Most of the dancers pick Dress tartans. They tend to be brighter. The girls will typically pick a tartan with a lot white in the background. This is a tradition started by Queen Victoria - she felt that the solid tartan was too masculine. So male dancers use the solid tartans. No rules about that - just choice.

There are strict rules about kilts and costumes for Highland dance. From hair (must be off the collar, no adornments allowed) to the hose worn (dictating who is required to wear the argyle hose and when). Jackets and vests MUST be velvet, no more than 10 buttons allowed and only gold or silver braiding. Some of the older girls will wear make-up but for the most part it's frowned upon. My daughter's teacher doesn't like to see make-up and will not allow fingernail polish. The sport promotes good sportsmanship and wonderful role-models.

Highland differs from Irish in many ways. All of the dances the Scottish girls do are traditional dances - many are hundreds of years old. Irish is almost 100% choreography. The way a dancer advances is much different too. I know that Irish dancing does have rules about who can wear what type of dress and when, and also how short it can be. Those fancy/flashy Irish dresses are called Solo Dresses. I've seen them priced at over $1800. There is a lot of debate in the Irish dancing community as to whether or not things have gotten out of hand with the costumes. A lot of the dancers love the dresses and wigs and make-up. *shrug* That's on them I guess.

I prefer the simple, classic costumes in Highland dancing. The Highland community is a small one compared to the Irish, but the people are wonderful, the dancers are kind to each other and a day of bagpipe music always makes the heart glad