supporting leg ate the same height as in 3rd aerial position normal level, the inside edge of the working goot being in contact the calf of the supporting leg, The knee of the working leg is held well back , no part of the working foot being visible from the front.