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2023-24 Competition and Performance Appearance Guide
We strive to create a positive, growth-focused environment for all students by promoting individuality and confidence.
While lots of people have a “wigs and jigs” impression of competitive Irish dance, at Milwaukee Irish Dance we promote the choice of natural hair as well as curly wigs. We strive to ensure our school image is in keeping with tradition, and we want to make sure that families feel not overwhelmed by expensive costume elements.
Please utilize this guide as a resource of approved looks and
“pro tips”. It’s important to maintain consistent appearances especially for performances and dancers who compete in teams.
Irish Dance Shoes
Dancers start in soft shoes - they can also commonly be called ghillies, light shoes, or pumps. These are similar to ballet slippers. After a year or so of dancing, they will add on hard shoes which resemble tap shoes.
Irish shoe sizes are typically 2 sizes down from American shoe sizes and dance shoes should fit tightly so we recommend going another size or half size down. Each brand will fit each foot slightly differently which is why we recommend going to a local feis to purchase shoes or buying from a store that specializes in Irish dance shoes. We like to work with a local shop called Gibson Irish Dance Imports.
We also sell used shoes at the studio ($20 for soft shoes / $50 for hard shoes). We do not adjust the price based on the condition of the shoes - they are donations to the studio and therefore offered at a very steep discount.
Competition (Feis) Costumes
First Feis + Grade Dancers
Tiny Dancers + Preschool Class (Girls)
white hair bow, short sleeve white leotard*, navy wrap skirt*, poodle socks, black ballet slippers*
Beginner Class (Girls)
white hair bow, short sleeve white leotard*, navy wrap skirt*, poodle socks, Irish dance shoes
Advanced Beginner + Novice / Intermediate Class (Girls)
white hair bow, short sleeve studio dress, poodle socks, Irish dance shoes
Boys (all levels)
white t-shirt*, navy pants*, black or navy socks*, Irish dance shoes
Shoes should be neatly tied (double knotted!) and dancers should have clean socks. Please ask if your sparkly poodle socks/shoe buckles are appropriate for your dancers level.
*these items can be found on our Discount Dance Store (teacher ID: 144050)
Preliminary + Champion Dancers
Solo or “Blackout” costumes.
Adult Dancers
School, Solo or “Blackout” costumes with black tights and black shoelaces/no white tape.
Our school costumes were expertly designed and created by Optimum out of Dublin. We place orders in the Winter and Summer to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day and Milwaukee Irish Fest.
You can ‘pre-order’ costumes via our website: www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/costumes
For costume questions, please contact cara@milwaukeeirishdance.com
When a dancer reaches a certain level and they qualify for a solo costume/have one made for them please consult with our teaching team to ensure the costume properly represents our school image as well as reflects each dancer in regards to style, fit and color scheme. Please keep in mind solo costumes are never mandatory.
Cara is our Costume Coordinator, therefore students should reach out to her about questions related to what costume to order, etc.
Hair + Makeup
Make-up is NOT mandatory, but if utilized, it should be age-appropriate.
MID-AMERICA REGION MAKEUP RULES FOR COMPETITIONS
Make up is prohibited on a dancer in the first three grades (including First Feis if offered) up to and including the under 12 age group. Make-up (including false eyelashes and tanner on the face) is not permitted for dancers, in either solo or team competitions, up to and including the Under 10 age group.
Both make up rules refer to the age group of the competition, not the actual age of the dancer. For example, 9 year old dancers, competing in a team that is entered Under 12, may wear make-up or at a feis where the youngest Open Championship age group is Under 11, then all dancers in that competition may wear make-up.
WHY DO IRISH DANCERS TAN THEIR LEGS?
Fake tan has become part of the “look” for high level Irish dance competitors. Tan enables the legs to look strong and polished under vibrant stage lights and compliments their intricate costumes.
Tanning is NEVER necessary for grades level dancers at local competitions and is not recommended.
Champion dancers should tan for ALL competitions.
All dancers should tan for major competitions including the Oireachtas.
We recommend using Feistan or Sally Hansen Leg Makeup. Don't forget to use a tanning mitt to apply! For dancers who have naturally darker skin tone, in place of tanner use a shimmery body oil.
Please get in touch with Cara if you have any questions about tanning.
In the world of Irish dance, big curly hair is a signature look. As your dancer starts to get more involved in competitions and performances, they'll need a wig. We use the 'Ciara' wig from Camelia Rose. They are available for purchase at almost all competitions where they will also be able to color match you!
We know that wigs and stage makeup can be tricky to master. Our friend Cece works with Camelia Rose doing hair and makeup at major competitions - check out her tutorial!
Questions about wigs? Email cara@milwaukeeirishdance.com
Product Recommendations from Cece
STUDIO APPROVED HAIR STYLES FOR FEIS/PERFORMANCES
When dancers are not wearing wigs and unless otherwise specified, hair should be neatly pinned or tied out of the dancers face and in a “half-up half-down” style. Ponytails or other up-dos are not approved. Please refer to these examples for style inspiration.
Performance Costumes
Standard Show
Costumes will vary for each show depending on weather, type of show etc. However, most shows will follow this guideline unless told otherwise. We will specify what shows need wigs. Adult Company dancers should have a 3/4 wig with loose curls. Contact cara@milwaukeeirishdance.com if you need help ordering one.
Tiny Dancers + Preschool Class (Girls)
white hair bow, short sleeve white leotard*, navy wrap skirt*, poodle socks, black ballet slippers*
Beginner Class (Girls)
white hair bow, white Milwaukee Irish Dance t-shirt, navy wrap skirt*, poodle socks, Irish dance shoes
Advanced Beginner + Novice / Intermediate Class (Girls)
white hair bow, short sleeve studio dress, poodle socks, Irish dance shoes
Pre-Champ / Champ (Girls)
white hair bow, white mock neck leotard, studio skort, black joggers*, poodle socks, Irish dance shoes
Adult Company Dancers (Girls)
white headband, white mock neck leotard, studio skort, nude tights*, nude fishnets*, black joggers*, Irish dance shoes
Boys (all levels)
white Milwaukee Irish Dance t-shirt, navy pants*, black or navy socks*, Irish dance shoes
*these items can be found on our Discount Dance Store (teacher ID: 144050)
Specialty Show
Throughout the year our studio has the privilege to perform throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond. For certain performances (MIDC especially), we will have show specific costumes (ex. sporting events, parade, etc.). These costumes will be communicated ahead of the show sign up so parents / dancers have time to prepare.
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT especially for our Company and Junior Company dancers to read what attire is called for each individual performance. These are not only suggestions but REQUIREMENTS and those who do not follow these guidelines risk not being able to take part in the performance/event.
We carefully plans each event to showcase our dancers best and appreciate your compliance.