What should the dancer avoid when raising or lowering the arms?

When considering the mechanics of raising or lowering the arms in Scottish Highland dance, it's crucial for the dancer to maintain a fluid and graceful appearance. One key aspect of this is avoiding any rigid or excessive movements that could disrupt the overall aesthetic and technique.

Raising or lowering the arms should be done with control and elegance, and keeping the elbows rigid can lead to a stiff look, affecting the dancer's posture and overall flow. Similarly, excessive movement of the elbows can detract from the clean lines that are essential in Highland dance, as it can result in a disjointed appearance. Bringing the arms in front of the face might also obstruct the dancer's visibility and can interfere with the presentation of the performance.

Thus, the correct emphasis should be on the idea that the dancer should strive for an ideal balance that allows for a smooth, controlled, and aesthetically pleasing posture while performing, making option C a critical point to avoid in execution.