Scottish Country Dancing Questions

**McMurdo** · 26th September 07, 09:59 AM

Thanks Jamie
I do have a USA Semi-Traditional Kilt in Black Stewart. I think it will work well, I will also try my PV Maple Leaf, but I think the Isle of Skye is out as it seems too heavy. When I got home from buying my dance ghillies there was a notice of a package at the post office, not sure if it's my new kilt or my sealskin sporran, it is a good day nonetheless. I will let you all know what is waiting for me at the post office once I pick it up.

**McMurdo** · 26th September 07, 05:54 PM

So a wee update for you I went to Hector Russell today, it is so good to have quality shops here, anyway, I bought myself a pair of dancing ghillies, and then I ended up with a charcoal Argyle and waistcoat. I was sure it is a Breamer, so I asked the salesman, and he assured me that the jacket is indeed an Argyle, however it has the Prince Charlie cuff much like the breamer jacket,

**McMurdo** · 26th September 07, 06:19 PM

Well Hamish here are the ghillies I purchased today they do indeed have the leather sole

**McMurdo** · 28th September 07, 07:53 AM

Andrewson
Thank you for the responce and the link I shall have to look into it.

**McMurdo** · 29th September 07, 05:21 PM

I took a look at the site and got the same impression Ham. However there is an outlet not far from me it may well be worth a wee visit.

**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?