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Celtic Radio Community > Festival & Games > Highland dancing

Posted by: CelticAingeal 21-May-2003, 04:24 PM

Am hoping to get a wee bit of advice here. Our daughter is dancing in her first Highland dance competition this weekend.  She has been begging all year to go in one, but I wanted to wait till her teacher felt she was ready.  The closer it gets the more nervous she's getting.  She is almost 8 years old and been dancing for 3 years now.  Dancing in recitals and folk festivals has all gone well....but the idea of the 'judges' seems to be really setting her off.  I've taken her to some competitions in the past couple years just to watch and her teacher says she is more than ready to give the competitions a try. Would really appreciate it if anyone could lend some advice as to what I could say or do to help her out. Thanks!!

Posted by: Gaelic Bread 21-May-2003, 07:15 PM

CA... boy, can I relate to this one!!!  With my four kids, all have gone through the SAME feelings.  Each one has responded to the first-time syndrome well, because I had them imagine that I was the judge. Prior to the competitions (skating, violin, piano and singing) I had them practice incessantly infront of me... while I jokingly peered and stared at them, making faces, etc.  It relaxed them very quickly.  By the time they hit the judges, they forgot that they were there.  This comes from every one of my kids. (Dad taught me well!)

Posted by: CelticAingeal 21-May-2003, 08:47 PM

GB, thank ye so much.  This helps a lot!!  I will try that with her over the next couple days.  The competition is on Saturday, so we've still got some time.  I'll be sure to write and let ye know how it turns out. p.s. I love your quote..... Quote "The Lord tells me that he can get me out of this mess, but he's pretty sure you're..." .....one of the many great lines in this movie.

Posted by: MDF3530 21-May-2003, 08:53 PM

Quote (Gaelic Bread @ May 21 2003,8:15) CA... boy, can I relate to this one!!!  With my four kids, all have gone through the SAME feelings.  Each one has responded to the first-time syndrome well, because I had them imagine that I was the judge. Prior to the competitions (skating, violin, piano and singing) I had them practice incessantly infront of me... while I jokingly peered and stared at them, making faces, etc.  It relaxed them very quickly.  By the time they hit the judges, they forgot that they were there.  This comes from every one of my kids. (Dad taught me well!) That brings back memories of school! All the band concerts and competitions I was in. Probably the biggest pressure situation I've ever had in terms of performing in front of people who'd be judging me was not band-related though. I never felt any pressure then. It was in English class my senior year in high school. Every year we read one of Shakespeare's stories, and for the senior class it was Hamlet. The teacher I had had every one of her students memorize and recite Hamlet's "To Be Or Not To Be" monologue. She had us draw numbers to determine the order and I drew #2. My parents helped me by having me get up and recite it to them 2-3 times a day. When the day came, I was nervous but thanks to mom & dad, I aced it.

Posted by: Keltic 21-May-2003, 09:42 PM

CA, The nerves prove that she is alive and normal. I competed in piping competitions for 7 years and always felt like I was going to toss before the competition (might have had something to do with the night before but I can't be sure). In any case, the best thing to do is practice until she can do the dances in her sleep. Auto-pilot tends to take over once the competition starts. The hardest and most important thing to do is to try to block out the judges and the people watching and just worry about the dance. This isn't always easy. One year at the Fergus Highland Games in Ontario, I headed to my competition area only to realize that the judge was my piping tutor. All the mistakes that I made during my lessons started to race through my mind. I calmed myself down and assured myself that I was going to show Bruce that I was going to get through my piece. My time came and I will never forget Bruces face when he looked up at me with a cocky smile. He started making notes before I even started to play. I was now more determined than ever to not only get through the piece, but to make it shine!! All that I can say, is that I am glad that I never had to face my tutor in competition again. The mistakes that he noted on my score sheet before I even started playing were right. In any case, wish your daughter good luck and let us know how she does.

Posted by: CelticAingeal 22-May-2003, 09:39 AM

MD....I hear ye there.  When we did Hamlet in grade 12 our teacher kept pulling us up in front of the class to act out skits......arrgghh!!  I was a wee bit of a ham, so I didn't mind too much the first couple times, but when it carried on for weeks....let's just say we did EVERYTHING we could to avert his attention from ourselves when it came time to pick who was going up.   Quote always felt like I was going to toss before the competition (might have had something to do with the night before but I can't be sure). Hmmmm...*lol* Thanks Keltic, for the great advice and the reminder that it's only human to be nervous.  I think sometimes we forget that's the case.  Some people think it's a sign of weakness or not being prepared....which it isn't.  I will keep up the practices and talk to her about tuning out the judges and people.  She's got her Fling and Lilt down really well....the Sword I'm a bit hesitant about.  I told her she could just do her Fling and Lilt, but she's determined to do the Sword too.....luckily with the Sword ye can look down, that should definately help in tuning people out.     Thanks for the good luck wish....I'll be sure to write and let ye know how it goes.

