Shadle Hosting Highland Dance Competition

They dance on their toes, arms arced above their heads, like extra-bouncy ballerinas.

But there are no ballet barres here, just swords crossed on the floor. Tartan boxers and T-shirts - not tutus and tights - are favored for practice attire. And bagpipe music provides a canvas for the dancers to decorate with their steps, turns and kicks.

Currently, 19 girls comprise Shadle Park High School’s Highland Dance Team. Some have been dancing for four years; some just started in June.

But no matter their experience level, all the girls have been preparing for an upcoming competition. In addition to perfecting individual dance steps, they’ve been soliciting donations and securing sponsors.

Saturday, the dancers will host their first Fall Highland Dancing Competition from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the school auditorium. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Highland dance instructor Marie Fleming said the team originally decided to host the competition as a fund-raiser. When performing, Shadle dancers wear green and yellow wool kilts, black velvet vests, white blouses and knee socks. Their shoes are special lace-up leather slippers called “gillies.”

Just the kilts and the socks can cost the girls $300.

Competitions also give dancers a chance to improve their dance status. After placing first, second or third in six different competitions, dancers can move up a level. There are five levels of dancers, from primary to premier.

Another reason for the event is to educate people.

“It’s a way to get the community involved - to watch and learn about Highland dance,” said Fleming, 21. “Lots of people think Scottish and Irish dances are the same, but they’re not. Highland dancing is not the same as `Riverdance.”’

Highland dancing, she explained, involves more bouncing and more arm movements.

Fleming has been teaching Highland dance for three years at Shadle and is one of just four teachers in Spokane. She’s been dancing since she was 9 and decided to learn more about her ancestry. Fleming is one-quarter Scottish.

But the reasons girls get interested in Highland dancing are as numerous as the tartans in Scotland.

Teresa Kelleher, 17, said she just happened onto Highland dance when she was looking for a school activity with which to get involved. After three years, she still enjoys the challenge.

“You always have to hold your arms and hands a certain way,” she said. “And you have to bounce directly to the side.”

Ellen Peck, 16, has been dancing since last spring. She said she joined the team mostly because it’s different.

Sophomore Rebecca Sturm joined to get in shape and to support the school.

“It’s interesting because you learn about the culture and Scottish heritage,” she said.

The Sword Dance, for example, was traditionally performed before battle, with men dancing in and around the quadrants formed by a pair of crossed swords laid on the ground. To kick or step on one of the swords during the dance meant they’d likely be harmed in battle.

Though Highland dances were traditionally performed by men, female dancers now far outnumber males. Shadle’s dancers are all female.

The dances involve much standing and hopping on toes and bouncing on the balls of the feet. Shin splints and sore calf muscles are common occurrences.

“But it’s a good pain,” Sturm said. “Plus your legs get really buff.”

Still another reason girls are drawn to the dance team is because of the dancers themselves.

“We all come from different groups in school, but there are no cliques here. This is the best group I’ve ever been part of,” said junior Jaime Elliott. “It’s such a tightknit group. We’re like best friends.”

COMPETITION Highland Dancers Shadle Park High School’s Highland Dancers will host their first Fall Highland Dancing Competition Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the school’s auditorium. Admission is free and all are welcome.