Scottish Country Dancing Questions

**McMurdo** · 2nd October 07, 05:10 PM

Well last night was my second class, my new teacher was there last night, she was in Scotland last week dancing with 27 others from over here. Again it was a wonderful night, and having the proper footwear certainly helped. It was very enjoyable and so much fun. All the other dancers are calling me a fashion plate, week one I wore my Isle of Skye, it was a wee bit warm for dancing so this week I wore my Black Stewart, I am yet again looking forward to my next class and have been practicing my skip changes today.

Apparently the RSCDS Toronto is having a gently used clothing sale I may be able to pick up a new kilt or two and in November there will be a day long workshop and dance in the evening that I am very much looking forward too.

**ccga3359** · 2nd October 07, 05:14 PM

Good news Glen, I hope you'll be showing your new moves at th next SOKS event.

**scoutniagara** · 3rd October 07, 05:56 AM

Enjoy your dancing, but you take any excuse to buy more Scottish attire don't you.

Another jacket now, eh? ..and a waistcoat... lol Next it'll be another sporran and more kilts. Who knows where your addiction will end. ;)

Re: the shoes. As you know, my wife and I dance (ballroom/Latin/social). The shoes you have have a suede sole and will have to be "brushed" every once in a while, but it doesn't look like there is much padding for the bottom of your foot. It'll only take one full day of dancing, before you realize that our feet weren't meant to be on hard floors all day. Plantar faciitis will feel like pins or needles in the bottoms of your feet, and once you have it, it's with you for life.

"I normally buy the highland dance ghillies rather than what he describes as country dance shoes and when he introduced shock absorbing soles for these I upgraded to this version for extra protection to feet, knees and hips. I certainly don't regret doing this." Glen, this is excellent advice.

Check out the properties of this photo.

It's a Canadian site.

I began dancing in a kilt at an early age when my grandmother and then eldest aunt were the presidents of the Daughters of Scotland. I took highland dance lessons for about seven years till the age of fourteen. More recently, I've danced a fling and twasome with my daughter while she took dance lessons. My wife and I have two sets of lessons today; ballroom/Latin this afternoon and west coast swing tonight. We work with "2seawithz" as dance instructors on cruise ships.

Dancing will provide you with great fun. Best wishes and enjoy!

**McMurdo** · 3rd October 07, 06:05 AM

I was interested in these when I heard about them, and will be telephoning them to set up an appointment, the distributor is located in Whitby and that is where I lived for 7 years so it should be easy to find.

For now it's the shoes I have plus insoles.

**Arlen** · 6th March 08, 01:00 PM

O.K. This thread has been quiet for a while but I wanted to have a wee talk about shoes and since there was so much shoe discussion on here already, I thought perhaps Mcmurdo would be fine with my hijacking it.

You see, I am just not comfortable with dancing ghillies.
In general I use a pair of plain black Puma trainers. They are comfortable and I think they look decent for most occasions.
Here is a picture of the type I have, although mine are completely black.

Now, I know that in a ball situation most people aren't going to like these.
So, when I was going to be attending a ball in Glasgow back in 2006, I tried to get some 'acceptable shoes' at short notice.
The best I could do was a pair of 'Brigadun' Irish/Scottish dance ghillies on ebay.

They have a horrible, slippery leather sole and I just feel like I can't dance in them at all. So, since that dance, they have sat at the bottom of my cupboard.

So here's the kicker.
I've got the chance of a good pair of James Senior dance ghillies in my size and price range.
Should I go ahead and get them and, even if I am not fully comfortable in them go ahead and dance in them till I'm used to it.... OR: Just wear my trainers for anything but super formal and boo to anyone who doesn't approve?

**Panache** · 6th March 08, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Arlen

...They have a horrible, slippery leather sole and I just feel like I can't dance in them at all. So, since that dance, they have sat at the bottom of my cupboard.

Arlen,

I believe there is a silicon product you can apply to the bottom of those to give them a little more stick. The name escapes me but I and The F-H.C.A.G. both need to get some ourselves.

Cheers

Jamie

**Arlen** · 6th March 08, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

Arlen,

I believe there is a silicon product you can apply to the bottom of those to give them a little more stick. The name escapes me but I and The F-H.C.A.G. both need to get some ourselves.

Cheers

Jamie

I might just do that.
I think my feet have grown because I have been wearing them for half and hour and they still don't stretch to cover my feet properly. And, having worn them like this for half an hour, they just HURT.
(I am a U.S. Men's 6 but I have really wide feet.)

I think I am going to have a go at roughing up /gumming the soles but I am very seriously considering getting a pair from James Senior themselves.
I got a pair of RSCDS red dance shoes for Diane a wee while ago from them and they were really lovely.

Hmmm

**McMurdo** · 6th March 08, 02:11 PM

Arlen
I would say go for the James Senior dance ghillies, or ask around about the product Jamie was talking about, and of course you can hijack my thread any time you want. Say hello to Diane for me as well.

**MartinGrenoble** · 7th March 08, 02:56 AM

Hello, fellow dancers.

Although for years I wore ghillies to dance, I began having more and more pain, and, rather than give up dancing, I gave up the ghillies and have been dancing bare-foot ever since. Of course, on a cold floor, it's not too pleasant at first, but I realize that the soles of our feet were designed to be used thus; you have complete control and don't slip or slide.
My knobbly joints have shrunk, and all the bones and toes are lined up again as they were in my youth.
To look dressed -- and not feel cold -- I wear hose with the toes cut out.

I, too, have wide feet, and ghillies, like many other shoes, have no give (elasticity) at all. Most of us grew up in tight shoes and have come to think that discomfort is normal. NO! if you are in pain, it's the shoes that are wrong, it's not the fault of your feet.

People are often amazed to see me dance bare-foot, but for me it is the only way. Somewhere, I have an old photo of myself bare-foot at St Andrews summer school; the camera captured the look on the faces of some of the other dancers!

But whatever you do, Arlen, pleeeaase don't wear sport shoes!

Martin,
Grenoble, France.

**Hamish** · 7th March 08, 03:43 AM

Arlen, as has been recommended: go for the James Seniors. They are widely worn by members of the RSCDS and are amongst the best available. Please don't 'do' the Pumas!

I am not sure that I would advocate dancing in bare feet as Martin does, but if that works for him that's fine. My fear would be the risk of being injured by having the toes trodden on by another dancer - it's bad enough in ghillies, but barefoot.... ouch! Also, some wooden floors, not in the best condition, can be breeding grounds for splinters ...... ouch, ouch!!

Take care,
Ham.