SOUTHAMPTON/ TOTTON piping and highland dance
John Macdonald
Introduction
The Roger Drury School of Highland Dancing was started so as to allow
children and adults of all ages to learn the traditional art of Scottish
Highland Dancing.
The School's primary aim is to prepare students for competition and medal
test examinations - a process which not only requires a knowledgeable
teacher, but also hard work and determination from the pupils themselves.
If however, your aim is simply to learn this traditional art form for your
own enjoyment then you are also very welcome.
What is Highland Dancing?
Everyone has, of course, heard of dances such as the Highland Fling and the
Sword Dance, but did you also know there is a traditional Scottish variation
of the Sailor's Hornpipe? Nearly always danced to the music of the Highland
Bagpipes, learning Highland Dancing encourages a high degree of physical
fitness, flexibility and body coordination. Training generally begins at an
early age with competitors as young as four years old competing! That said,
there have also been success stories with dancers successfully competing at
a high level who have started as adults.
What does a Highland Dancing lesson involve?
Every lesson will start with a warm-up and stretch routine. This is to
ensure that muscles and joints are sufficiently supple to start dancing and
also to promote general flexibility. This is essential to prevent the aches
and pains often associated with demanding physical activity.
Then there will be around 40-45 minutes instruction in the dances
themselves. Students will be taught the precise positions and movements
from which the dances are constructed. Each class will then finish with a
5-minute cool-down routine which, again, is essential to prevent muscle
strains and helps in avoiding next-day stiffness! At maximum there should
be around 10 pupils in each class - no more are usually taken as this
detracts from the quality of teaching given.
Where can I learn Highland Dancing?
The Roger Drury School of Highland Dancing offers classes on a Wednesday
evening at the Totton Recreation Centre, Water Lane, Totton. The lessons
take place in a purpose built performing arts studio which benefits from
wall mirrors, a superb sprung wooden floor and ballet barres. The air
conditioning is also a very welcome bonus! The studio forms part of a
well-equipped sports/leisure centre offering fitness studios and a swimming
pool. There is a bar and café where parents can relax while their children
are dancing. Generally, we do not encourage parents to wait/observe in the
dance studio as it often proves distracting to all concerned - you will find
this is fairly standard in all schools of dance. That is not to say you are
banned from the room; you are most welcome to come and observe if you so
desire! Just let me know before the class starts.
What do I need to learn Highland Dancing?
Initially, a pair of Highland Dancing shoes which I can advise you on the
purchase of. They come in various prices but are always the same black
lace-up style. Children should come for their lessons wearing a t-shirt,
shorts which stop above the knee, white socks and their dancing shoes. We
ask that shorts stop above the knee as it is essential the teacher can see
that the legs and knees are always where they're meant to be, especially in
the early formative stages.
If competing or appearing in shows interests you, then you will need to
invest in a kilt, white dancing blouse, velvet jacket and kilt socks. An
Aboyne outfit, similar to the one shown in the left will also be required.
As you progress in a few years, you will also need a Sailor's uniform for
the Hornpipe, an Irish Jig dress (shown right) and a pair of Irish Jig
shoes. You can either make most of these outfits yourself if you are a
dab-hand with the sewing machine, buy them for Highland Dancing outfitters
or, quite often, people purchase second hand outfits from children who have
grown out of them. Again, I can advise on all of this as and when it is
required.
Finally, you will need the patience and commitment to practice regularly.
Only by practicing regularly will a gradual improvement be noticed as the
weeks progress. It can be boring to practice, but when you take home the
silver trophy and a handful of medals from your competition, the hard work
is definitely worth it! I can advise you on the best way for you or your
child to structure home practice times.
What does it cost to learn Highland Dancing?
Each lesson costs £4.00 per hour. This may initially seem slightly more
expensive than normal dancing classes however, normal children's dancing
classes usually accommodate around 20 pupils and are generally for only 45
minutes. I do not have such large numbers in my classes ensuring that all
pupils receive a fair amount of individual attention instead of just
"banging through the same old routine!"
The School is different also in that it does not charge fees by the term,
but on a week-to-week basis. The reason is that very occasionally, there
may be a week where the class cannot run and this saves the trouble of
having to refund everyone's money for that week. However, please note that
if you or your child enjoys Highland Dancing and wishes to continue with the
lessons, it will be of the utmost importance to ensure that attendance is
weekly and, therefore, progress is constantly being made.
Will the Classes continue in the School Holidays?
Classes will generally only stop for one week during the holidays and
probably two at Christmas. During the summer holidays is when a lot of the
competitions are running and is often the most important part of the year to
be training. Therefore, classes will continue throughout the Summer holiday
unless a class is going to be attended by fewer than 3 people; then it would
be unfeasible and I would let you know there would be no class. The rental
of the dance studio does, after all, have to be paid for!!
Are there extra lessons for those who are extra-keen?
Private lessons can be arranged directly with myself. Additionally, during
the school holidays, there will be half-day workshops which are a great way
to really study the echnical details of the dancing. They are particularly
beneficial to those who are competing on a regular basis.
What can I do with my Highland Dancing?
Most children decide that they would like to compete in the various Highland
Dancing competitions there are around the country. The closest competition
is in Winchester which will take place in April, along with those around the
London area, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, the Midlands etc. For those with
real ambition, you can always take the journey to the birthplace of Highland
Dancing and compete at the traditional Highland Games in Scotland!
Additionally, the Dancers are often asked to appear at various Tattoo type
events in civic halls and theatres (the largest one being the Albert Hall in
London) together with charity fêtes etc. The children (and adults) really
enjoy these as the atmosphere of appearing on "the stage" is very exciting
for them. Recently some of my dancers appeared in a theatre production of
the famous musical "Brigadoon". One of the most important things you will
gain with Highland Dancing is strength and fitness. The dancing offers a
fantastic cardiovascular workout for children and adults alike developing
high levels of stamina and strength.
Sounds Great! How do I get started?
Please do contact me on 01962-736616 and I will do my best to answer any
questions you may have and help you decide if Highland Dancing would be
something you or your children would enjoy. Alternatively, if you are in
the Totton Recreation Centre on a Wednesday when the class is running, feel
free to pop up to the Performing Arts Room and say hello.
I look forward to speaking with you and teaching you or your children the
traditional art of Scottish Highland Dancing.
Roger A J Drury, BATD, UKAPTD
madeline....@live.com.au
I'm Madeline, and I currently live in Australia and do highland dancing, and have done for many years. In June, I'll be moving to Southampton and I'd definitely like to continue dancing. Since it's not possible to call from here without there being huge charges for both of us, I was wondering whether I could email someone about starting up when I get there?
Sincerely,
Madeline Harrebomee