Posted by: Gaelic Bread 22-May-2003, 10:28 AM

Maybe there's a way to get some advise from Annika Sorenstam!!! Let's consider what she's out there doing today infront of millions (half hostile) viewers, attendees and competitors.  I guess it's a firm testament to the success of preparation and confidence!!!  If your daughter has ANY knowledge of Annika, she would be a great role model for the coming weekend. I can only wish the upmost best for BOTH!!!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 22-May-2003, 02:27 PM

GB, you're an aingeal....thank ye so much!  I will pass along the well wishes to m'daughter too.  Aye, I do know of Annika....wow, isn't she something?  The golf course was my second home growing up, I can only imagine what it takes to do what she's doing.  I never thought of telling Erika about her, but I'm sure going too.  Want to talk about pressure, you're right.....Annika's got it!!  It's going to be quite something to see how she does.  I have a feeling she'll place in at least the top 20.  Do ye happen to know, will she be tee'ing off at the same markers as the men?  I would imagine in order for her to go in it, she'll probably have too.

Posted by: barddas 23-May-2003, 07:08 AM

CA, Wish your daughter good luck for me! She'll do fine I'm sure. Don't worry, she will get the jitters, but she will be great I'm sure!   I have been playing music for years and i still get a wee bit nervous before each show.   Again, GOOD LUCK!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 23-May-2003, 12:49 PM

Barddas, I really appreciate your comments.     Thanks so much for the well wishes.  It's nice to know that even us 'big people' still get the jitters.*lol*  Does your band play Celtic music?

Posted by: barddas 23-May-2003, 01:02 PM

You are welcome! Yes, we play celtic music. The group consist of 2 people.(we play around 6-7 instruments between the 2 of us, switching some mid song... AHHHH!!!)  We play traditional/non-trad. of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. We try to cover all areas of the Celt regions. And give things a bit of "kick" in the tempo area. LOL!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 24-May-2003, 03:28 PM

WE DID IT!!!!   We survived the competition...*lol*  It was touch and go for a while when she got ready for the first dance.  She kept telling me how nervous she was....she looked like she would bolt right out of there at any minute....but she hung in.  After the first dance (fling) was done, it was like a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders...I think she actually enjoyed the next two dances.   She completed all three of her dances, which I was so proud of her for doing for her first competition.  She made some small mistakes in her Fling and Sword, but got right back on time ...and her Lilt went great!  She actually recieved a bronze medal for her Lilt. Thanks sooooooo much everyone for your support, ideas and stories....it helped very, very much!!     Quote The group consist of 2 people.(we play around 6-7 instruments between the 2 of us, switching some mid song... AHHHH!!!) Barddas, that's amazing.... all those instruments!!  I love it when some of the old songs are given a wee bit of a kick...*lol*.  Sounds like a great duo!!

Posted by: Keltic 24-May-2003, 04:54 PM

Congratulations to your daughter!! The first competition is out of the way and she walked away with a medal as well. I placed first in my very first competition at the Ottawa Piping Club when I was 11 years old. It didn't hurt that I was the only one in the competition.

Posted by: CelticAingeal 26-May-2003, 01:10 PM

Thanks Keltic!! QUOTE I placed first in my very first competition at the Ottawa Piping Club when I was 11 years old. It didn't hurt that I was the only one in the competition. *lol*....that doesn't matter at all. I bet ye did just great!! Kind of a nice way to do your first competition.

