Highland Dance Competitions

Some hints on competitions. These suggestions have been collated from the highland-dance mailing list.

This includes the following sections:

• Notes for competitors
• What to have in your Dance Bag
• Notes on marshalling

NB All information in here should be treated as a friend's suggestion - ie while we believe the information to be mainly correct, you should apply common sense about following it. If it hurts, if it looks wrong for you, don't do it*.

• [Posted by Bill Weaver]
  I was piping at a small indoor competition this weekend and made some observations. I thought that with the large number of pre-premier dancers, parents and possibly "newer" teachers who happen to be members of this group, some of you would benefit from them. For some of you, this stuff is "old news", so hit the delete button, or bear with me.
  1. Shoe Laces: Shoe laces should never be allowed to flop about. Tuck the bows and lace ends into the shoe or wrap them around the ankle laces, convert to elastics or whatever you need to do to clean up the look around your feet. When is the last time you saw a respectable ballerina with her shoe ribbons fluttering around while she performed?
  2. Hair: This one is only my personal opinion, but hair should be up and off the neck. By allowing the hair to come down and cover the area around the neck and shoulders you are distorting my sight lines when I am trying to assess proper body alignment. Besides that, it looks much neater. The only exception I would have to this would be a choreographed piece.
  3. Know where the judge is in relation to you when you are lining up on the platform. If there are 3 dancers, the middle dancer should be directly in front of the judge (if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have brought it up). If there are 2 or 4 dancers, they should be centered in front of the judge.
  4. If you don't like the way the sword is placed, you do NOT have to ask permission from the judge to replace it.
  5. If you aren't going to wear tartan socks the socks you do wear should come to the bottom of the knee, not mid calf or lower. actually, tartan socks should come the bottom of the knee too.
  6. The purpose of the beats in the pas de basques of the Sword Dance are NOT to make as much noise as possible. Ask your teacher or, if you want, ask me and I'll tell you what I think the purpose of the beat is.
  7. Beginner dancers, and to some extent novices as well, harder steps are not necessarily better. You are being judged based on how well you perform a dance. Contrary to what some people may think, you do NOT get extra points for degree of difficulty. Choose an easy step and do it well instead of a hard step done poorly.
  I hope this is taken in the spirit it is intended and that is to help people have a better understanding of what is expected of them in competitions and even shows. Remember, you are representing a culture and an art form. I, at least, want those who have never seen our art form to come away with a positive first impression. Bill.

• [Posted by Jo Ellen]
  
  1. Please pay attention to your supporting leg! I can't tell you how much beautiful dancing is spoiled by a supporting leg not turned out at the hip.
  2. Just reinforcing Bill, you don't have to ask permission to fix your swords before you dance.
  3. Don't let your eyes wander all of the room while waiting to dance. Focus straight in front and show that you are ready.
  4. Girls, please don't wear frilly socks with your National costume. It really detracts from your footwork.
  5. Please make sure you are neatly put together before you go on the stage, kilt straight, socks straight, hair neat, etc.
  6. Remember that your total appearance is important. Dance as if you were dancing for the Queen. Make each dance the dance of your lifetime, not just another Fling.

• [Posted by Siobhan O'Donnell]
  I have never heard of anyone asking to straighten the sword before! Over here [New Zealand] we have a very strict etiquette that must be followed. You walk on stage, check sword and then bow. You can not touch the sword after you have bowed. If someone asked the judge permission I think everyone would laugh :)

  "The purpose of the beats in the pas de basques of the Sword Dance are NOT to make as much noise as possible. Ask your teacher or, if you want, ask me and I'll tell you what I think the purpose of the beat is."

  Yes, yes, yes. It is a lilting beat. Problem is many children mistake noise for interpretation and attack. Although a sword should be an attacking dance it also has a strict P De B rhythm. When I hear a forced back beat I know that they are not interpreting that rhythm the way I like it. On the other hand some judges do lap that sort of thing up. On this one I stand with Bill however.

  "Beginner dancers, and to some extent novices as well, harder steps are not necessarily better. You are being judged based on how well you perform a dance. Contrary to what some people may think, you do NOT get extra points for degree of difficulty. Choose an easy step and do it well instead of a hard step done poorly."

  I wish more teachers realised this. Something danced simple and beautiful will always win in my book when it comes to the younger age groups. Take into account your pupils abilities before you advance them. Just because everyone else in the age group is doing a movement doesn't mean you have to try and catch up.

• [Posted by Justine Griffith]
  Also, a few other things - make sure your kilt is straight- line up a centre line with the opening of your waistcoat. Uneven socks really bug me too - make sure they are the same height

  Once you are on stage - YOU ARE ON STAGE! Don't shuffle around or scratch or fiddle - stand still.

  All dancers may be asked to fill in for the reel - and if you are the first 3 up in the section and are needed to fill in YOU MUST - it is a rule.

