International Tartan Day

International Tartan Day is July 1.

As things would have it - this fell in line with the first day of our girls school holidays this year.

E's teacher had a fabulous - and slightly crazy idea. They would dress in their kilts (of course) and do random acts of highland throughout the town!

International tartan day is celebrated by the Scots in recognition of the scots defying a ban by the English on wearing tartan.

 First stop ... they interupted a Step class at the local gym!

Showed those fitness fanatics just how much hard work a fling is!

Then another fling outside the local barber shop ...

A chemist ...

Inside the cinema ...

In the main street of town ...

The national bank ...

 And inside a local coffee shop!



The girls then performed a lengthier display at the Senior Citizens morning tea ...

 And the croquet club!

Several other locations were visited including a basketball court, more local stores and the council chambers where a local piper ensured a fantastic audience was gathered!

So much fun and a great way to celebrate highland

E's kilt tartan

Like many beginning dancers we sourced our kilt second hand.

A kilt is a big investment - and quite frankly I wanted to know she would stick with dancing before I invested in a brand new kilt.

It also gives her time to truly know what tartans look good on stage and which ones she likes.

I have, however wondered for quite some time what tartan this kilt was. There are just so many in the world it was hard to find out!

It turns out that E is wearing Dress Green Gilles. Thank you to the person on dancenet who was kind enough to answer my question!

Although E loves the modern aquas and purples I love this kilt. It swings beautifully as she dances and she looks beautiful in it.

Sticker shock

Want to know something?
There is a reason the teacher doesn't discuss costume costs in the very first lesson!

As we progressed it became time to talk costs. And by costs I mean clothing.

Step one is the shoes. I am a big believer in the right shoe for the right job. And if shoes are needed for a dance then I pay for them no questions asked. $50 for ghillies - but at least they get used every lesson!

Step two is our class uniform. For the first term the girls just wore comfortable clothing. But as time progressed it is important they wear the studio uniform which provides for ease of movement and lets the teacher see the shapes their bodies are making so she can instruct properly.

We are pretty lucky at our studio. Long white socks. ($7 for two at target!), a short purple and white skirt ($20) and a black school singlet ($20 ish??) . There is also a jacket for winter and comps - I was lucky to pick one up second hand for $20. Nothing to scary there.

When the teacher starts discussing costumes however - it is a different matter.

My biggest advise is to stop and breathe. Wait to talk to the teacher. Don't google. Don't do your own research.

Yes kilts are very pricey - a complete kilt out fit could be well over $600-700 new.

But little dancers grow. And most studios have second hand outfits that can be sold on. Speak to your teacher.

Miss E's complete kilt outfit was under $200. And doesn't she look beautiful?

One day - yes - we will buy her the kilt of her dreams.

But that will be the day she commits to highland over other dance, and I don't have the expenses of concert costumes.

Don't leave costumes to the last minute - look early while you have time to source something a little cheaper.

It is an investment piece - and they will wear it for years to come.