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Highland Dance in New Zealand

New Zealand highland dancing is conducted under the rules of the Academy of Highland and National Dance (Inc.). This organisation was created after the Second World War by teachers and judges around the country. In particular, it was the brainchild of the late Mrs. May Wilson. Her aim was to bring continuity to the technique and execution of dance. She wanted a national standard in which all dancers could be assessed and taught on the same level. With the Academy came an entrance standard. To become a teacher or judge this standard had to be met. The Academy was so successful that when the opportunity came to join the SOBHD (The Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing) we in New Zealand chose to keep the Academy (which functions in much the same manner).

Because our dancers in New Zealand are not affiliated with the SOBHD, it means our technique and style varies slightly. Although to the amateur the differences are nominal, to those trained in either style, the different timing, execution and interpretation of some movements stands out like a sore thumb. The only drawback to this is that we are shut out of international competition. Only a few Australian competitions cater to our Academy style.

Most competitions are held indoors although we do have highland games, the biggest of which being the Hastings Highland Games at Easter. We hold exams twice a year, the first for Highland grades, and the second for national and medal tests. Once yearly, a conference is held by the Academy, and the Solo Seal examination is held.

The dances taught and performed vary slightly from those under SOBHD sanction. We have the traditional Fling, Sword, Seann, Highland Reel, Sailors, and Tulloch but the lengths are different: 


                  Number of Steps 
         Dance    (For a Senior)
         Fling          6
         Sword          5
         Seann          8
         Sailors        8
         Highland Reel  2-slow, 2-quick (with figures)
         Tulloch        6 (and swings)
What really stands out in New Zealand Highland Dancing is the Irish National dancing. This is a type of dancing which evolved from attempts last century to create a reinvigorated Irish traditional dance. However, the dance masters created it out of the rise and grind jigs of the time, rather than the more popular style that Riverdance symbolises. But this does not make Irish national any less rhythmical or spectacular when performed correctly.

In New Zealand, the dances performed are the Single Time Jig, Double Time Jig, Irish Hornpipe and the Irish Reel. The costume is a white dress with green cape, green socks and black jig shoes. We also have more novelty dances such as the Waltz Clog (a bit like a tap dance), Skipping Rope dances, and Double Swords (two dancers over one sword).

In SOBHD, the Scottish National Dances play an important part, but these have only just come back in New Zealand. Only a few, namely, Over the Water to Charlie, the Irish Lilt, and the Melbourne Clog, are performed. However, all dances can be learnt and asssessed through the medal test system. Each medal test requires one to learn a selection of national dances and perform them to a satisfactory standard. These dances are very popular in concerts.

The costume is the kilt. Aboyne dress is not worn at all. The kilt is combined with a white shirt. The sleeves can be worn quarter-length or full, lace or cotton with cuffs. A jabot is also worn along with a waist jacket in black, or the dominant colour of the kilt. This is all topped off with a hat and feather.

Contributed by Ms. Shiobhan O'Donnell (Member of the Acadmey of Highland and National Dance of New Zealand: 1997)
Ms. O'Donnell has expressed an interest in corresponding by email with Highland dancers from all over the world.

Her email address is: shiobhan.odonnell@xtra.co.nz
She'll correspond directly with older dancers, and forward email from younger ones to their contemporaries.