The Highland Fling- This celebratory dance was performed by warriors following a victory in battle. Requiring dexterity and strength, it would be danced in the top of an upturned Targ Shield which had sharp spikes protruding from it's center. 

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Sword Dance (Gillie Callum)- This dance is traditionally performed over two crossed swords. In ancient times, warriors would perform this dance prior to a battle. If the swords were touched by the dancer, it was considered a bad omen, and was believed that the warrior would be wounded or even killed in battle. 

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Seann Truibhas - Meaning "Old Trousers" in Gaelic, this dance depicts the Scots' anger and frustrations of being required to wear trousers under British rule. The wearing of the kilt was considered treason during that time. At the end of the dance, a celebratory step of the shedding of those trousers is performed, symbolizing the liberation of the Scots' after winning their freedom, and finally being able to wear the traditional kilt again.

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Reels-The Reel of Tulloch was thought to have originated on a cold, Sunday morning before church services. The pastor was late, and his parishioners kept themselves warm by swinging each other by the arms, and stomping their feet.

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The Nationals Dances (Blue Bonnets, Scottish Lilt, Village Maid, Scotch Measure, Highland Laddie, Barracks Johnny)-These dances are more modern than the traditional Highland Dances. The Blue Bonnets, Lilt, Village Maid and Scotch Measure were created to allow women to participate, as they were not allowed to wear traditional Highland attire. They are performed in the Aboyne or Nationals costume. The Highland Laddie and Barracks Johnny are performed in the traditional Highland outfit.

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Irish Jig-This is the Scottish version of the Irish Jig, meant to depict an Irish washerwoman who is angry because some small boys have knocked all her clean laundry off the clothesline. Another version tells of an Irish wife angry at her husband who stayed out all night drinking. 

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Sailor's Hornpipe- This dance mimics the actions and duties of sailors aboard a ship. It is traditionally danced in a British sailor's uniform, and it requires strength and stamina.  Some say sailors danced aboard their vessels for exercise and physical exertion.