Solo Dress!

In the world of Irish dancing, each school has their own school dress. The school constume is like a signature to identify a particular dancer with a particular school. Our school has a beautiful school dress, as you have seen in previous photos. In addition to the school dress, each dancer has the opportunity to qualify for a solo costume. While each dance school is a little different, most require the dancer to reach a certain level of dancing before she can qualify for this one-of-a kind dress. There are no two dresses alike anywhere on the planet, and at one time most all of these dresses were made in Ireland, hand embroidered with scenes from the Book of Kells. Today, thankfully, you also have the option of buying a used dress closer to home. The benefit of going this route is you don't necessarily have to sell your first-born to afford a beautiful dress.

Two weeks ago we told Moira that she could start shopping for a used solo dress. She has been excited about getting her solo dress since she was just starting out, at the age of five. It took her one week to find the perfect dress. First, she eliminated all the dresses that were out of our price range. Second, she eliminated the dresses that wouldn't fit her. Finally, she eliminated all the dresses that didn't have at least some green in them (what can I say, she's a Packer fan right down to the core). With no hesitation, she claimed that she found the perfect dress. Even the measurements seemed perfect. The dress is coming from AZ but we soon discovered, through conversations with the seller, that green and gold are in their family blood too....they are Packer fans! That cinched the deal for Moira. We are anxiously awaiting its arrival, later this week. Say a prayer that it fits so she can wear it to her spring recital!