Costumes

There are various costumes that McDade-Cara dancers wear, based on skill level and age. Please ask a certified teacher in class which costume is appropriate for your dancer.  The information here will give you general guidelines and information, but you will need to consult the teacher before any costumes are purchased. 

PLEASE NOTE THE WORLDWIDE RULING THAT MAKE UP IS NOT ALLOWED FOR ANY DANCER YOUNGER THAN THE U11 AGE GROUP.

Beginner & Advanced Beginner Level Costuming

• A McDade-Cara School Jumper with a white blouse with a peter pan collar underneath.  They should wear bloomers underneath.
• Beginners may also wear a skirt and white blouse instead of a school jumper. There is a shawl available with this option, please ask.
• Dancers wear soft shoes {ghillies} or hard shoes, which can be sized and purchased at any Feis or Online. Note: There are gently used shoes in the closet at school, you can browse the inventory. 
• They also wear white “poodle socks”
• Dancers should wear their hair curled neatly when possible.
  • If wearing straight hair, it needs to be styled neatly and away from the face.

Novice Level Costuming

• The novice dancer wears the McDade-Cara School dress.  Any of the McDade-Cara school dresses are suitable.  They also wear poodle socks or black tights depending on the dress, and either the school headband, or some type of headpiece.

Prizewinner/Preliminary and Open Champs Costuming

• Dancers in the Open Championships, Preliminary Championships, and prizewinner categories may wear solo dresses that are different from their school costumes once approved by a teacher to purchase one. They wear bloomers and a headpiece that matches their dress colors and poodle socks.

Teams Costuming

• All teams will wear either the green with black skirt McDade-Cara dress or the white & black dress for older dancers.  Teams will be advised which outfit they require.