Difference between a "dancing" kilt and any other, and liners?

[Barb T]

Barb said dancers did not wear kilt pins. Oh?
I've rarely seen a kilit without one, personally.

Actually, dancers who compete in Scottish Highland dancing _don't_ wear kilt pins. I'm not talking about Scottish _country_ dancing. Do a Google image search for Scottish Highland dancing, and you won't see a kilt pin. Here's an example:

from pictures I've seen of Scottish Highland Games, underwear or athletic shorts only happen in the US, most if not all male dancers and highland athletes in scotland participate au natural, as a kilt should be worn.

As Panache says, the Scottish Board of Highland Dance rules require underwear. White underwear is OK for the jig but not with a kilt. And I agree with Panache. Even if the rules didn't require it, it would hardly be appropriate for someone to go regimental at a Highland dance competition. It's like the difference between not wearing underwear under your trousers (which only you know about) and not wearing underwear underneath trousers that are a little too transparent (which everyone then knows about). If you're going to be doing something where it's likely that someone (particularly a child) will be able to see that you're not wearing anything under your kilt, then you ought to wear something under your kilt.

What does a dancer's kilt cost to make? My fiance has an aversion to "billie" kilts because of the length, and has been snooping around the dancer's area at Games to see if she can find one her size in a tartan that she will wear. Now I'm wondering if I can afford to have one made for her.

As far as the cost of a kilt for a dancer goes, the amount of work is essential the same as the work that goes into a kilt for anyone else. Maybe even a little more, given that the kilt will almost invariably have a hem. When I charge for any kilt, I charge a flat rate for labor and other materials (buckles, straps, lining, and canvas), plus the cost of the tartan. Tartan cost varies greatly from mill to mill, but generally 11 oz tartan is cheaper than 16 oz tartan.

And a kilt for a dancer is made with a 2" rise, just like any other kilt. Maybe your fiancee would prefer a kilt skirt? They are very nice, can be made in any tartan and any length, and are much cheaper to have made.

[Dixiecat]

As a competing highland dancer who wears a kilt I can verify a few things.

A male dancer MUST and ALWAYS will wear black or kilt-toned underwear under their kilt as long as they are competing under SOBHD or SOHDA rules. A female dancer MUST and ALWAYS will wear black or kilt-toned underwear under their kilt as long as they are competing under SOBHD or SOHDA rules. This also is the case for dancers registered with the Academy in NZ and the VSU in Australia.

Nary a kilt pin will be seen on an SOBHD dancer of either sex.

A 'dancer's' kilt is a KILT! The only concession for dancing is a generally lighter weight and the predominance of 'dress' tartans. I don't count the extra buckle as many kilts are made that way.

You see a lot of 4yd, or 6yd 'dancing' kilts being offered at some online kilt shops. This is only because dancers tend to be young and can't use the same amount of fabric. As Barb has mentioned, the amount of fabric in the kilt is directly dependent on the person's width and the sett. A dancer with hips of 28" will not be using the same amount of fabric as a person with hips of 40".

You do see however, the kiltie. A lot of kilt supply business will offer this less expensive option for the young and fast growing dancer. They generally have shallower pleats and less fabric. However, you can never confuse a kiltie with a real kilt.

Our hose must be tartan to match the kilt.

Highland dancers never 'spin'. We turn. However, this year's Seann Truibhas has so many pivot turns we might as well be spinning tops.

BTW, if you're male and want to highland dance, please, please try it out. It's not ballet, it's not jazz. You don't need a partner and it's an awesome workout. It's easy to learn! You don't have to compete to be fulfilled as we have level testing according the the school method used at the studio you learn at.

[MartinGrenoble]

Actually, dancers who compete in Scottish Highland dancing _don't_ wear kilt pins.
.

Quite right, Barb, as the photo shows.
I have not taken part in highland competitions and had never really paid attention to the details of the dancers' clothes -- I watch their feet -- and I imagined they would have pins like most other kilt-wearers. Probably a safety factor -- it would be most awkward if two flying kilts got their pins entangled when on display.

Actually this happened to me once in country dancing, and as my kilt was held together by a belt and had not buckles at the side, it was slightly embarassing !

Martin