• [Posted by Elizabeth]
  
  1. If you make a mistake, DON'T look at the judge to see if he/she saw you make it. Even if s/he didn't see you make the mistake, the look on your face is going to give you away. Plus, your head position will probably be incorrect.
  2. When sitting in close proximity to a judge, DO NOT make comments about the dancers who are up dancing. Don't cheer loudly for the dancer you are watching, and don't make any comments, negative or not, about anyone else.
  3. Teachers and parents are NOT allowed in the marshalling area, whether it is to fix an outfit, or give last minute coaching. Your dancer should arrive in the marshalling area prepared, and their instructions from there are up to the marshal.
  4. When being presented with an award, you should be in FULL dress. This means NO running shoes. Stand in first position while waiting, and be attentive for the others who are getting prizes, too. You would want them to pay you the same courtesy.
  5. If there are only two of you up on the platform at once, even if you make a serious mistake, KEEP DANCING!!! It is most uncomfortable to be dancing alone in front of the judge. Just another one of those etiquette things.
  6. GARTERS!!! I can not stress the importance of these teeny little things enough. There is nothing more distracting than falling-down socks that occasionally even come over the shoe.
• [Posted by Siobhan O'Donnell]
  "2. When sitting in close proximity to a judge, DO NOT make comments about the dancers who are up dancing. Don't cheer loudly for the dancer you are watching, and don't make any comments, negative or not, about anyone else."

  I have a story along these lines that might help illustrate this point. When my sister turned 18 she couldn't wait to do 18 years and over steps. These are usually quite complicated but she decided to start straight away and used them in her first competition at that age. In her sword however, she made a complete mess of the 18 years and over last step. The judge was a young judge and while Jacqui completed her dance and bowed she noticed that the judge seemed puzzled. It was clear that she either hadn't seen the mistake or she was unsure there was a mistake. As Jacqui left the stage she was confident that she just might get away with it when her teacher came up to her. In ear shot of the judge her teacher preceded to tick her off for such a silly mistake. Naturally Jacqui wasn't placed but when she got her report she had to laugh. The last comment went something like this:

  'I don't know what you did but I know you made a mistake'.

  Jacqui was later told that the Judge was unsure and ready not to penalise her until she overheard the teacher...

• [Posted by Debbi Rummery]
  I much prefer to see the 'easier' steps done well than the 'harder' steps done poorly. I used inverted commas there as I think most of the steps are hard when first learnt. Master each step before you go on. Kath Harrington mentions that in her book as well - and I will quote here - " Remember, when attempting work which is too hard, the dancer does not Perform the Step, she rather Deforms it. It is disturbing to see tiny dancers attempting such movements as Balances and Leaps on a competition platform, when they are hard-pressed to stand on one leg! Do not force their progress or they will lose heart and drop out."

• [Posted by Ngaire Glover]
  I turned this one up very quickly - from "Uniformity of Judging" : "Provided due prominence is given to the fact in the programme or in a brochure by the organiser, then during the course of a competition the comportment of the competitors may come under the jurisdiction of the judges, not only whilst dancing, but also when entering or leaving the platform and whilst waiting for the dance to start. Any unseemly behaviour on the part of the competitor or any misdemeanour likely to upset the decorum of the proceedings may be penalised by the judges and could lead to disqualification, but a full report of any such misconduct on the part of the competitor, must be submitted by the judges to the organiser."

And what to take with you in "your dance bag"

• [Posted by Bobbie Suttie]
  This was a list was presented at Parents Workshop - and, yes, she had it all in a bag slightly larger than a makeup case. Another list will be posted for things to bring for your "camp".

  HAIR KIT

  • Ponytail elastics
  • Bobbie pins/hair pins (in 35mm film container)
  • Bun-shaped donut
  • Hairnets
  • Comb/brush
  • Styling gel
  • Mega-hold hairspray (least expensive works best)
  • Jig hair ribbon

  MAKE-UP Kit

  (mom's daughter 10 yr old blonde, looks washed out without makeup- teacher recommended using a little makeup)

  • Blush
  • Lipstick
  • Mascara
  • Small mirror

  SEWING KIT

  • Threads in all colors in costume
  • Handsewing needles
  • Safety pins (assorted sizes)
  • Small scissors
  • Black quilting or uphostery thread, leather needle & thimble for gillies repair

  FIRST AID KIT

  • Band Aids (assorted sizes)
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Tylenol/ibuprofin (extra for moms)
  • Pepto/tums/digel tablets
  • Trainers tape & prewrap
  • Ace wrap
  • Scissors
  • Sports cream (this was a no-no per the sports massage therapist)
  • Hot/Cold Pack sleeve (goes in cooler)

  SHOESHINE KIT

  • Liquid polish & applicators - black & red
  • Buffing cloth
  • Extra laces
  • Permanent markers
  • Sock garters / wide elastic

  Miscellaneous

  • Tissues
  • Wet wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Gillie covers
  • Spare gillies
  • Small trash bag
  • Drinking straws
  • Insect repellant
  • Suspenders (buy white at formal wear shop)

  I added:
  • Large & small ziplock bags
  • Garbage bag

• [Posted by Holly Hodgkin]
  What a great list! Thank you! One add-on... nail polish remover. Some of my dancers are using a really cool bag from Mary Kay (I am a consultant) to tote their extras. It has a hook at the top and is approx. 18" x 30". There are 4 clear vinyl zipper pockets on the front. Each pocket can hold a different "type" of stuff. One pocket for hair stuff/make up, one for sewing, one for first aid, and finally the big pocket at the bottom will hold dance shoes, shoe polish, laces, black undies, socks, garters, dickies, etc. The great thing is you can pack it right in your garment bag and you only have ONE bag to carry. Since the pockets are clear, everythis is visible... no more searching around in the bottom of the bag.

