Irish Myths and Legends - Irish Dancing Costume***

The Irish Dancing Costume has changed over the years, dancers in the 18th and 19th century simply wore their 'Sunday best'. The dancers would simply wear the outfit that they normally wore to church. In the 1970's and 1980's however, solo dancers began to wear heavy costumes embroidered with a variety of beautiful Celtic designs.

History of the Irish Dancing Costume. What costume is traditionally worn by girls? What costume do boys wear? What do the different costume patterns represent? Why do Irish Dancers wear Wigs? What is the significance of the Tara Brooch worn by Irish dancers?

The popularity of Irish Dancing is increasing! Irish dancing teachers all over the world teach second, third and fourth generation Irish girls and boys traditional jigs and reels. The outstanding success of productions such as Riverdance has encouraged even more children to learn to dance just like their ancestors. Irish dancers compete in dancing competitions regularly, all hoping to qualify for the world championships which brings together competitors form all over the world to be recognised as the best!

History of Irish Dancing Costume?
The Irish Dancing Costume has changed over the years, dancers in the 18th and 19th century wore their 'Sunday best'. Dancers would simply wear the outfit that they normally wore to church. In the 1970's and 1980's solo dancers began to wear heavy a-line dresses embroidered with a variety of Celtic patterns.

Irish Dancing - Irish Dancing Costume

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Irish Dancing Costume - Girls
Traditionally the Irish Dancing Costume is a heavy dress , A-Line in style. Kilts are never worn by girls, they are reserved for the boys! The costume is usually brightly colored and embroidered with Celtic patterns. Seqins are a popular addition and dancers also wear a cape tied at their shoulder with a brooch.

Irish Dancing Costume - Boys
There are two types of costume traditionally worn by boys who compete in Irish dancing competitions. Kilts or long black trousers. Kilts are the traditional Celtic male garment but nowadays the dancers prefer to wear long black trousers when competing.

Irish Dancing Costume - Patterns
Solo Irish step dancers performing in dancing competitions typically wear a costume like the one shown below. The image below is just an example of the type of costume worn. The Irish Dancing costume comes in a huge range of colors and fabrics from silk to velvet. Specialist designers produce costumes to order, the cost of a dancing costume can equal that spent by the typical bride on her wedding dress, if not more! A large market exists for second hand dancing dresses as often a costume is only worn for a handful of times before their owner outgrows it. The patterns of each costume is unique. Some dancing schools will have a standard costume worn by performers but once solo dancers reach competition level each costume will be specifically designed according to the individual dancers requirements. Some dancers will use a combination of Celtic Patterns on their outfit, other take inspiration from the patterns of the Tara Brooch traditionally used to secure the cape which is worn at the back of the dress. Other dancers choose their favorite flowers or simply make up their own patterns for use on their dancing dresses.