A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Highland Fling

HIGHLAND FLING. A step in dancing, peculiar to the Scotch Highlands. The name is commonly transferred to the dance itself. The term 'fling' expresses the kicking gesture which characterises it. When a horse kicks by merely raising one leg and striking with it, he is said, in grooms' parlance, to 'fling like a cow.' The performer dances on each leg alternately, and flings the other leg in front and behind. The Highland Fling, in which three, four, or more persons may take part, is danced to the music of the Strathspey. The following is a specimen:—

Marquis of Huntly's Highland Fling.

[ E. J. P. ]

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