Kilt for Scottish Country Dancing

[Draelore]

I have started Scottish Country Dancing (SCD). It seems to me that a 16oz 8 yarder (tank) would be best for actual performances, but it would be painfully hot to practice in. Since I will need to buy another kilt (and who doesn't), should I:

• Buy a Semi-Trad PV kilt from Rocky to practice in since it can be easily laundered?
• Suck it up, buy a tank, and dry clean a lot?
• Buy a lightweight 8 yarder so I don't melt during practice?
• just wear pants.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Dress like the other guys in your class, they've probably been at it long enought to know what works for practice.

[cessna152towser]

I have recently re-started SCD classes and usually wear a 13oz weight 8 yard kilt. You do get a better swing with the 16oz though as you say it can get very hot, especially as the ladies all want to birl real fast to raise your kilt. Though you may find that, as here, most wear trousers to class despite the fact that the kilt is much more comfortable.

[Arlen]

Whether you are dancing at a ball or just in class, once you get 'good' at it the dancing turns into sweaty work.
I would say get yourself a lighter but well made PV or Acrylic for the classes and keep a tank for the fancy balls.

A lot of folk in your class might wear trousers when they are practicing. That needn't be the case.
You can be the one to get them wearing their kilts more often!

[McMurdo]

I started SCD last year and at first I was the only one in a kilt, as I wear one everyday. Now we have about half the group in the kilt or in kilted skirts. As for what type to wear I would say that a 5 yarder in 13-16 oz should do fine for practice, or the USAKilt Semi-Trad would work as well I have one of them and it is good for dancing in, for the summer, but I wear wool all winter.

[beloitpiper]

Buy the USAK for practice and keep the tank for the performance.

[Andrewson]

I normally wear 11oz 7yd PV casual kilts for practice sessions and I find these are very comfortable and have very good swing. I don't find myself getting very hot but since they are easily washable the odd drop of sweat can be dealt with. Very few of our male members wear a kilt to practice classes but I'd much rather dance in a kilt than in trousers so I take the comfortable option every time.

For balls and dances and demos I normally wear full 16oz 8yd wool kilts but since I got a 13oz 8yd wool kilt in one of my own clan tartans last year I am finding that it is getting more outings than the heavier ones. So even here my own comfort is probably winning out over tradition etc..

So my advice is to find out what you are comfortable dancing in and wear that.

[Kiltman]

I've been at SCD for several years. Wear what weight of kilt fits the occasion. I've worn everything from 11 to 22 oz.

[Prester John]

...What Kiltman said...

[Gryphon noir]

Unfortunately, I am unable to do SCD [you need two working knees], but I have been doing English Country Dance [the 'low impact' version of SCD!] for years. Recently, I have attended kilted even for practise sessions. I find the Stillwater kilt quite comfortable--just about the perfect weight. I never have trouble getting partners, and whenever I'm kilted, I find that they are all the more enthusiastic!
The most recent ball I attended, I wore my 13oz. 7yd. wool, and found it a bit warm--but well worth it for the effect.