Highland Dance Theory Grade 1

When the pads of the first two or three toes are in contact with the ground, with the ball of the foot off the ground, it is said to be places on the half point. When placed on the half point in an open position the instep of the working foot should be arched with the knee of the working leg slightly relaxed. In a closed position the working foot should be kept as vertical as possible. When the working foot is placed on the half point the weight of the body may be momentarily taken on it; the main weight being then retained on the other foot, thus providing the impetus for any required slight elevation or travel of that (I.e the supporting foot) during the half point.

The heels are together with the weight of the body equally distributed on both feet which are turned out to form an angle of 90 degrees (each foot being at an angle of 45 degrees from the line of direction) The dancer may be standing with both feet flat on the ground or poised on the balls of the feet.

The working leg is extended directly to the side at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction. The toe and heel of the working foot being in line with the heel of the supporting foot. The working foot may be placed on the toe, half point, ball or heel

The working foot which may be placed on the toe, halfpoint, ball or heel is placed in contact with the hollow of the supporting foot. When placed on the toe, half point or heel the working foot is turned out at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction.

Note: When the weight of the body is equally distributed on the balls of both feet the sole of the front foot is directly over the instep of the rear foot, both feet equally turned out at an angle not less than 45 degrees from the line of direction.

With the knee of the working foot pressed well back the outside edge of the working foot is placed in contact with the front of the supporting leg. To give normal level the heel of the working foot is slightly below the level of the knee cap of the supporting leg, to give low level the toe of the working foot is in line with the ankle of the supporting foot and to give very low level the toe of the working foot is just off the ground, slightly about third position.

When placed on the toe, the hollow of the working foot touches the heel of the supporting foot. The working foot turned out at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction. When places on the ball the weight is equally distributed on the balls of both feet. The sole of the front foot is directly over the instep of the rear foot , both feet equally turned out at an angle of of not less than 45 degrees from the line of direction.

The working foot is placed behind the supporting leg at the same height as third aerial position normal level. The inside edge is in contact with the calf of the supporting leg. The knee of the working leg is pressed well back and no part of the working foot is visible.

The working leg is extended to the front with both heels in line with the line of direction. The working foot, which is place only on the toe or half point, is turned out at an angle of 45 degrees from the line of direction.

The working foot is in contact with the big toe joint of the supporting foot and may be placed on the toe, half point, ball or heel. When placed on the toe, half point or heel the working foot is turned out at an angle of 90 degrees from the line of direction.

Note: When the weight of the body is equally distributed on the balls of both feet , the sole of the front foot is directly over the toes of the rear foot, both feet equally turned out at an angle of 45 degrees from the line of direction

Both hands rest on the hips with the backs of the hands face outwards, the knuckles facing the body with the wrists straight and the elbows pointing directly out to the side.

One arm is placed in first position and the other is raised to the side with the arm and wrist slightly curved , the hand slightly above and forward from the head line and the palm turned inwards.
Note: In this position the raised arm is always on the side opposite to the working leg except in a propelled pivot turn.

Both arms are placed as described for the raised arm in second position the palms facing inwards towards each other.

Stand with the feet and head in first position, arms by the side or in first position. Bow by inclining the body forward slowly and return to the original position. If arms were by the side they go to first position on the first count following the bow, unless otherwise stated. Note: The depth of the bow must not be exaggerated and the count varies according to each dance