History speaks to highland dancer

When it comes to a combination of tradition, strength, precision and a colourful costume, Lauren Brown is all over it.
Brown, who’s been dancing since she was three years old, decided to take up Highland dance a year and a half ago, and hasn’t looked back.
“I absolutely love it,” said the fifteen-year-old. “It’s so much fun and it’s great exercise.”
Highland incorporates an incredible amount of strength with precise movement. The tinniest faux pas of a wrong hand movement or a step in the wrong order is noted immediately.
“When I first started my calves hurt,” said Brown. “I always had shin splints.”
Not to be daunted, this Highland enthusiast kept at it and has enjoyed the many festivals that hail Highland Dance as the ultimate entertainment.
Part of the week-long Dance Festival at Vanier Hall, Thursday and Friday was the Highland Programme. Dancers, from beginners to premiers, came out in droves to hop to the tune of bagpipes.
“It all starts back to the beginning of Scotland,” said Brown. “The Fling was originally danced on a shield, that’s why you stay in one spot.”
The targe (shield) had a large spike in the middle so it was of personal interest to the dancer to stay away from the centre.
Brown’s second performance was the famous Sword Dance, noted as one of the most vigorous. It all began when a man named Malcolm Canmore first danced over his swords after a battle near Dunsinane, Scotland.
“My favorite dance would have to be the Seann Triubhas,” said Brown. “It’s the most exciting.”
The Seann Triubhas celebrates the end of the Act of Proscription. The Act prohibited men from wearing religious clothes such as the kilt or tartan. When the Act was repealed, Scots donned their kilts and danced the Seann Triubhas.
As for Brown, she’s fascinated by the history, the dance and the fact that her Highland Dance group will be experiencing Scotland up close and personal.
“We’re traveling to Scotland at the end of July,” she said. “We’ll be performing in various festivals. I’m so excited.”
Wonder if she’ll try the haggis?