Forum: Highland / Highland - Adult Dancers
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By MollyMac

re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Cinnawiz

re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Katja144


re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By GaelicWannabe
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By highlandbanshee

re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Katja144


re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By TawnyB
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By TawnyB
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By TawnyB
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By TamrasMom
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By batd_teacher


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68 Replies to Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs

By MollyMac


On Sat Jun 20, 2009 10:37 AM
Total high-five for the FAQ sticky-
You left out the beer tent, though.
You left out the beer tent, though.

By Cinnawiz


On Sat Jun 20, 2009 11:33 AM
Edited by Cinnawiz (148620) on 2009-06-20 11:35:49
Beer tent? Whoo hoo! Where do I sign up??
Seriously, awesome post.
I'm contemplating making the splash into highland. I come from an Irish dance background, would that help me any? Also, what "equipment" does an adult beginner need to start with?
Seriously, awesome post.
I'm contemplating making the splash into highland. I come from an Irish dance background, would that help me any? Also, what "equipment" does an adult beginner need to start with?

By Katja144



On Sat Jun 20, 2009 07:12 PM
I know, I forgot to add the beer tent part and didn't realize it until it was too late to edit. 
To start, the only equipment you need is you! You don't even have to have shoes to practice in (many people, inc. me, don't practice in shoes anyway).
As far as what you would need to start competing, all you'll need, at the very least, are a kiltie or kilted skirt (you don't need a full kilt yet), a white blouse, white knee socks, and ghillies. If you also want to do the National dances in competition, you'll need that outfit as well; you may be able to find an aboyne or white dress used, or you can have a white dress made for $100 or less, or can make your own if you can sew; all you need is a short-sleeved white dress with a full (circular or gathered) skirt. Your plaidie for the dress can be made of a woven plaid fabric you find at a fabric store.

To start, the only equipment you need is you! You don't even have to have shoes to practice in (many people, inc. me, don't practice in shoes anyway).
As far as what you would need to start competing, all you'll need, at the very least, are a kiltie or kilted skirt (you don't need a full kilt yet), a white blouse, white knee socks, and ghillies. If you also want to do the National dances in competition, you'll need that outfit as well; you may be able to find an aboyne or white dress used, or you can have a white dress made for $100 or less, or can make your own if you can sew; all you need is a short-sleeved white dress with a full (circular or gathered) skirt. Your plaidie for the dress can be made of a woven plaid fabric you find at a fabric store.

By GaelicWannabe

On Mon Jun 22, 2009 09:29 AM
Awesome summary of what we seem to repeat many times! I've recommended this thread to be sticky.

By highlandbanshee


On Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:44 PM
I think this covers it. I always get a laugh when kids half my age are worried that they are too old to dance.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Villagemaid9
By Villagemaid9
On Tue Jun 23, 2009 01:32 PM
Great sticky...
As for another FAQ regarding "am I too old"
No need to think you have to be a pro to compete - do it just for yourself and just for the fun of it......I think it will really encourage people to dance for the recreation of it.
I have been Diagnosed with MS for nine years and made a HUGE comeback this year (I stopped dancing when I was 18 and I'm now 34).
I hope that my dancing will encourage anybody at any level to get up and dance....no "guts" required....just a good ol' scot attitude of "FREEDOM!"....
-VM-
As for another FAQ regarding "am I too old"
No need to think you have to be a pro to compete - do it just for yourself and just for the fun of it......I think it will really encourage people to dance for the recreation of it.
I have been Diagnosed with MS for nine years and made a HUGE comeback this year (I stopped dancing when I was 18 and I'm now 34).
I hope that my dancing will encourage anybody at any level to get up and dance....no "guts" required....just a good ol' scot attitude of "FREEDOM!"....
-VM-

