Gareth Mitchelson - World Champion Highland Dancer

World Champion Highland Dancer Gareth Mitchelson dances 'The Sword Dance' accompanied by Piper David Low at Kildrummy Castle Gardens. The track is from the Ross Records video On The Banks of The Don filmed in 1999. There have been over 212,000 views
so far.
Gareth also dances the Seann Truibhas accompanied by Piper David Low in Kildrummy Castle Gardens. The track is also from the Ross Records video On The Banks of The Don presented by Robert Lovie.
Search on KZbin 'Ross Records Highland Dancing Playlist' to see more dance tracks.
Also: Enter 'Ross Records Bagpipe Music Playlist' in KZbin Search for more Pipers and Pipe Tunes.
The Sword dance is one of the best known of all Highland dances, an ancient dance of war. Performance of sword dances in the folklore of Scotland is recorded from as early as the 15th century.
History of the Scottish sword dance
Gillidh Callum was a figure in Scottish apocryphal folk belief, said to be Noah's bagpiper. According to these beliefs, Noah, upon first drinking fermented wine, crossed two vines and danced above them while Gillidh Callum played the bagpipes, thus inventing the ancestor of the Highland sword dance (gillie callum).
As a part of the traditional Scottish intangible heritage, the performance of the Sword Dance has been recorded as early as the 15th century. It is normally recognised as the war dance with some ceremonial sense in the Scottish Royal court during that period. The old kings and clan chiefs organised the Highland Games as a method to choose their best men at arms, and the discipline required to perform the Highland dances allowed men to demonstrate their strength, stamina, and agility. The earliest reference also mentioned that the dance is often accompanied with the music of bagpipes. The basic rule requires the dancer to cross two swords on the ground in an "X" or "+" shape and to dance around and within the 4 quarters of it.
The earliest reference to these dances in Scotland is mentioned in the Scotichronicon, compiled in Scotland by Walter Bower in the 1440s. The passage regards Alexander III and his second marriage to the French lady Yolande de Dreuxat Jedburgh in Roxburghshire on 14 October 1285.
At the head of this procession were the skilled musicians with many sorts of pipe music including the wailing music of bagpipes, and behind them others splendidly performing a war-dance with intricate weaving in and out. Bringing up the rear was a figure regarding whom it was difficult to decide whether it was a man or an apparition. It seemed to glide like a ghostrather than walk on feet. When it looked as if he would disappear from everyone's sight, the whole frenzied procession halted, the song died away, the music faded, and the dancing contingent froze suddenly and unexpectedly.

[@nbenefiel]

Traditionally, the sword dance was done in bare feet. It was done the night before a battle and the success of the dancer predicted the outcome.

[@natalyakostikova1921]

Спасибо за информацию , расширили мой кругозор ❤

[@jannetteberends8730]

So when he accidentally cut his toe off, they had one man less. Yes that wouldn’t be good.

[@wholeNwon]

Thank you for the info.

[@gentianvandewerken929]

They lost that battle/the dancing was awful!lol

[@eova]

Forgot to add…´sometimes´

[@DeborahThird-og1uo]

The art of flinging your skirt every whichwere and not having a wardrobe malfunction.

[@waynethomas3638]

That only occurs if the kilt is made correctly with the tartan matching properly within the pleats of the material such that as each pleat is made the result is that what is shown matches the tartan of a flat unpleated piece of material! My mother used to make kilts, stitching each pleat in place by hand, matching the tartan. She also used to knit dancing socks by hand withe marle on the foot section and the correct tartan on the calf to ankle section!

[@gaiagreen2690]

It is not a skirt, it is a kilt.

[@TubeUil]

hahaha

[@princesse523]

Et donc on ne sait pas s'il avait une culotte ou pas...

[@BluDawg]

I did wonder if he was wearing anything under his kilt 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣💜

[@Mist-Media]

When I was much younger, I used to think this was rubbish and for girls and that the boys were a bit fey but now that I'm older, I can really appreciate the skill and passion that goes into this. This is a great exhibition.

