Clothing
Dress Code
Proper attire and appearance not only respect the tradition of dance, but allow the instructor to check for proper body stance and form. For all classes, students are required to wear bodysuits/dance shorts, or t-shirt/dance shorts, knee high socks, and highland ghillies (jig shoes as required). Hair should be in a ponytail or “upâ€, and jewelry should be removed prior to class.
Bodysuits, dance shorts and ghillies can be purchased from the following stores:
Performance Clothing
Recital & Dance Out Clothing
For dance outs and recital, kilts, vests, blouses, and socks are mandatory. We have some for rent but you are encouraged to purchase your own from the sites listed below.
Specialty numbers at recital are at the discretion of the instructor. Some of the costumes for these numbers can be rented from the Academy while others will come at an additional cost. Historically, we’ve had an “all parents on deck†sewing bee to create unique costumes. If you sew, many of the costs can be lowered.
Competitive Clothing
Highland dances require a kilt, a vest or jacket, knee high socks with garters/elastics, a white blouse, and black panties or shorts.
National dances require a white dress with a tartan throw, or an aboyne. Both must be worn with white panties or shorts.
For jig and hornpipe dances, separate outfits are required. The jig also requires separate shoes and must be worn with white shorts or panties.
Some costumes for choreography competitions may be rented from the Academy while others will come at an additional cost. Historically, we’ve had an “all parents on deck†sewing bee to create unique costumes. If you sew, many of the costs can be lowered.
For official rules regarding competition clothing, see Scottish Official Board Highland Dancing Dress Code.
Where to Purchase Performance Clothing
Used items are occasionally available from other DHDA students. See the Used Clothing page for a list of available items or to submit an item for sale.
New and used items can also be purchased from:
