Q:
 What is the difference between Highland Dancing and Scottish Country or Ceilidh Dancing?

A:

... what's the difference you may ask? Highland Dancing is a very technical form of dancing and is usually done as a demonstration for guests - it is not usually for audience participation. The music will normally be provided by a Highland Piper and the dances could be the 'Highland Fling' or 'Sword Dance' (where the dancer or group of dancers dance tip toe between the blades of a sword.

A Highland Dancer dancing to a full pipe band

Scottish Country dancing may also be demonstrated but the emphasis on this is usually for audience participation. The usual form or music for this type of dancing would be the Ceilidh or Accordion band. The dances would range from 'Waltz's', 'Two Steps' and 'Gay Gordon's' to the 'Dashing White Sergeant' and the 'Strip the Willow' - depending on the band these can be done at a fairly brisk pace.

A group of Ceilidh dancers getting participation from a Corporate group at the Moat House Hotel in Glasgow