Where is Second Aerial Position?
• The working foot is placed as in second position, but raised to the required level.
Low level: The toe of the working foot is in line with the ankle of the supporting leg. Used in: Pas de Basques, Low cutting
Normal Level: The toe of the working foot is in line with the centre of the calf of the supporting leg. Used in: Shake-Shake-Down
High Level: The toe of the working foot is in line with the centre of the knee cap of the supporting leg. Used in: The shake for the Seann Triubhas
Where is Fourth Opposite Fifth Position?
- The working foot is extended to the front, with the toe of the working foot in line with the heal of the supporting foot.
- The knee of the working leg is slightly bent.
- The working foot may be placed on the toe, half point or heel.
- If placed on the heel, the heel of the working foot should be in line with the toe of the supporting foot.
- Used in: Open Pas de Basques, Toe-and-Heel
Describe Back-Stepping
- A Back-step begins in third aerial or third rear aerial position.
- Spring, and during the elevation, the working foot slides down the back of the supporting leg while the new working foot slides up the front of the new supporting leg.
- The working foot passes through third aerial and third rear aerial position during each Back-step.
- Each back-step occupies one beat of music.
Describe Rocks
- Spring from third or fifth position to third rear position, or vice versa, putting the working foot simultaneously on landing.
- Rocks are usually danced in a serries.
- The first rock may be executed starting from an open position.
- The rear foot is always pointed first.
Describe High Cuts
- Spring, hop or disassemble and on landing take the working foot to third rear aerial position.
- Then (from the knee joint only) extend the working foot towards the second aerial position and return it to third rear aerial position.
- During the elevation, one or both legs may be extended towards 2nd aerial position.
- Where specifically designated, there may be side travelling during this movement (ending of the toe-and-heel step of the Sword).
- Counting: Sword and Seann Triubhas: ‘1&’ ‘2&’ ‘3&’ ‘4&’. Reel: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &.
Describe a Shake for the Highland Fling
- A shake is always executed with a hop.
- Each shake action should finish with a straight leg.
- The movement is begun by pointing the working foot in third or fifth position.
- Extend the working leg to fourth intermediate aerial position and execute two shake actions. The first finishing in fourth intermediate aerial position low and the second finishing in fourth intermediate aerial position normal simultaneously on landing of the hop.
- 2 methods of counting: 1 and [and] a 2 OR 1 [and] and a 2.
Describe a Pas de Basques
- Prepare with an extension of the working foot to 2nd aerial position low.
- Spring onto that side, bringing the new working foot to third or fifth position on the half point.
- Beat the ball of the other foot in third or fifth rear position and sharply extend the front foot, if required, to begin the next movement.
- The same position, third or fifth, must be used consistently throughout the movement.
- The back beat should be executed on count two and rear foot should be raised no higher than the heel of the supporting foot.
Describe and Open Pas de Basques
• As for Pas de Basque, except the working foot is placed in fourth opposite fifth position, and there is no extension at the finish.
• Counting for Pas de Basques:
Sword: ‘1&’ 2 ‘3&’ 4
All other dances: 1 & 2, 3 & 4
How is the Working Foot Placed on the Half Point?
- The pads of the first two or three toes are in contact with the ground, and the ball of the foot is off the ground.
- When the working foot is placed on the half point, the weight of the body may be momentarily taken on it.
- When the working foot is placed on the half point in an open position, the instep of the working foot should be arched. The knee of the supporting leg may be stretched or slightly relaxed.
- When the working foot is placed on the half point in a closed position, the foot should be kept as vertical as possible with the knee bent.
Describe the First Position of the Head
• The head faces front with the eyes level.
Describe the Second Position of the Head
- The head is directed diagonally to the left or right, with the chin slightly raised.
- When the arms are in second position, the head is turned away from the raised arm.
How is the Introduction to the Sword Dance Done?
- On Bars 1 and 2, stand for the bow (counts 1-8).
- On Bars 3 and 4, bow (counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
- Bring the arms to first position if not already placed and place the right foot in third or fifth position on the half point keeping the left foot flat (count 7, 8).
- Where is second aerial position high used?
Second aerial position high is only ever used in the shake for the Seann Triubhas.
- What are the two methods of counting for the Highland Fling shake?
1 and [and] a 2
OR
1 [and] and a 2
- What is the counting for high cuts in the Sword Dance?
‘1&’ ‘2&’ ‘3&’ ‘4&’
- What are the two positions that a back-step can begin?
A back-step can begin in third aerial or third rear aerial.
- What is the counting for pas-de-basques in the Seann Triubhas?
1 & 2, 3 & 4
- Is there ever a time where you can travel while doing high cuts?
Yes. There is a side travel on the high cuts during the end of the toe-and-heel step of the sword.
- Is there an extension at the end of an open pas-de-basque?
No. There is no extension at the end of an open pas-de-basque.
