| One of the first things that come to mind when | | | | a longer period so you'll want to leave time for |
| seeing the beautiful costumes worn by female | | | | that as well. |
| dancers in Irish dancing or Irish step dancing is | | | | While there aren't many choices when it comes |
| where to buy step dancing costumes. The | | | | to picking styles, it's important to provide your |
| elaborate, beautiful dresses are truly like no other | | | | dressmaker with a list of proper measurements. |
| and speak exquisitely of ancient Irish tradition. But | | | | To get an accurate measurement, ask someone |
| if you don't know what to look for in a solo | | | | to help, it is almost impossible to take accurate |
| dancing dress, finding a step dancing costume can | | | | measurements yourself. Do not take your |
| be tricky and expensive. | | | | measurements over your clothing but rather, |
| The different levels of Irish dancing determine | | | | measure over your undergarments that you will |
| where a dancer gets her dancing costume from. | | | | be wearing with your dress. Measurements should |
| Any dancer in the Beginner or Novice levels will | | | | be snug but not tight. Tying a string at the waist |
| usually be provided with a dance costume from | | | | will also help to give you a reference point. |
| their school of dance. In these instances, all | | | | A beautiful Irish dancing costume is critical to solo |
| students will be wearing the same dance costume. | | | | dancing and competition. Of course, a dancer is |
| After the Novice level, the dancer usually dances | | | | judged by her skill, grace and mastery of |
| a solo dance and wears her own dancing | | | | technique, however, a gorgeous solo dance |
| costume. The Irish step dancing costume can be | | | | costume enhances the experience for dancers, |
| custom made, bought from a dressmaker | | | | spectators and judges alike. The Irish dance |
| specialising in Irish dancing costumes, or made at | | | | costume is part of a dancer's presentation and |
| home by hand. | | | | should not be treated lightly. Even if your costume |
| Unless you yourself are a skilled seamstress, the | | | | is fairly plain, it can still be elegant and that will |
| best choice is to purchase your Irish dancing | | | | form the impression the judges and audience will |
| costume from a dressmaker. If custom ordering | | | | have of you. |
| your dress, there are a few things to keep in | | | | Solo dresses are very expensive due to the |
| mind. The first is to be sure to call and order the | | | | fabric, the time it takes to design and create, and |
| dance costume early. Dressmakers are very busy | | | | the time it may take to coordinate colors, |
| and only have a limited amount of time and slots | | | | accessories, etc. A beautiful custom made Irish |
| for orders so call with plenty of time so they can | | | | dance costume can cost upwards of USD$2,000 |
| accommodate your request. When exactly you | | | | or more, so you'll need to shop around. Ask your |
| should call and order depends largely on how | | | | Irish dancing school for recommendations. Keep in |
| elaborate the solo dress is. Usually six months is a | | | | mind that this costume will last through several |
| good time to order the dress. Some ornate | | | | competitions, so the expense will be worth it, |
| fabrics, styles or elaborate decoration may need | | | | especially when you bring home the awards. |