Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Highland Dance Competitive Events
 

Click here for the 2009 CDSG Trophy Winners.

Click here for the 2008 CDSG Trophy Winners.

Click here for the 2007 CDSG Trophy Winners.

OVERVIEW
Dating back to the 11th century, the Highland dances of Scotland tended to be highly athletic male dances of triumph, joy, or some other reflection of everyday life.  Competitive Highland dancing, for males only, started during the Highland revival of Victoria Britain.  Females began competing at the turn of the 20th century.  Highland dancing is one of the few arenas where men and women compete equally.  No matter who is dancing, Highland dances require both athletic and artistic skills. 
 
GENERAL COMPETITION INFORMATION
Today dancers are judged by standards set by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) formed in 1949.  SOBHD judges are qualified teachers of highland dancing who have passed a rigorous series of tests.  Dancers are judged on three basic areas: Timing, Technique, and General Deportment.
 
Dancers belong to one of five levels: Primary (under 7 years old); Beginner (until receiving a stamp at 6 different competitions); Novice (until receiving a stamp at 6 different competitions); Intermediate (for one year from date of last Novice competition); and Premier (the highest level of competition).  Each level divides into age categories depending on the entries. 
 
SATURDAY’S COMPETITIVE EVENTS
Northeastern United States Open Championship (NEUS). 
Premier dancers will vie for Champion and 1st Runner up within 5 designated age groups.  In watching the morning events, you may wonder if the dancers train together, because to the general audience they will look in synch.  Dancers are required to perform the 2010 SOBHD Championship Steps for the following dances:  Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, and Strathspey & Half Tulloch.  One misplaced step and a dancer will be disqualified.
 
Pre-Premier Competition
After opening ceremonies, the Pre-Premier competition will begin.  As mentioned above, the Pre-Premier competitive categories are the beginning levels of Highland dance.  Dancers will start with their National dances (the Scottish Lilt).  Then, always a crowd pleaser, be sure to catch the future of Highland dance, the Primary dancers (the dancers under 7 years of age) as they perform their 16 Pas de Basque, Pas de Basques & High Cuts, Sword Dance, and Highland Fling.
 
For history of the dances, be sure to pick up a program at the Games.
 
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Highland Dance Performance Events
 
SUNDAY’S PERFORMANCE EVENTS
The Braemar Highland Dancers will be performing two sets on Sunday.  First will immediately follow Massed Bands.  The Braemar Highland Dancers is the oldest certified school in New York State. Their performances consist of traditional Highland dances as well as choreographed Highland dances.  The Braemars have an active performance schedule throughout NYS and have had the opportunity to perform with musical groups such as:  the Brigadoons, Old Blind Dogs, Schenectady Pipe Band, Searson, and Tartan Terrors.  

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For More Information:  www.myspace.com/braemarhighlanddancers