Celtic
Ireland
Irish
Eire

Irish Dancing Dresses

Celtic
Ireland
Irish
Eire

Irish Dancing Dresses image


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.

Discover the history of Irish dancing dresses. What is traditionally worn by girls? What outfits do boys wear? Why do Irish Dancers wear Wigs? What is the significance of the Tara Brooch? Find the answers to these questions and more about Irish dancing dresses.

Dancing - Ireland - Index

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! The design of the dresses worn by the performing solo dancers are based on the style of dress worn by Irish peasants over two hundred years ago but the dresses of today are certainly not peasant dresses! They can cost more than a typical wedding dress!

History of Irish Dancing Dresses?
Irish dancing dresses have 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. The dancing dresses of today are designed to the dancers individual taste and each one is unique. Different colors, patterns and materials ensure that each individual solo dancer stands out from the crowd. Apart from dresses, wigs are also worn by dancers and fake tan, make up and tiaras are also common place. This is vastly different from the early 1900's when the Gaelic league (Conradh na Gaeilge) was formed to promote Irish culture and heritage, then the design of the dresses were  based on the style of dress worn by Irish peasants. The Irish dancing industry has however moved with the times and large competitions (Feis) are held in huge arenas and theatres complete with proper stages and lighting. The dancers of today who compete at country and world level need to stand out from the crowd with their flamboyant dresses fake tan, make up and tiaras!

Irish Dancing Dresses - Tara Brooch
Female Dancers also wear a cape secured to the shoulder with a replica Tara brooch similar to the one pictured below. Tara brooches are now a generic name for Celtic revival brooches, the original Tara brooch is pictured below was discovered in Ireland in 1850. It dates from around 700 AD is is one of the best examples of Irish Insular art ever found. The brooch is on display at the National Museum of Ireland.

Tara Brooch Picture

Picture of a Tara Brooch which is commonly worn on Irish Dancing Dresses

 

Irish Dancing Dresses - Girls
Traditionally Irish Dancing Dresses are heavy and A-Line in style. Kilts are never worn by girls, they are reserved for the boys! The dresses are often 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 Dress Picture

 

Irish Dancing Costumes - 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 Dresses - Patterns
Costumes like the one shown below are worn by solo Irish step dancers when performing in a dancing competition. The image below is just an example of the type of costume worn. Irish Dancing Dresses costumes come in a huge range of colors and fabrics from silk to velvet. Specialist designers produce costumes to order, these costumes are not cheap! A large market exists for second hand dancing dresses as most costumes are worn for a handful of times before their owner grows out of them. The patterns of each costume are 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.

 

Irish Dancing Dresses Picture

Picture of an Irish Dancing Dresses Costume


Irish Dancing - Why do dancers wear wigs?

Irish dancers have to keep their body rigid whilst dancing, this does not apply to their hair! The bounce of curls can emphasise the height of the jumps and allow the dancer to be more expressive. Traditionally girls hair was kept long and those with straight hair always had their hair styled into ringlet curls in advance of a dancing competition. This was often the worst part for the girls, having to sleep with uncomfortable 'rollers', 'curler's' or 'rags' in their hair overnight. Nowadays wigs are commonplace and worn by Irish dancers performing at competitions all over the world. Wigs are a very popular choice for those with short or naturally straight hair and preferred in place of the uncomfortable curlers. The dancing wigs are very realistic and can be made to suit the color of the dancers individual hair color.

Picture of Irish Dancing Dresses

Traditional Image of Dancers on St Patricks Day

 

Benefits of Irish Dancing
Irish dancing is not just about footwork and beautiful dancing dresses! Although the dancers move their feet at a breathtaking rate and their costumes are amazing, timing and rhythm is also extremely important. Other benefits of Irish dancing are:

  • Increased Physical Fitness

  • Improved Co-ordination

  • Fantastic and fun exercise

  • Increased concentration levels

  • Helps form a competitive spirit

  • Builds self esteem

  • Helps to improve stage presence

  • Promotes Irish Culture

  • Friendship amongst dancers attending lessons

 

Irish Dancing Dresses

  • History of Irish Dancing Dresses

  • What Celtic patterns appear on the dresses?

  • Irish Dancing Costumes

  • Irish Dancing History

  • Why do dancers wear wigs?

  • Irish Dancing Dresses for Girls

Irish Dancing Dresses Image

 

Irish Dancing Dresses - Pictures and Videos
Discover the vast selection of pictures relating to Irish Dancing Dresses and illustrating how beautiful the costumes, dresses and shoes are. Irish Dancing Dresses are famous worldwide and the publicity received from the hit stage productions have brought the traditional past time of Irish Dancing completely up to date for the 21st century! Learn about the history of Irish dancing and the popular Ceilidh as well as the instruments used to produce the music for this wonderful past time and the beautiful dresses worn. The pictures show the different dresses that are associated with this amazing past time. A great resource for all ages. Useful as an Irish history resource for kids and children of all ages as well as those wanting to learn more about the history and meaning of Irish Dancing. We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic within the Irish Dancing Dresses section. The videos enable fast access to the images and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the about Ireland Index - a great educational resource for everyone!

 

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