General

Question 1

Stance

Answer 1

The body is held in a natural, easy manner, without stiffness, strain or exaggeration.

Question 2

Working & Supporting feet

Answer 2

The foot which is supporting the weight of the body is called the supporting foot. The other foot is called the working foot. While dancing, it is always the ball of the supporting foot which is in contact with the ground.

Question 3

Turn out

Answer 3

It should be the aim of the dancer to keep the supporting leg turned out at an angle of not less than 45° from the line of direction, and the working leg to be turned out at an angle of not less than 45°, and in many cases 90° from the line of direction. This turning out of the knees tends to keep the apron of the kilt flat.

Question 4

Elevation (point 1)

Answer 4

When executing any movement of elevation, the dancer should land on the count except when otherwise stated.

Question 5

Elevation (point 2)

Answer 5

When the working foot has to be placed in or raised to any specific postion whilst executing a movement of elevation, that foot arrives at the specific position simultaneously with the dancer landing on the supporting foot, unless otherwise stated.

Question 6

Basic Positions

Answer 6

The essential positions of the feet, arms and head on which all movements are founded.

Question 7

Basic Movement

Answer 7

The combination, by movement, of two or more basic foot positions.

Question 8

Basic Step

Answer 8

A combination of basic movements.

Question 9

Closed Positon

Answer 9

One in which the feet are in contact with each other, or the working foot is touching with the supporting leg (An exception is 3rd crossed position).

Question 10

Open Position

Answer 10

One in which the working foot is not in contact with the supporting foot or the supporting leg.

Question 11

Ground Position

Answer 11

One in which both feet are in contact with the ground.

Question 12

Aerial Position

Answer 12

One in which the working foot is off the ground.

Question 13

Rear Position

Answer 13

One in which the working foot is to the rear of the supporting foot.

Question 14

Note (positions)

Answer 14

There are 5 “basic ground positions”, namely, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th.
In addition to these there are 4 “derived positions”, one being a variable of 3rd called 3rd Crossed. The other 3 are variations of 4th; 4th Intermediate, 4th opposite 5th and Mid-4th.

Question 15

Placing of the foot on the Toe

Answer 15

When the working foot is in contact with the ground without pressure, it is said to be placed on the toe or pointed. In a closed position the working foot is vertical. In an open position the instep is arched and the knee of the working leg is kept straight, except when placed in 4th opposite 5th.

Question 16

Placing of the foot on the Half Point

Answer 16

When the pads of the first 2 or 3 toes are in contact with the ground, with the ball of the foot off the ground, it is said to be placed on the half point. In an open position the instep of the working foot should be arched and 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 a half point,the weight of the body may be momentarily taken onto it; the main weight being regained on the other foot, thus providing the impetus for any required slight elevation or travel of that foot during the half point.

Question 17

Placing off the foot on the Ball

Answer 17

When the pads of the toes and the ball of the foot are in contact with the ground, with the instep arched, it is said to be placed on the ball. The knee of the working leg is kept as straight as possible, but without strain, to allow for freedom of movement. When the working foot is placed on the ball, the weight of the body is transferred onto it, so that when the dancer travels while so placing the foot, a step is taken.

Question 18

Placing of the foot on the Heel.

Answer 18

When the heel is in contact with the ground, with the sole of the foot kept straight and inclined upwards, it is said to be placed on the heel. The heel is always placed without pressure, except in the 8th Seann Truibhas step, in which the weight is momentarily taken onto it. When the working foot is placed on the heel in any open position, except 4th Opposite 5th, the knee of the working leg is kept straight.

Question 19

Note (Rear and Aerial Positions)

Answer 19

In a rear position, the working foot is never placed on the half point of heel. In an open aerial position the knee of the working leg should be kept straight and the working foot, with the instep well arched, is off the ground with the toe at the correct height in relation to the supporting leg;
Low level with the toe in line with the ankle.
Normal level with the toe in line with the centre of the calf.
High level with the toe in line with the centre if the knee cap.

Question 20

Note (Aerial Positions)

Answer 20

In the 2 “Closed Aerial Positions” -3rd aerial and 3rd rear aerial- the working foot is off the ground in contact with the supporting leg at the correct height in relation to the supporting leg; to give normal level the foot is verticle with the heel in line with the hollow of the knee, or, in the case of 3rd Aerial position only, Low level with the foot verticle and the toe at ankle height or Very Low level.
In all “Aerial Positions” (open or closed), normal level is to be understood where no particular height is specified.