Promoting Scottish Country Dancing in Surrey
Dress and Footwear
What to wear
For Club nights, any comfortable clothes that don't restrict your movement are fine. Some men wear kilts, but Scottish dress is by no means compulsory! And be prepared to get quite warm.
For Dances and Balls, the dress code will often be mentioned on the flyer or ticket, but Dances tend to be informal but smart, while Balls bring out the posh frocks and Highland evening wear.
Footwear
You need soft, flat shoes for Scottish Country Dancing. To start with, light trainers or plimsolls are fine, but as you progress you may want to buy proper soft dance shoes. Many women choose ballet type pumps, or if you need a little extra support, jazz shoes with a split or full leather sole. These are available for both men and women, as are laced "Ghillie Pumps", the traditional Scottish and Irish dancing shoes.
Where to buy shoes
For beginners we would recommend going online and taking the advice of the retailer when it comes to choosing your size of shoe.
Specialist Suppliers offer a good Mail Order service
A specialist supplier offering a good mail order service is St Andrews Shoemakers (formerly James Senior). They offer a wide range of Ghillies and right/left lasted pumps (under "Products"), including wider fittings, all within a medium price range. Customers can send in a foot tracing for accurate sizing. (They do not sell jazz shoes)
A potentially cheaper option would be to search "Scottish Country Dancing Shoes" on Amazon, which sells from a variety of companies offering jazz shoes, ballet-type pumps and Ghillies through a wide price range. Take advice from the supplier on sizing.
Move Dancewear - search Ballet shoes or Dance Jazz shoes - also very good value.