Piping has been the traditional music for Highland dancers. Nowadays, most Highland dancing is performed by girls and women. However, before WW II most dancers were men and any women who chose to participated in dancing comptetions had to wear men's kit including a sporran.

It was also the tradition of Highland Regiments for all subalterns (Ensigns and Second Lieutenants) to be able to perform a number of Highland dances. The Regimental Pipe Major was also the dancing master who taught them the intricate steps.