Scottish Country Dance - Special Kilt?

[Sir Didymous]

Hi,
I have just returned from a Scottish Country Dance demo in Aussie summer heat and am still wearing my Edinburgh made 13 oz SCD woolen kilt. It is in the Scottish Country Dance tartan which is substantially blue. Wearing their tartan is not essential, indeed it is rare. Any tartan is fine as are plain shorts and long socks, but kilts, even cheap ones, are far better to dance in. I recommend 13 oz wool for summer or packing for travel, but a well made 17 oz kilt should look better but I warn 8 yards of 17 oz material is a lot of weight to be carrying dancing but they swing the best. Large yardage 13 oz kilts are an ideal compromise. Lighter ones, and that means virtually all non-wool kilts, soon look scrappy and are unreliable in winds or during burls, doubt me? Just watch the light weight kilts that Highland dancers wear. Always wear something underneath if Scottish Country dancing as even 17 oz kilts do lift.

Bill

I can't speak for dancing, however whilst teaching an advanced arming sword technique I gave something of a show to the non-fighters. I teach sword classes within a couple of hours from ending my church services and unless it is a garbed meeting, I don't change out of the kilts that I wear to preach in. I was wearing an 8 yard PV kilt one day, and as part of a technique, I was required to spin around the person and put my arming sword to his back. In the process I must have moved fairly quick as all of the other students started laughing and some of the ladies were blushing. They promptly informed me that my kilt raised a good deal during the spin. I now pack a pair of swimming shorts to go under.

[Stitchwiz]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Scottish Country Dancing! You will never meet finer folk.

(By the by, what you wear isn't nearly as important in SCD as the dancing!)

Cheers

Jamie

Emboldening added.

I agree wholeheartedly about the fine folk you meet dancing, however I think that it is dancing with others as an enjoyable pastime that attracts good people. SCD is just one type of dancing which attracts fine people.

My husband and I met square and round dancing. Square dancing is the only activity I know of where you 'honour your partner' and 'your corner' before each and every dance. That acknowledgement goes a long way in setting the tone for square dancing. It also mirrors what we do in our relationship - we honour each other every day. This respect for one another overflows into every aspect of our lives.

I haven't had the pleasure of attending a SCD, however, I'm sure that there is similar acknowledgement which happens at least once in the evening, if not with every dance. The old dances encourage this behaviour, and we certainly need more of this in this day and age.

[billsides]

Yes kilts are slightly outnumbered by shorts and long socks especially in summer anywhere in Australia. Most kilts are 13 oz for SCD and polo shirts are what I usually wear except at social when a shirt tie and Argyle coat are the most common but the coats usually come off after the first dance. Dancing is a great opportunity to wear a kilt and they are definitely better to dance in.

Bill

[Panache]

Yes kilts are slightly outnumbered by shorts and long socks especially in summer anywhere in Australia. Most kilts are 13 oz for SCD and polo shirts are what I usually wear except at social when a shirt tie and Argyle coat are the most common but the coats usually come off after the first dance. Dancing is a great opportunity to wear a kilt and they are definitely better to dance in.

Bill

For our monthly dances a lot of people wear the ghillie/highlander shirts which while are a bit theatrical (but fun) they have an advantage of being billowy and that air flow is appreciated (especially by the last set).

Cheers

Jamie

[Pipersson]

Yeah, I thought dancing could be one of the very rare occasions where a ghillie shirt might be acceptable and practical...but I'd rather go with a polo like I did in my fencing lessons during my studies...

Tom

[billsides]

Yes Jamie, those ghille shirts are about here too, but not that common, I have one, but have never worn it. They look good even if as you put it, a bit theatrical and are certainly good for SCD casual. Polo shirts however are more common here and, as their weight varies, they can be used in both cooler or hotter months. They look best with only small logos sewn on them and are always available for sale at SCD dancing schools, and commonly at charity dos, golf, car club rallies or similar. Their logos are therefore conversation starters as they can be quite varied. Minimally adorned polo shirts can look very smart when worn with a kilt. I dance at least 3 times a week and SCD is great for mind and body and kilt wearing and polo shirts do wash easily.
Bill