By Katja144



On Thu Aug 20, 2009 04:41 PM
Here's another one!
When buying a kilt, or fabric to make an aboyne/plaidie, watch the size of the sett. Some are bigger than others and better suited to adult dancers. For example, I always thought the Arisaid Hebridean looked a bit small for adults. Rose Nisbet, on the other hand, always looks way too big to me on tiny kids.
This is especially an issue with fabric-store fabric...seems the plaid fabrics there are usually of a pretty small sett, which looks funny sometimes on small kids, never mind adults (unfortunately I've found that the fabrics that have a more appropriately-sized sett are the flannels, such as those meant for pj pants, lol). So before buying fabric at the store, hold it up to yourself and make sure it doesn't look tiny, or that it's not so small that it would be difficult to identify as a plaid/tartan from the stage. For a kilt or real-tartan aboyne, see if you can find a picture of the tartan made up to see how big the sett is.
When buying a kilt, or fabric to make an aboyne/plaidie, watch the size of the sett. Some are bigger than others and better suited to adult dancers. For example, I always thought the Arisaid Hebridean looked a bit small for adults. Rose Nisbet, on the other hand, always looks way too big to me on tiny kids.
This is especially an issue with fabric-store fabric...seems the plaid fabrics there are usually of a pretty small sett, which looks funny sometimes on small kids, never mind adults (unfortunately I've found that the fabrics that have a more appropriately-sized sett are the flannels, such as those meant for pj pants, lol). So before buying fabric at the store, hold it up to yourself and make sure it doesn't look tiny, or that it's not so small that it would be difficult to identify as a plaid/tartan from the stage. For a kilt or real-tartan aboyne, see if you can find a picture of the tartan made up to see how big the sett is.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By StillDancing40
By StillDancing40
On Wed Sep 02, 2009 01:50 PM
Your never to old to compete. Take it from someone who knows. I'm 40 years old and recently returned to the competitive stage. It was a thrill I will never forget. To compete against kids half my age and to still place after 24 years away from competing.... that's a high that no one can describe. I would recommend to any dancer out there, compete..... just for the fun of it. Weather your in primary or premier (like me).... you will never get a better feeling inside than to know that you still can do it. Age is only a number... don't let it rule your life.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By LisaTaylorMcNeil
By LisaTaylorMcNeil
On Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:47 PM
I'm so glad I read this!
Because I'm going to be starting highland for the very first time in a week or two
I'M NERVOUS!!!!
I am 29 and I haven't danced for 10yrs but before that I had 15 years of ballet training and a few sporadic years of tap, jazz and belly dancing.
with Highland dancing: I've never done this type of dancing but I've had a small taste of it back in '88 when my tap teacher choreographed a highland/tap/irish fusion stepdance number that we performed.
It was AMAZINGLY wonderful and I never forgot it but I never tried to reach out in my teens to find a school to teach Highland or Irish because of intense family and financial problems plus it looked so amazingly intimidating! so I stuck with just ballet.
But I just could not resist anymore and I have saved up some money and have been exhaustively researching where I can take adult beginner classes in the New York City area. I found one website and I'm awaiting a reply.
I've also begun researching and practicing some moves from internet video tutorials!
I don't care what age I am I want to compete and perform and I'm so excited!!!!
Because I'm going to be starting highland for the very first time in a week or two
I'M NERVOUS!!!!
I am 29 and I haven't danced for 10yrs but before that I had 15 years of ballet training and a few sporadic years of tap, jazz and belly dancing.
with Highland dancing: I've never done this type of dancing but I've had a small taste of it back in '88 when my tap teacher choreographed a highland/tap/irish fusion stepdance number that we performed.
It was AMAZINGLY wonderful and I never forgot it but I never tried to reach out in my teens to find a school to teach Highland or Irish because of intense family and financial problems plus it looked so amazingly intimidating! so I stuck with just ballet.
But I just could not resist anymore and I have saved up some money and have been exhaustively researching where I can take adult beginner classes in the New York City area. I found one website and I'm awaiting a reply.
I've also begun researching and practicing some moves from internet video tutorials!
I don't care what age I am I want to compete and perform and I'm so excited!!!!

By TawnyB

On Mon Sep 07, 2009 05:39 PM
I've been "youtube" learning as well. It's actually super helpful in getting you geared up for what to expect.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By bek24
By bek24

On Mon Sep 07, 2009 09:21 PM
I think its all well and good that you have fun and stuff but what if a late starter wanted to be a champion? I started at 16 and am now 18 and almost intermediate, I would like to do well in premier, is that possible considering all the champs probably started at like 3...?