[@paulscott1091]

no you were right when you were younger

[@pipermac]

Back in the bad olde days dancing was very much a man's thing...same with pipe bands...why did they have ladies pipe bands? women have pretty much taken over tenor drumming in bands, i dont know why...i really enjoy watching men highland dance and would love to see more young men taking an interest in it.

[@jorgebalarinbenavides2172]

I thought that you would have said that now that you are older your first impressions were confirmed 😂.

[@jorgebalarinbenavides2172]

Terrible.

[@Master-of-the-Cum]

​@@paulscott1091 go back to England

[@ceciliab6417]

Astounding! This beautiful Scottish Dance reminds me very much of Ballet. Bravo!

[@Alinor24]

It reminds me of ballet as well. I guess the limitations of the human body lead to the development of similar dance moves.

[@frozenwarning]

It comes from the same traditions. The French Gauls were the Irish Gaels which migrated into the Scottish Highlands bringing their dancing with them. Look at ballet, Irish, dancing, and Scottish dancing, and you can see how they’re all cousin styles.

[@aliceputt3133]

They took ballet. It’s part of the training.

[@waynethomas3638]

Scottish dancing is a more strict precise movement whereas ballet has a more flowing graceful movement.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

Me too!

[@vdavis4785]

Wow! On grass, with a basket-hilt sword! Outstanding!

[@waynethomas3638]

Usually in competition the sword dance is danced on crossed double swords( twice as many chances of cutting off of the toes)😀 I could not tell if he was a true scotsman pertaining to his under kilt attire!

[@gaiagreen2690]

Fierce warriors and graceful dancers. Absolutely exquisite. ❤

[@billybunter3753]

Full on hommo!

[@gaiagreen2690]

@@billybunter3753 🙄 No point in arguing with a combo of prejudice, ignorance and hatred.

[@billybunter3753]

@@gaiagreen2690 You're right, fancy pants, oops I mean dress is fine...

[@gaiagreen2690]

@@billybunter3753 Did you ever hear of Scottish history? Did you even go to school?

[@billybunter3753]

@@gaiagreen2690 I think I went to school, I can't remember...But I know a homo when I see McOne! 🤣

[@auroramata6067]

Awesomely well-danced. His footwork is fantastic! It’s wonderful to see such artistry! Keeping Scottish dance alive takes much skill, accuracy, & stamina! ❤❤❤

[@SharonMartinez]

I could just see me tripping over the knives and impaling meself. Definitely not a dance for sissies. ❤

[@maryclynch9356]

Also Scottish teachers to keep teaching children at school !😁

[@maramorrison3144]

Outstanding job. Beautiful footwork and style. Thank you for keeping Scottish highland dance alive and well.

[@laurensaul24]

A lot of stamina skill and althetisim 👏🏻

[@heathermcd12]

My mum won an award in school for best sword dancer (Glasgow). Watching Gareth was amazing. I have two left feet and it didna pass doon tae me LOL!

[@ChristineSutherwood]

Must have taken years to reach that level of perfection. Congratulations! It was a pleasure watching this Scottish dancer ❤❤❤

[@waynethomas3638]

The sword dance is but 1 of many dances learnt for highland dancing including the highland fling, reel of tulloch and seann triubhas which my sister, brother and myself learnt and practiced for six or seven years.

[@booker0110]

When the sword dance was done with bare feet the swords were real and sharp. Ouch.

[@erinfield1943]

Are we watching the same thing?

[@bobdowlen3028]

That was marvelous! The strength, energy, and polished skill it took to execute that difficult dance was extraordinary!

[@janicejackson2016]

Anyone that has the ability to do this has a piece of my heart

[@Nicky-Music]

And on grass! That is hard!

[@sheridanconsulting]

Incredible performance

[@maryclynch9356]

That kilt was going pretty high up !😂

[@stinew358]

Makes it more exciting for the ladies

[@liliumbosniacum7781]

@@stinew358 Oh, yes… indeed!;)

[@liliumbosniacum7781]

… and I like it!:)

[@lilahasson5110]

You can see that this takes so much strength and precision!❤❤❤

[@BluDawg]

I sure do love the beautiful Scottish accent , the bagpipes, the dance , all wonderful 😻

[@u4riahsc]

I love to hear the trilled RRRRs when a Scottish person speaks. It sounds so musical.

