Some of them are really quite balletic but do retain their Scottish flavour. IMHO there is also a world of difference between competitive Highland dancing and the Highland dancing 'for enjoyment' that is done by folks like me who are too old, sloppy and lazy to compete. From watching dancers at games, I feel that all the standardisation that's going on is taking the character of the individual dances away. Call it 'sour grapes'. There are age classifications in each group, so each dancer will be competing not only in their age group but also against dancers of a similar standard.
Timing is the ability to follow the rhythm of the music in the dance.
Technique is primarily the footwork, and co-ordination with head, arm and hand movements. The positioning of the feet is of great importance as however graceful or agile the dancer, it is the neatness and accuracy of the foot positions that give the dances their essential character. The interpretation and the ability to capture the spirit of the dance are also important as are balance, general appearance and bearing, as well as carriage of the head, arms, body and hands. Although the dances are very strenuous, they must be danced gracefully with apparent ease. Music at competitions is usually played by a piper but may be played on the accordion.