Need some help... Highland dancing

[Dixiecat]

. These aren't necessaarily REAL REGISTERED tartans, but fashion variations that the mills carry to sell to dancers. Example:

http://dcdalgliesh.co.uk/dancers.rpy

Wrong. You'll find that practically all dance tartans are REAL REGISTERED tartans. An unregistered dance tartan is an exception, not the rule as you imply. I checked the dance tartans on the link and a full 98% were registered. SOBHD dress code states that the tartan a dancer wears must be a clan, family or district tartan. Colour variations on these tartans are acceptable and are considered real tartans.

For the OP, a heavier weight tartan gives amazing swish when dancing but can be a bit much for younger dancers.
I advocate for traditional tartans, but then I'm a mature dancer who doesn't need a bright pink tartan to entice me to dance. ;). I dance in Drummond of Perth heavyweight tartan. Dress tartans are not required so feel free to choose ANY clan, family or district tartan as outlined in the SOBHD dress code.

You'll find however that most dancers' kilts will be pleated to sett and not stripe. I find that strange when the tartans are so bright and varied that they don't go that extra bit for more flash.