Scottish highland dancing began in the Highlands of Scotland during the early eleventh century. Highland dancing is the national solo dance of Scotland, in which the dancers are accompanied by bagpipe music. This dance is considered a form of step dancing, but with important upper body movements as well. Scottish highland dancing plays an important role in traditional Highland games events, as well as in keeping alive native Scottish traditions within the culture. By learning about the different dances and their origins, as well as how highland dancing has changed into what it is today, one can see that this dance form is an integral part of the Scottish Highland culture and keeping it alive.