COSTUMES
Beginner Costumes
Pictures from the Bell School of Irish Dance.
Beginner Irish step dance costumes are very simple, consisting mainly of a plain blouse and skirt. Some schools include a
small amount of embroidery on the skirt. "Poodle" or "bubble" socks are worn with soft shoes.
A headband is worn on the head, and hair is curled in ringlets.
Advanced Costumes
Picture from www.dance-again.com
Once a dancer reaches the Open/Prizewinner level of competition (see Feiseanna-->Feis Levels for more information.) she can purchase a solo dress. These dresses have a similar style to school ceili dresses, but the colors and embriodery are unique on each one. Some dancers have a dress made specifically for them, while
other buy used ones from other dancers. Prices range from $800-$2000 for a new dress, and $300-$900 for a used one. Matching headbands or crowns accompany the dress. "Poodle" or "bubble" socks are worn with soft and hard shoes.
At this point, dancers may decide to buy a wig instead of curling her hair. (See the Hair section for Wig Vendors).
Boys Costumes
Boys generally wear a collared shirt with dress pants or a kilt. Some schools have specific guidelines about
colors and styles, while other lets the boys pick for themselves. Sometimes a jacket or cape is worn. Boys wear shoes called reel shoes, which are similar to jazz dance shoes. As they advance, the boys wear a reel shoe with a heel like a hardshoe.
Ceili Costumes
Picture from The Gray School of Irish Dance
When a team dance is performed (ex- a 4 hand or an 8 hand) every dancer wears the same dress. This is called
a school costume. Each dance school is different, but these costumes are usually bought or rented from the school to be used in
competition and performances.
History of Irish Dance Costumes
Antonio Pacelli's
site has such history topics as "Irish Dancing Masters" and "The Early Years." Very informative.
Ann's Place
has a great history of costumes and Irish Dance in general.
Shoes
All shoes on this page are from Talbot Dance.
Soft Shoes
Soft shoes are worn only by girls, for dances such as the reel, traditional jig, slip jig, and figure dances.
They are made of leather, and cost between $30-$75.
Hard Shoes
Hardshoes (these are the ones that make all the noise!) are worn by both boys and girls for the treble jig and hornpipe, as well as set dances and treble reel.
The shoe is made of leather with fiberglass tips nailed on. Some are made with suede soles so that the dancers can achieve toe stands more easily. They cost between $100-$150.
Reel Shoes
Reel shoes are worn only by boys for the reel and figure dances. They are similar to a jazz shoe, but once the dancer becomes more advanced,
he buys a reel shoe with a heel on it like the hardshoe.
Without a fiberglass heel, reel shoes cost between $30-50.
With a fiberglass heel, they cost between $65-$85.
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