Hi Arnot,

A kilt for a dancer is made exactly the same as a kilt for a man, although the tartan is typically lightweight (11 oz). Putting a hem in, making the kilt an inch or so too big (but putting buckles on at the current size), and adding a hidden pleat all give the kind of flex that you need for growing room. Tartan for dancers are typically dress tartans (a white-based tartan shows up better against the background of outdoor highland games competition stages), and the setts for "dancer's tartans" are typically on the smaller side (5-6"). To get good swing, you still need to have the weight of quite a bit of tartan in the back, though, and a kilt for a 10-year-old will need at least 6 yards (more if the child is on the large side). Have a hem actually improves the swing, because it gives the back a bit more weight.

The Art of Kiltmaking has more info on making kilts for dancers.

Best,

Barb