[@princesse523]

The worrrrrld ❤

[@rolandscales9380]

Any Scots accent in particular? There are dozens. As for bagpipes, I own several sets, and not one of them is Scottish. Google the subject.

[@darksarcasm4835]

He’s got great cardio!❤

[@CuriouslyMindful]

I danced a similar routine when I was 17 years old in high school in a production of Brigadoon, playing Harry Beaton. I did well for my training and my age, but it was nothing like this gentleman with his grace, technique, and skill. Bravo!

[@colleenmckinlay2916]

Absolutely amazing footwork . Precision, strength, timing and your double time was brilliant. Well done. What a joy to watch.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

What an astounding performance. Such strength looking as though it cost him nothing.Such grace and ridiculously airy leaping on perfectly positioned feet ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ODINS_daughter]

Top knotch! Really appreciated watching his footwork! I danced this as a child.

[@brigittehasenpflug7618]

Bravo- wonderful dance-:like a feather....men looks so elegant in the highland dress,beeing for a visit in Scotland i love to see men weaing a kilt and hearing bag pipes

[@natalyakostikova1921]

Посмотрела танец , прочитала кмментарии - открыла для себя совершенно неизвестную страницу - танец шотландских воинов и традиции связанные с ним - удивительная и захватывпющая история - танец горцев , надо было танцевать босиком и лучших сам король отбирал себе в воины ! Привет из России Я в восторге от мастерства танцора , легкий , как мячик , точные ноги , обоятельный красавчик и замечательная сцена - живая поляна ❤

[@anyuka2466]

России привет из Украины! 🖐😀

[@nancybusso6171]

Found out through DNA testing that I am part Scottish………now I know why I have always loved bagpipes and dancers! ❤

[@natalyakostikova1921]

Удивительно ! Неужели любовь к танцам передается на генетическом уровне ?

[@Essemm52]

@@natalyakostikova1921Lol! Probably not! The bagpipes do have an emotive sound though. Perhaps memories of a previous life? Well, might as well go full on fantasy! 😆

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@Essemm52Don't know. I'm not Scottish, nor do I have any Scottish blood, but the bagpipes hypnotise me. We have pipes in Hungarian folk music too. We call them dudák.

[@Cornerboy73]

That's super-hard to do without touching the swords, I'm impressed !

[@crebeccastewart3910]

I had lessons when we lived in Scotland. It takes a lot of stamina to do it correctly. 🎉

[@suebruce493]

Hopscotch, a game for jumping.

[@lightofthejul]

And on the green no less ! Very difficult !

[@christinegerard4974]

All the dancing on tiptoe !

[@reginayahara5002]

You go man. Dance around me anyday!

[@puieyechew1198]

Just watching 2 minutes of it makes me breathless. It takes a lot of stamina i'm sure.

[@patriciamorrell4954]

Beautiful highland dance....perfect; Love your Clans Tartan too, just as beautiful. From New Zealand. God Bless Gareth Mitchelson.

[@teresayeates3437]

Wonderful. When I was young, my siblings and I would put on my mothers bagpipe records, love the bagpipes, they had different pictures on them, I remember sword dancers on one. We would lay sticks on the carpet and pretend to sword dance to the music. Loved it. I am from Ontario Canada, just north of Toronto. Years later roomed with a girl who had been a scottish dancer, ranked 6th in the world, even danced in front of Lady Diana and Prince Charles. I think I just got blessed.

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

All I can say is: WOW!!!!!

[@shelleyt3048]

That was so well danced. Such precise footwork, a delight to watch.

[@keikofay9804]

Overall fan of cultural dances, watching Highland dance for the first time. Thank you for posting this. Beautiful!

[@austenmckenna5555]

Hula in Hawaii was a warriors dance. The King would select warriors from those who were the best in Hula. In the 11th century it is said Scottish warriors would use the Highlander dance to select the best warriors to go into battle. There must be something to this! 😮❤❤❤

[@rolandscales9380]

It is said by whom? My understanding is that the Scottish "warriors" would be "volunteered" by the sergeant-major.