• [Posted by Stacy Dye-Williamson]
  I always like to add Sunscreen to avoid the dancer burn. I also like to have a hand towel (not sure if it was mentioned).

• [Posted by Warring Cushing]
  I always include a spray bottle of water. Competing in the South is extremely hot!

  As well as 2 liters of H2O or sports drink!

  Extra panty hose too.

• [Posted by Judy Sullivan]
  We always include a face cloth. This is used with very cold water to put on the back of the dancer's neck in hot weather. It's amazing how this can cool you off! If you freeze water in a plastic container and put it in your cooler, it serves the dual purpose of keeping stuff cold in there, and providing ice water for the face cloth.

  Secondly, we have a checklist on the computer of EVERYTHING that has to go into the car for a competition. The night before the competition we print one out, run through the list, check everything off, and put it in the car. This has saved many a heartache, and the accusation of, "I thought you put it in!" when something is missing.

  OK! OK! Here's the list! Just remember that with a 12 year old one can never assume anything, so we're REALLY specific about all of the stuff:

  Clothes:

  • Kilt
  • vest or Jacket
  • National skirt
  • underskirt
  • National vest and Plaid
  • Lacing
  • brooch
  • National blouse
  • Highland blouse or Dickie
  • suspenders
  • knee socks
  • stockings (pantyhose)
  • warm up jacket
  • ghillies
  • bedardis (this is New Hampshire speak for the black trunks)
  • garters
  • Jig dress
  • Apron
  • Bloomers
  • Jig shoes
  • Hornpipe hat
  • Hornpipe outfit

  Hair stuff:

  • hair spray
  • elastics
  • hair pins
  • brush
  • comb
  • Bun thing

  Other:

  • Makeup
  • FUSTA card
  • Directions and Map
  • Tickets to event
  • Kitty
  • Video camera
  • Tripod

  Miscellaneous:

  • folding chairs
  • blanket
  • Sunscreen
  • Umbrella
  • Sun hats
  • SAFETY PINS

  Cooler:

  • water
  • ice
  • facecloths
  • snacks
  • sandwiches

  The most important things are Kitty, our good luck (stuffed) calico cat who wears a kilt, the FUSTA card, and the video camera, which shows Margaret why she did (or didn't) win in almost every case.

• [Posted by Lois White]
  A couple more things to add to the ever-growing list... If they were mentioned earlier, I apologise.
  • comp number (if it's been sent ahead)
  • white undies (am I wrong in thinking that this is de rigueur for the Nationals and Jig?)
  • lint brush (to keep that black vest from looking grey)
  • antibacterial hand gel (for all those games that use porta-potties with no sinks)
  Another hint: I've been doing this for a few years and it has been very helpful. Maybe I'm just compulsive. I have a 3-ring binder in which I keep clear sheet protectors (a.k.a. top-loaders). I have a separate one for each comp. As soon as I send in the entry form I stick it in the pocket along with any other info. When (and if) the numbers and/or tickets arrive I put them in the same pocket. After the comp I put the used number and the results in the pocket. I also keep all sorts of other info in the notebook such as dance notes, vendor catalogues, print-outs form this list, etc. The only problem is that I'm now up to 5 notebooks (only 2 of which are current).
• [Contributed by Susan Daborn]
  When I go to a competition I like to bring my good luck charm and a spray bottle to spray the bottoms of my slippers incase the stage is slippery.

Marshalling

• [Posted by Ngaire Glover]
  I quite like being a marshal - I prefer to marshal from the right hand side of the platform/stage, so no-one gets confused as to their number order (lowest on left of adjudicator) - I get to check everyone has on their number, they're in the section they've entered, they dance in the correct order, remind them of the dance and number of steps they're doing, let them know I'll check the swords after each group has danced, check hair, costume, hose, shoe ties etc etc, tell 'em all they are wonderful and so on. When results come I tell them who (if any) were disqualified and why (if the judge has said to me or noted) and I just enjoy chatting to all - especially the little ones who are usually so excited it is hard to contain them!! By the way, NO-ONE dances at comps I organise if they arrive when the last dancer/s are on the platform (always contained in the comp rules!!!) I also will not 'go over' steps with them before they go on.

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* In other words - if you follow this advice and get hurt, we're sorry, and that was most certainly not the intention, but we don't accept any legal responsibility. Or to put it yet another way: if you feel like suing, don't. We never forced you to follow this anyway.

Extracted from postings to highland-dance, the highland and scottish step dance mailing list. See http://www.scottishdance.net/highland/.

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