Dancer's Kilt

**Alan H** · 19th October 07, 01:01 PM

I know this much...there are some tips and tricks about making dancers kilts that might not be known by Joe Average Kiltmaker. So shop around a little bit. If you feel like tackling the project yourself, 1) buy the Art of Kiltmaking and read it, thoroughly....2.) practice first on some cheap stuff, and then 3.) buy the expensive tartan and go for it, incoporating the tips and tricks that Barb and Elsie put in the book.

Elsie Struemeyer offers kiltmaking courses around the country at various times and places. Both Barb T. and way2fractious are veterans of the course. Elsie is a very serious and well-respected dance teacher in Northern California, so what she has to say about dancers kilts is the right stuff, so to speak.

**BigAlsMom** · 19th October 07, 01:15 PM

Most of the dancers pick Dress tartans. They tend to be brighter. The girls will typically pick a tartan with a lot white in the background. This is a tradition started by Queen Victoria - she felt that the solid tartan was too masculine. So male dancers use the solid tartans. No rules about that - just choice.

There are strict rules about kilts and costumes for Highland dance. From hair (must be off the collar, no adornments allowed) to the hose worn (dictating who is required to wear the argyle hose and when). Jackets and vests MUST be velvet, no more than 10 buttons allowed and only gold or silver braiding. Some of the older girls will wear make-up but for the most part it's frowned upon. My daughter's teacher doesn't like to see make-up and will not allow fingernail polish. The sport promotes good sportsmanship and wonderful role-models.

Highland differs from Irish in many ways. All of the dances the Scottish girls do are traditional dances - many are hundreds of years old. Irish is almost 100% choreography. The way a dancer advances is much different too. I know that Irish dancing does have rules about who can wear what type of dress and when, and also how short it can be. Those fancy/flashy Irish dresses are called Solo Dresses. I've seen them priced at over $1800. There is a lot of debate in the Irish dancing community as to whether or not things have gotten out of hand with the costumes. A lot of the dancers love the dresses and wigs and make-up. *shrug* That's on them I guess.

I prefer the simple, classic costumes in Highland dancing. The Highland community is a small one compared to the Irish, but the people are wonderful, the dancers are kind to each other and a day of bagpipe music always makes the heart glad

**Chef** · 19th October 07, 01:55 PM

I have always thought the direction the Irish dancing took was a bit too much. I agree that I much prefer the Highland dancing events.

I believe that Barb has daughters who are dancers so I am sure she will be able to take care of your needs.

**Wompet** · 19th October 07, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Elsie Struemeyer offers kiltmaking courses around the country at various times and places. Both Barb T. and way2fractious are veterans of the course. Elsie is a very serious and well-respected dance teacher in Northern California, so what she has to say about dancers kilts is the right stuff, so to speak.

*Ahem* Yours truly as well - I attended the last camp Elsie gave on the East Coast before her retirement from "touring." Elsie no longer teaches kilt-making, but she is still very active in Highland dance and making dancers' kilts. If you wish, I can send you her contact information.
I can also send the contact info for Judy Sullivan, Elsie's chosen successor on the East Coast. Judy and Barb were fellow students in that first Troy Kilt Camp under Elsie, and Judy has been learning from Elsie every year since. In addition to kilts, Judy makes dancers' outfits, so she could help you with the full package, if you want.

**Alan H** · 19th October 07, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Wompet

*Ahem* Yours truly as well - I attended the last camp Elsie gave on the East Coast before her retirement from "touring." Elsie no longer teaches kilt-making, but she is still very active in Highland dance and making dancers' kilts. If you wish, I can send you her contact information.
I can also send the contact info for Judy Sullivan, Elsie's chosen successor on the East Coast. Judy and Barb were fellow students in that first Troy Kilt Camp under Elsie, and Judy has been learning from Elsie every year since. In addition to kilts, Judy makes dancers' outfits, so she could help you with the full package, if you want.

Beg Pardon! I'd forgotten that you'd gone to one of the camps!!!