[@jamessupplee7289]

I know very little about sword dancing, but it was amazing to have the tempo pick up at the end to increase the challenge. Wow!

[@h.b16]

It’s highland dancing. This is just one of the dances called the sword dance.

[@AngelCatBaby]

Awesome….I love ethnic dances, love the Scottish and Irish styles, I love the music and love all those who keep their traditional dances and music together in spite of changing times. This is absolutely beautiful, it takes a lot of stamina and energy to keeping it going strong….my hats off and a gentle bow to the gentleman. He does this so easily, but it is harder than one may think. I know because I have done some of this myself in my younger years…👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@user-rs6ux4eg5s]

Очень красивый танец! Танцор - настоящий профессионал, супер талантливый!❤❤❤❤❤

[@CabinFever52]

So classy---and handsome, to boot.

[@Canyon2023]

Their dance and music is as good as their food.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

No. Much, much better.

[@greenspiritarts]

Clear to see why he is World champion! ❤ Mesmerizing! ❤

[@essiefowler9775]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@ritahayes1]

Wow! Beautifully executed! Talk about strong!!

[@karinwetzel1773]

Wow, just wow. I’m seeing incredible strength and precision.

[@jeanhawken4482]

The fitness of the man. Very beautiful

[@davidscott1029]

Men love to dance and sing. They do them both very well. ♥️🎵♥️🎵♥️

[@daniellewilliams2236]

That's one heck of a cardio! I just tried to do the fling for 3 minutes and I'm winded. Bravo!!!

[@akrogirl32]

I was also a premier level Highland dancer, and I was told that fifteen minutes of Highland dancing was the equivalent of an hour of aerobics.

[@richardcleveland8549]

Impressive . . . VERY impressive! Those are some of the fastest feet in Scotland! Bravo!

[@fosterjackiefoster3259]

I really like the sound of bagpipes!

[@marylaidlaw9883]

In America NFL players study ballet for strength and endurance

[@TBrl8]

I heard the fridge did a mean pirouette.

[@onemercilessming1342]

Yes...and Rosey Grier did needlepoint, not just for relaxation and recreation, but also for increasing focus and attention to detail.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

Good for them.

[@melodymoore9765]

The Sword Dance was my favourite. Think this gentleman does soooo much better than I did. I still have some of my medals though. 💕💕💕

[@JB-hp4dx]

I read a lot of books about historical Scotland and the highlands. Well their romance in the highlands. This dancer will be in my minds eye when I read my next highland romance book! Handsome and talented ❤❤❤

[@jesspeak7543]

An absolutely fantastic exhibition of both dancer's and piper's skills. Thank you so much for sharing this. An awestruck Scot living in Australia 🇦🇺

[@kellyburket6955]

Incredible!!!

[@GradKat]

Wow, he’s terrific! The footwork is very impressive. I think men look great in kilts.

[@booker0110]

So do I.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

He looks built by classical ballet. That footwork takes years to acheive. You need daily training structure to get to this man’s level.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

achieve

[@user-sy8jg9nj8w]

Звук волынки это что то,...а танцует виртуозно .браво.

[@natalyakostikova1921]

Первоклассный танцор , браво !

[@princegroove]

Such an elegant and majestic dance.

[@susandrydenhenderson6234]

What a great demonstration

[@tekawolf8254]

Really great to watch!! Thanks for the video.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

My great-grandmother was a Gibson. Her brother was known as 'Gibby'. 😊 The athleticism and musical timing of this dancer is extraordinary.

[@stefaniamarrese492]

Veramente emozionante!!! Grazie ❤

[@nataliaishenko2691]

Молодчина! Завжди дивлюсь, як танцююиь Ваші дівчата, як гірські молоді кізочки. А це щось інше, мужнє, не менш красиве. Миру та добра. ❤❤❤😂

[@Mithras444]

I clicked on this before I've gotten up and had my coffee, never really heard Scottish bagpipes before.😮😅

[@orcharddweller1109]

It has got me pointing my toes and wriggling my feet u controllably.

[@allanvincent4450]

bloody hell!!! brilliant!

[@charlotteryner6583]

Yeah, I was going to say strength, endurance AND agility. 😊

[@nataliavasilenko5902]

Шотландскому балету БРАВО !!!

