Grade 2 Highland

Question 1

2nd aerial position

Answer 1

The working leg is extended to the side as in 2nd, but raised to the required level (low, normal or high).
(Triple shake in ST uses all levels)

Question 2

4th opposite 5th position

Answer 2

The working leg is extended to the front, with the toe of the working foot in line with the heel of the supporting foot and the knee of the working leg flexed. The working foot may be placed in line with the toe joint of the supporting foot.

Question 3

What is the only dance that uses this position?

Answer 3

The Sword Dance.

Question 4

1st position of the head

Answer 4

The head faces the front with the eyes level.

Question 5

2nd position of the head

Answer 5

The head is directed diagonally to the left or right, chin slightly raised. When arms are in 2nd the head is turned away from the raised arm, unless otherwise stated.

Question 6

What position is the head in when arms are in 3rd?

Answer 6

1st.

Question 7

What position is the head in when dancing a balance?

Answer 7

2nd.

Question 8

Back-steps

Answer 8

• A back-step begins in 3rd aerial or 3rd rear aerial. With a spring and during elevation, the working foot slides down the back of the supporting leg whilst the new working foot slides up the front of the new supporting leg.
• The working foot passes through 3rd aerial and 3rd rear aerial.
• Occupies one beat of music, should be smooth and continuous.

Question 9

Why might you start or finish backsteps in the front instead of the back or vice-versa?

Answer 9

For an easier transition to next movement.

Question 10

Rocks

Answer 10

Spring from 3rd or 5th to 3rd rear, or vice-versa, pointing the working foot simultaneously on landing. The rear foot is always pointed first, the toe touches the ground lightly. 90 degree turn out.

Question 11

High cut

Answer 11

Spring, hop or disassemble and, simultaneously on landing take the working foot to 3rd rear aerial. Then extend the working foot towards 2nd aerial and return it to 3rd rear aerial. During the elevation one or both legs may be extended towards 2nd aerial.
Counting:
Sword and ST- 1& 2& 3& 4&
ST high cut in front and balance- 1 & [&]
Reel- 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & or 1 & [&]

Question 12

Which part of the leg controls a highcut?

Answer 12

The knee joint.

Question 13

Shake for the Highland Fling

Answer 13

• Executed with a hop.
• Always finish with a straight leg.
• The movement is always preceded by pointing the working foot in 3rd or 5th, from where it is extended to 4th intermediate aerial using only one movement. There are two shake actions, first to 4th intermediate aerial low, then to 4th intermediate.
• Counting
  1 & (&) a 2
  or
  1 (&) & a 2

Question 14

Pas de basques

Answer 14

• Preparing with an extension of the working foot to 2nd aerial low, spring to that side, bringing the new working foot to 3rd or 5th, placing it on the half point, then beat the ball of the other foot in 3rd or 5th rear at the same time sharply extending the front foot if required.
• There is no extension in a turn.
• The extension of the starting foot is along the required line of travel.
• The back beat should be no higher than the heel of the supporting foot.
• Counting
  Sword- 1& 2, 3& 4
  Other- 1 & 2, 3 & 4

Question 15

Open pas de basques

Answer 15

As for pas de basque, except that the front foot is placed in 4th-opposite-5th, 4th, 4th intermediate or 2nd and there is no extension at the end.

Question 16

Placing of the working foot on 1/2 point

Answer 16

• Pads of first two or three toes in contact with the ground, the ball is off the ground.
• Weight may be momentarily taken on it.
• When in an open position, the instep of the working foot should be arched. The knee may be stretched or slightly flexed.
• In a closed position, the working foot should be kept as vertical as possible.

Question 17

Name two Highland movements that require 1/2 points:

Answer 17

Pas de basque & outward brush.

Question 18

Intro for the Sword Dance (one method)

Answer 18

Bars 1-2: Stand as for bow.
Bars 3-4: 4 count bow, take arms to first if not already so placed step to 1D with LF and point RF in 3rd (count 5, 6, 7), pause (count 8).

Question 19

Intro for the Sword Dance (another method)

Answer 19

Bars 3-4: 6 count bow, take arms to 1st if not already so placed. Rise simultaneously on the balls on counts 7, 8 or place RF in 3rd or 5th on the 1/2 point keeping LF flat (count 7, 8)