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Black TIGHTS

Not panty hose, not leggings BLACK TIGHTS (they might say OPAQUE on the packaging and that would be correct.)  When we wear black tights we do NOT wear  poodle socks over the tights.

Ghillies/Soft Shoes
Hard Shoes
Poodle Socks
Sports Bra

Costume/Uniform Policy

 Our costume policy is as follows:
Dancers who choose to perform and/or compete must do so in our school costumes. While we don’t require either performing or competing, any dancer who chooses to do so MUST have a costume.

How you wear your hair is part of the costume. ALL girls MUST wear their hair up in a bun wig when performing and/or competing.   Remember that you all are representatives and ambassadors of the school.  The school’s nice, neat, signature look is standard for all dancers.

All costumes are rented, renting  costume means that you plan to perform and make appearances for the school.  The costume is only to be used by the person designated or approved by the McGovern Irish Dance.

 Loaning of the costumes will void this contract and costume will need to be turned in immediately.  Rental fees will not be refunded.  The costume is only to be worn by current students of McGovern Irish Dance.  If the dancers leaves the school, is removed from the school, or has outgrown the costume; the costume is to be returned within 5 days of the last class or 5 days of removal.   There is no refund of any rental due to leaving.

The costume agreement covers  the length of time that your dancer fits the costume. If the costume doesn’t fit for the whole year,  McGovern Irish Dance can either have the dress altered or a new costume agreement will begin

All dresses, headbands, vest, skirts, accessories and tutu dresses  are property of McGovern Ceili Dancers 

Care, Wear & Tear

It is mandatory that each dancer wears dress shields to protect the garment from deterioration due to perspiration.   IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THEM EVERYTIME THE COSTUME IS WORN!  The dress shields can be removed and laundered separately from the dress.

The costume is to be stored flat in a secure area inside a dress bag partially open for air circulation

Do not eat or during in the costume;  if you must – YOU MUST BE COVERED!!!!!  

 Do not iron directly on the costume

Do not clip loose threads. Use a needle to pull loose threads through and apply fray-check to prevent further pulls

Costume Alteration and Cleaning 

Any costume in need of repair or alternation must be brought to the attention of the McGovern Irish Dance  in writing along with the dress.

Alterations may be made to the costumes but must be approved in advance  by the studio owner.    You are responsible for the costs associated with all alterations, repairs, cleaning and general upkeep of the costume. 

At least 3 times per year a costume inspection will be held to make sure the costumes are in good shape. It may be necessary for your dancer to have alterations to the dress. If it is determined that a different costume is needed, then a new rental agreement will begin. 

Please make sure your name is securely attached to the neck of the dress with a piece of cloth that has your name written on it.

USED DRESSES

Used dresses are occasionally available.  When you rent a used dress, please list any and all damage on the dress when you receive the rental contract. Alterations may be needed to the dress to give the dancer the best fit.  Alteration fees will be charged to you.

RETURNING DRESSES

 If you leave the McGovern Irish Dance either permanently or for a “break”, the costume and ALL ACCESSORIES must be returned with the dry cleaning ticket attached.   

Any costume returned without being cleaned will be charged for the cleaning fee plus $30.

 If you do not return the dress within 15 days of leaving you will be charged the full cost of a new costume. 

Damage to the dress will be charged to you and in the event you do not return the dress or it cannot be fixed there will be a fee of the YEAR 1 RENTAL COST to be paid by the renter to the McGovern Ceili Dancers immediately.

You are not purchasing school dresses, skirts or capes, you are RENTING them.  All MID school dresses, skirts and capes are property of McGovern Irish Dance.  You will be RENTING the costume until you outgrow it or leave McGovern Irish Dance

You will pay the rental fee only once (not yearly), you won’t need to get another dress or skirt until you outgrow your current one.  Once a skirt or dress is outgrown,  we will either find a used dress for you at a discounted rental price, or you will have to place a new rental order.  

In a typical year there are at least 50+ opportunities to perform and at least a dozen or more competitive opportunities.  

Dresses and skirts may not be handed down sibling to sibling, once you outgrow your dress or skirt you will need to return it to the studio.

Our dresses (and skirts) are made with some growing room. They have approximately 3" in the sleeves, 3" in let-down, 2" on either side of the center back for let-out, and 1" seam allowance on the side seams for let-out. 

Skirts

Black skirts will be used for the bulk of summer performances, occasionally for competitions. Green skirt is specifically for our Green Season.  

What shirt do we wear?  

• Official MID logo shirts will be worn with the black skirts

• With the Green skirts we will wear the Official MID St. Patrick’s Day Tour shirt.  This will be a NEW shirt design each year.  Performers will be expected to purchase the new shirt each year, it is usually around $30

Once you place your order you will receive an email with the measuring instructions, but you can find them below as well.

Skirts are $150 each or $190 when you order both the Green and Black one together.  There is currently not an option on the Shop site to order just one as everyone will need both.  If there is a special circumstance, contact me directly and I will make the arrangements.

1.  Click here to place your order
   
   

2. Skirt Measurement Form
   DO NOT DEVIATE from the measuring instructions.  Skirts are made with growth in mind, do go trying to make them longer because they will look and fit terribly, and we will have to start over again.

Please remember the following while measuring your dancer:

• Skirts will be made to allow for growing room built in so DO NOT adjust for that.

• Skirt sits around the belly button/ on top of the hip bone.   I know some of you try to wear your skirts low slung, this will not be allowed so make sure you measure the waist at the right spot

• The length of the skirt is measured from the belly button to fingertip length. Skirts do not look good long.

• Skirt is adjustable in the back with Velcro

DRESSES

Dresses

Who needs it

Dancers that are performing or competing in Ullmhuchan level and up.  If you have your solo dress you will still need this dress for your team dances.

​DRESS (includes cape and black stretch bloomers)

$620 Misses (Bust measures approx 37" and up)

What about those sparkly dresses, vests and jackets?

Solo costumes  are earned.  Dancers that have officially Leveled into any Mean Grad dance by means of a CRN sanctioned  or Open Platform competition may start the process of getting their solo costume.    If you have not officially leveled into a Mean Grad dance, you may not have a solo costume.  There may be cases where you are competing in Mean Grad levels but haven't leveled into that level yet.   Once a dancer has placed   (any number, any dance) they may start their solo costume process.

While the solo costumes reflect your personal choices and preferences.  Every solo dress must be approved by Shelagh McGovern

There are many shopping options when looking for your solo dress.  Many of them can be purchased used, you can also get brand new custom made ones (which are QUITE pricey)

Here are a few things to remember:

• Your MID account needs to be in good standing before you are allowed to wear/purchase your solo costume.

• ALWAYS check with Shelagh regarding you’re eligibility to have a solo costume.  Typically, once you level into a Mean Grad/Level 3 dance you may, but check first.

• ALL SOLO COSTUME choices must be approved by Shelagh.  Don’t go spending a bunch of money on something you won’t be able to wear.

• NO ANIMAL prints (yes, that is a thing, from awhile back and I suspect there are some still floating around out there)

• Solo Costumes should have the look of Celtic designs worked in

• .Bows on the butt are usually awful, but are easily altered.
  
  

Shelagh will talk with you when the time is right and help you through the process.  If you feel you are ready to start the process, please contact Shelagh directly.

Boys Vests