[@Tamilarinna]

😅😅😅

[@user-wr6qy6cq2d]

Обожаю Ирландию и Шотландию! Обожаю их танцы и волынку! Преклоняюсь перед Майклом Флетли! Спасибо Вам из Санкт-Петербурга Россия! I love Ireland and Scotland! I love their dancing and bagpipes! I bow to Michael Flatley! Thank you from Saint Petersburg Russia!

[@deem7478]

Such a joy to watch. Grace and precision! ⚔️🗡⚔️

[@CatBaloo]

Very beautiful and amazing precision!

[@marshaverduzco2859]

I can remember back in elementary school we had different types of danc in physical education rofl. We did not do the sword dance ( no swords allowed in elementary school.) But we were taught a cute little Irish ditty called the washer woman jig.

[@nuschlerclark895]

When Scottish warriors attacked wearing kilts they were called "women from hell" by their enemies. I was married to a Scottish warrior!

[@macalacalan1175]

Pleased to hear that. In 1978 when I was a young bloke cycling through Germany an old German fellow I met (who'd fought in WW1) told me the same thing - except he said they called the Scots "Devil women from hell." I've since told many people this and they've doubted me. He also told me that when he and his comrades heard the bagpipes from the other side of no man's land, which preceded a charge, their blood froze. 🦘

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@macalacalan1175 Bagpipes are scary. Indomitable music.

[@darrenwashington9842]

HE IS AN AWESOME DANCER. I LIKE THE BAGPIPES. IT IS SOOTHING TO MY SOUL. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. DUDE.

[@marie-christinemontegu9503]

🇫🇷. Remarquable. Excellente performance.

[@elainefree4873]

Loved it. Used to dance this as a wee girl of 11.

[@crebeccastewart3910]

Me also.❤

[@OfficialAndreaHelms]

My ankles would have given up 10 seconds into that🥴 Beautifully done!

[@demondogmom7221]

Always loved watching this.

[@Semi_svetik]

Так красиво и необычно

[@barbarafuglein3918]

Die Ausführung dieses schottischen Tanzes ist sehr elegant getanzt! Gute Beinarbeit!😊

[@shaeweir9882]

This is peak masculinity

[@RosaAzzurro16]

Totally agree with you...yuum!!!😋

[@genevievemaurer6099]

❤ Merci. Ce danseur est magnifique. J admire son très beau kilt et sa belle tenue . C est vraiment un grand plaisir de voir cette danse, ❤❤❤

[@anonymusanonymus3932]

Chapeau! What a great dance!

[@annamossity8879]

Watched several times, just beautiful! Bravo!! 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼

[@user-dx5jy1fo1k]

Это напоминает танец наших кавказских горцев, тоже на пальцах ног. Это балет. Можно смотреть бесконечно на абсолютно выверенные безупречные движения танцора. Браво. Полное восхищение. Очень близко российскому духу.

[@user-gv5zg6yx2y]

Думаю что это профессиональный танцор. Как балет. Интересно.

[@mattfraser3452]

Excellent performance ♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇦🇺🦘

[@kathrynmannyng3885]

Go Gareth! My toes were pointing just watching. I want some thistle socks just like yours...

[@euridicesacramentomariani6953]

Wonderful dancer! Awesome footwork! Greetings from São Paulo, Brasil!

[@nicolecopland461]

Holy sh, the memories this brings! Beautiful.

[@profnorth]

Excellent dancing. A pleasure to watch.

[@higgs923]

Skill and grace. It's a gift that this appeared in my feed.

[@valerijasokolova2527]

It is Great!!! Thanks!❤

[@kevin-jg5nq]

My grandfather was from Monifieth.

[@paulagonzaleza.4175]

Impresionante la destreza, hermosa danza y la musica , hermoso baile, felicitaciones

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

Wow! Light as a feather, that man flew. Like ballet. I adore the pipes.

[@marshaverduzco2859]

I just kept thinking it would not do to try this dance without shoes.

[@user-yx1dh5ru9t]

I do highland dancing, It’s really Fun and Active!

[@Thatonetheriancat]

I know its fun id it i do it to