Posted by: barddas 26-May-2003, 01:26 PM

CONGRATULATION!!!! I'm glad that she placed. That is always a great feeling! More so when you are first getting started!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 26-May-2003, 01:54 PM

Oh m'goodness ye are so right barddas!! They lined the whole lot of the '7 and unders' on the stage, then handed out the awards. First they handed out the Fling she didn't place, but kept smiling ...though her eyes looked a wee bit unhappy. Then they handed out the sword, the smile faded away with that one. We were all just SO proud of her for getting through all her dances, but I guess being 7 she was hoping to get something. THEN when they announced the Lilt and she got bronze, well ..... !! *lol*

Posted by: maggiemahone1 26-May-2003, 08:20 PM

Sometimes I believe the parents get as nervous as their children when their in competition. I know, my heart has beat as fast as a drum when my girls were competing in an activity. I was sweating bullets! Congratulations to your daughter, CelticAingeal! I'm sure this is just the beginning for many wins for her. I know you were proud of her, no matter what, but I'm glad she placed. I know you were holding your breath! maggiemahone1

Posted by: Gaelic Bread 26-May-2003, 09:02 PM

CA... that's fantastic news! The beauty is, she'll have the skill for later in life. I love it when the ladies get up infront of the stage and dance right there in the pubs! Pass along congratulations for her Gold Medal Winning performance (according to all of us). I think I'll have a Guinness to celebrate... surprise, surprise!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 28-May-2003, 09:34 AM

Thanks so much Maggie and GB!! You are right on the mark with the sweating bullets and holding my breath Maggie. She tends to be a bit of an emotional wee thing and every time she started to dance I just clasped my hands and held my breath hoping she would just make it through and get that confidence she needed. Funny, I had never thought of nervousness on the parents part.....but oh m'goodness it is so true!! GB, that is so sweet of ye..... I'll pass that along to her for sure!! And, aye...it is so great when they get into something, enjoy it and want to carry on....they gain so much that they can apply to life when they get older. Oh, and enjoy the Guinness!!

Posted by: Catriona 28-May-2003, 09:48 AM

I did Higland Dancing from about 5 to 19. Most summers we had to trek around all the Gatherings in Scotland to take part in the dance section. My brother was a piper. One of the biggest Gatherings is held at Braemar, the Royal Family usually attend and it is even more nerve wracking than normal! When I was about 8, I had to present the Queen with a bouquet..... my parents were so proud of the photograph.... How sad for them that I grew up to be a committed Nationalist - although I grew out of it - but I am still not a Royalist in any shape or form! Our Gatherings are quite different to the reports I've heard about your Games. We have sheepdog trials, cattle shows etc, as well as dancing, piping and field events like the Caber etc. We do not have the huge side shows like clan tents etc.... I think this is probably because most of us are aware of our ancestry etc and so there would be only a very limited market for the goods which appear to be sold. There is a much more commercial feel to our Gatherings nowadays, though - but in the main it seems to be local crafts that are popular, like potters and silversmiths.

Posted by: CelticAingeal 28-May-2003, 10:36 PM

Wow!! That is a LOT of dancing. I hope our daughter will enjoy and want to continue it that long. It must have been a wonderful experience travelling all over Scotland for the Gatherings. QUOTE How sad for them that I grew up to be a committed Nationalist - although I grew out of it - but I am still not a Royalist in any shape or form! .....glad to hear it!! The competitions here for dancing can range from a full Highland Gathering to a simple competition held in a hall or theater. Her first competition this past weekend was just for dancing, which I think was good. The crowd was small. I'm looking forward to traveling round to various competitions in a more 'Gathering' type setting, as she gets older.

Posted by: Knightly Knight 28-May-2003, 10:39 PM

CelticAingeal everyone covered this subject so well = here is just an after thought. remind your daughter everytime she practices whether its for family, friends, or for the family cat or dog, she has just attained more experience. Also she cannot discount festivals she has performed, Some of those festivals just may have held the same judges in the audience. They may have already seen her. Remind her that they love the same things she does and even if for a day they have a title of Judge they have probably had their day being judged also Everybody practices for what to do if it all goes well. Have her prepared what to do if she misteps or something goes wrongl. Nothing is so appreciated as a performer who can comeback from diveristy. It shows the "judges" a sincere desire to perform whatever the art may be, and the level of maturity and mastery even at a young age If she gets bittin by the stage bug "appreciation of applause" you may have to drag her off stage. lol My best wisher to you and your family

Posted by: Guest 29-May-2003, 08:41 PM

Knightly Knight, I so very much appreciate the time and consideration ye have put into these words of wisdom....thank ye so much!! That is such an interesting way to look at the judges and explain it to her. I'm sure it will make a difference. I know for myself when I competed as a dancer in ballet and jazz, I was sooooooo intimidated by the adjudicators. Your perspective on it shines a whole new light. One I think people of all ages, who find themselves competing, would find comfort in. You were right about the stage bug....*lol* She is already asking, '.....when, when, when is the next competition?' All the best to you and yours m'friend!!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 29-May-2003, 08:43 PM

OCH!!!! How can ye tell it's been a long day.....*lol* To clarify, that is 'ME' up above there.