By TawnyB

On Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:31 PM
I have the same goal, but I'm starting at 21. You are way further ahead in the game. I look at my other sports activities like rock climbing, and for sure I've come as far as you'd like to go with dance in a very short time. Work hard.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By bek24
By bek24

On Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:34 PM
so you think its possible? id love to hear some real examples of late starters going far in highland, im yet to find some.

By TawnyB

On Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:57 PM
That would be great. I definitely think it's possible. No time line for you though. You just have to keep in mind that as you get older your body ages, fast. Any injury or loss of fitness is going to make a huge difference, so take care of your body and don't train too hard, give yourself rest days, other wise you will end up no where.
Other than that, it could take you years, but I know of a girl who has been dancing for a year and is already a teacher. I have no other examples, sorry. I'm happy that you feel you can do it though. I didn't even know beginner adults could compete until earlier today. These forums are very inspirational.
Other than that, it could take you years, but I know of a girl who has been dancing for a year and is already a teacher. I have no other examples, sorry. I'm happy that you feel you can do it though. I didn't even know beginner adults could compete until earlier today. These forums are very inspirational.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By bek24
By bek24

On Tue Sep 08, 2009 05:40 AM
wow you didnt? it is possible but ive found where I am it can get a bit tough especially as we've lost alot of the 'bigger' girls to intermediate so now theres a duty of care thing about a bigger person dancing with a little one... i dont know how it works but i just know they can decide to not let me dance (even though I only turned 18 this yr.)
I think I would like to be that person who does start late but who makes it with reasonable success. There arent any examples now but maybe I could be the example
I think I would like to be that person who does start late but who makes it with reasonable success. There arent any examples now but maybe I could be the example

re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By wiccawillow
By wiccawillow

On Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:00 AM
I am 42 and still love to compete, the eldest dancer in Holland is 60 years, so you see you are never too old.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Dancing_Bek
By Dancing_Bek

On Mon Oct 19, 2009 04:51 AM
What an awesome post!! Especially the information about the outfits! I've recently started doing Highland (with no dancing experience) and I just love it!!!

By TamrasMom

On Mon Oct 19, 2009 09:39 AM
I'm 41 and have committed to competing in Ottawa for my first ever Beginner competition. We're trying to gather as many beginner adults (over 28) as we can for our first competition! I'm already starting to get nervous, but I absolutely adore highland dancing!
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Gall_Dannsair
By Gall_Dannsair

On Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:09 AM
I will be 41 on Saturday and I got back into SHD after a 23 year hiatus....I enjoy it, I am rusty at the moment, but the moves are still there!!!! I am in class with 10 year old novice girls and I am the only male dancer....SO TOP THAT.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By Gall_Dannsair
By Gall_Dannsair

On Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:14 AM
I will be 41 on Saturday and I got back into SHD after a 23 year hiatus....I enjoy it, I am rusty at the moment, but the moves are still there!!!! I am in class with 10 year old novice girls and I am the only male dancer....SO TOP THAT.
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By thaifoodqueen
By thaifoodqueen
On Mon May 31, 2010 12:56 PM
Great info and encouragement. I started dancing at 41 after watching my daughter for 3 years; and after a year and a half, stopped because my DD reached Premier and the cost of traveling for her comps made my lessons out of reach. I miss it so much!

By batd_teacher



On Mon May 31, 2010 01:51 PM
Met a lovely adult dancer May 22nd. Not only did she compete on that day, but immediately after completed medal testing which included 7 dances! Let's say she was +30, and a real treat to meet and watch dance.
I am hoping we can have a full fledged adult category of say, 25+ next year! Pass the word, come to Sudbury next May!
I am hoping we can have a full fledged adult category of say, 25+ next year! Pass the word, come to Sudbury next May!
re: Adult dancers-- "am I too old" and other FAQs
By StillDancing40
By StillDancing40
On Fri Jul 23, 2010 12:06 PM
I just wish there were more older dancers in the Atlantic Provinces....I would LOVE to see some of my old friends dancing again....
Any one know of any upcoming competitions in Eastern Canada/Eastern USA that some of the older dancers might be attending????
Any one know of any upcoming competitions in Eastern Canada/Eastern USA that some of the older dancers might be attending????
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