As with all different facets of aggressive highland dance, these guidelines have been outlined by the RSOBHD.
Within the January 2025 version of the RSOBHD Rule E-book, within the choreography part, the foundations state:
- “Costumes should observe the theme and content material of the merchandise.”
Okay… what does that imply?
If we have to take a look at theme and content material, right here’s what the foundations say about these:
- “Choreography could also be categorised as both:
a) Themed – outlined as the principle thought on which the dance relies and could also be set by the organiser
b) Choreographed Broad Swords or Reel
c) Set-piece – Choreographed dance to a chunk of music set by the organiser
d) Open – this may occasionally embrace a) Themed or b) Choreographed Broad Sword or Reel or a dance which is an interpretation of the music with no theme.” - “Music could also be dwell or pre-recorded and will embrace vocal or percussion picks, however in all circumstances should be predominantly Scottish or Celtic in fashion. Music could also be offered by the competitors organiser.”
So principally, essentially the most particular data we have now to go off of is that a dance theme ought to at all times be predominantly Scottish or Celtic in fashion, and your costume should align with that theme and content material.
Not particular sufficient for you?
Us both, actually.
One (unofficial) rule we attempt to abide by at Saorsa is to at all times embrace some quantity of clearly seen tartan or Celtic knot(s) within the costume.
Our primary recommendation: don’t enable the choose(s) any room for questioning in case your dance Scottish/Celtic “sufficient“. You need them targeted on the dancing – not questioning whether or not they should take off factors for what you’re carrying.
