Costumes are starting to take over Irish Dance!! Some trends of the moment are:

¤Dresses made of raw silk and other lightweight materials

¤Bright neon colors such as green, yellow, orange, blue

¤Pastel colors like pink, purple, baby blue

¤SEQUINS

¤Shorter and shorter capes! The two-shouldered type is all the rage now- the one-shouldered "flap" is officially gone! I've seen some with just a tiny flap for a cape, and embroidery leading down to the cape, and some with unique shapes. I did see an odd cape that was in the form of a big star hanging from two shoulders- eech.

¤Tiaras replacing crowns



When you start out in Irish Dance, you will probably begin with what is called a "Beginner dress." Some schools offer these, and some don't. If not, and you are stuck in a tight spot at a feis, wear this:

-Short sleeve white blouse (think along the lines of a school uniform style blouse)

-Black or Navy skirt (obviously not a long or below the knee style skirt)

-Curled hair held back by a white headband

-Poodle socks

-Dance shoes



After that, you will progress into the School Dress. Different dance schools have different opinions on when it's time to get this dress. At my school, we get the school dress when we are in the advanced beginner-novice range. The school dress, also known as the "Team dress" or "Figure dress," is worn by all members of the figure team. Some dresses are fancy, some are plain- these are traditional designs, so they are obviously all very different. You can wear your school dress in solo competition until you get your solo dress.



The solo dress is earned once you get advanced. Most schools agree that getting into the Prizewinner category at a feis is a good time to get a solo dress. Most prizewinners wear second-hand solos. That is a personal opinion. My own opinion is that, if you earned it, go for it. I bought my current (and first) dress from Paul Keith. He's great! I'd highly recommend him.
Solo dresses cost lots of money, since lots of time and hard work goes into making them. Take excellent care of your dress and it will last until you outgrow it. Keep it covered, and away from pets, little brothers/sisters, sun, dirt, makeup, jewelry, hairspray, and food/drink. Try to avoid drycleaning, and NEVER let flight attendants check your dress. Store it in an overhead apartment. Keep the dress in it's carrying bag when traveling, and at home, keep it covered with a sheet or clean garbage bag. Lay it flat somewhere, with the pleats arranged the way you want them to fall on the dancer.

	AINES DESIGNS IRELAND This is an example of a solo dress. This dress was made by Aine Designs Ireland. Visit the site: ainedesignsireland.com

	PAUL KEITH I got my dress from him! :) paulkeith.co.uk