Posted by: Macfive 02-Jun-2003, 08:25 AM

My son and daughter will be competing at the Southern N.H. games this Saturday. Here a few tidbits that I think works. First, it is their decision to dance. I give them the means, but in the end it?s their decision. Now if they choose to dance they are expected to practice and they are expected to keep all of their dance things together in an orderly fashion. We coach them to not look at the people or even the judges ? look above their heads and picture that you are dancing in the living room. Sometimes we will put the music on and have them close their eyes and picture themselves dancing the perfect dance ? then on the second time the song plays start dancing. Most of all, they are to have fun ? it?s not about the medals, although the medals are nice, in the end it is about having fun performing, feel special in your full highland dress and overcoming being in front of crowds of people. It?s about meeting new people, making new friends and going to places that you have never been before to compete. Of course, I am so proud of them!

Posted by: CelticAingeal 02-Jun-2003, 10:11 AM

Good luck to your son and daughter this weekend, Paul. Please come back and let us know how it went!! That it is their own decision, is so important....I fully agree. I try to keep a watchful eye on our daughter to make sure she's enjoying it. If it ever became a chore, or a child was doing it for the wrong reasons that is definately time to stop and re-evaluate things. Up till now I've always reminded her to practice, kept track of her things.....just kind of set an example of what should be done. Ye make a good point though, at some point it's important to back away and let them take more responsibility for it. Envisioning the dance is a grrreat idea!! Hadn't thought of that one. There are just so many positive aspects of experiences like this. QUOTE in the end it is about having fun performing, feel special in your full highland dress and overcoming being in front of crowds of people. It?s about meeting new people, making new friends and going to places that you have never been before to compete. I couldn't have put it better myself. Thanks for the great tidbits, Paul!!

Posted by: Macfive 02-Jun-2003, 10:46 PM

QUOTE Thanks for the great tidbits, Paul!! Well, I have to admit I do need to remind them to practice dance! But it is kinda funny because I see a big improvement in their attitude while they are dancing in afterwards. Actually you might run across Highland Lassie on this board, she frequents it during the day so I better not say too much! But I have to say if I were 25 years younger I might even throw a kilt on and enter a competition looks like lots of fun and a great way to burn calories!

Posted by: Catriona 03-Jun-2003, 04:22 AM

When I was a child I did Highland, tap, ballet and 'modern' (as it was called in my day!)... no wonder I was exhausted at the end of a typical day. I kept up the modern and highland until after I had left school, but they then impacted too heavily on my increasingly busy social life! My daughter did ballet, tap and modern to a high grade, but gave them up at about 16 in favour of playing in her school orchestra and in a wind ensemble (she plays clarinet). She also plays piano, guitar and drums. She never showed any interest in doing Highland dance - although she loves country dancing at ceilidhs

Posted by: MDF3530 03-Jun-2003, 07:41 AM

QUOTE (Macfive @ Jun 2 2003, 11:46 PM) But I have to say if I were 25 years younger I might even throw a kilt on and enter a competition looks like lots of fun and a great way to burn calories! There is a mental image I do NOT need !

Posted by: CelticAingeal 04-Jun-2003, 03:21 PM

QUOTE But I have to say if I were 25 years younger I might even throw a kilt on and enter a competition  looks like lots of fun and a great way to burn calories! *lol*....that is for sure!! I'd love to do it too. At the competition a couple weeks ago, I had to work the registration table for the afternoon. The afternoon was for dancers 14 and older. There was one woman there to compete, I swear must have been in her late 20's, early 30's. I was so impressed, I thought ' You go GIRL!!'. QUOTE When I was a child I did Highland, tap, ballet and 'modern' (as it was called in my day!)... no wonder I was exhausted at the end of a typical day. I kept up the modern and highland until after I had left school, but they then impacted too heavily on my increasingly busy social life! *tee hee hee*....I know what ye mean, darn those social lives!! I did ballet, tap and jazz from a wee lass till grade 11. Then I got too involved in high school, studies and that darn 'social life' thing and gave up my dancing. There is a group in town who does Scottish country dancing.....I am thinking of joining in next year. I think it would be a lot of fun.

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