TEELIN ADVANCED BEGINNER DRESS
The Teelin Advanced Beginner Dress is an option for dancers competing in the Beginner Grade and Advanced Beginner Grade levels of competition. Dancers typically transition to the School Dress at the Novice Grade level. The Advanced Beginner Dress is also the recommended costume for Teelin dancers competing in Adult level competitions.
Please allow ample time before a competition or performance to have a dress made. All dresses are custom made. Dresses may be ordered through dressmaker Kit Graves, or the pattern may be purchased to make it yourself or contract through your own dressmaker (see below in the Sew-It-Yourself section).
DRESSES MADE BY KIT GRAVES
To have a new Teelin Advanced Beginner Dress custom made by Kit, please contact:
Kit Graves
843-225-6266
kitgraves@knology.net
Kit lives in South Carolina but travels to Maryland frequently, and has also coordinated with a Teelin parent to be a designated dress fitter. Kit is a Teelin grandparent, and is looking forward to making many of the Teelin Advanced Beginner Dresses! Here is how:
STEP ONE:
Contact Kit by phone or email to place an order and begin the process. The completed dress will cost approximately $150 ($75 to Kit for the dressmaking, and $65-$75 to Ann Donahue for the embroidery, cape, and headband). From the time of the first fitting it will take approximately 3-5 weeks to complete the dress.
STEP TWO:
An initial fitting will be done at the Teelin studio in Columbia either by Kit or by a designated dress fitter, and a Dancer Profile will be completed (see a sample). Based on these measurements, an order for the embroidery, cape, and headband will be placed with Ann Donahue. A check payable to Ann Donahue should be given to the dress fitter. The amount will be $65-$75 depending on dress size.
STEP THREE:
The completed dress, including embroidery, cape and headband, will be delivered to the Teelin studio in Columbia. A check payable to Kit Graves in the amount of $75 is due upon delivery.
Voila! Your new Teelin Advanced Beginner Dress is ready for action! This dress should be worn with Irish bubble socks and black bloomers (which may be purchased from most dance stores for approximately $10). Adults should wear the dress with black tights. Teens may also choose tights (talk to Maureen). Hair should be worn natural in the headband, neatly curled (or full-bodied for straight hair that refuses to curl), no ponytails or braids.
SEW-IT-YOURSELF
To make a Teelin Advanced Beginner Dress yourself, please follow these steps...
STEP ONE:
Purchase the appropriate size dress pattern for the "Irish Dance Princess Line Dress with Full Flare" available from customdancewear.com: www.customdancewear.com/idsg_p1015.html
STEP TWO:
Purchase the appropriate amount of black poly poplin fabric (per the pattern). Kit Graves (contact info above) has this material for sale at a very reasonable price per yard, and is also happy to assist you with determining the yardage needed.
STEP THREE:
A: Place an order for the embroidery patch, cape, and headband by using this document for measuring and then sending an email with the request. This order will be processed with Ann Donahue who makes the Teelin School Dresses and you will be contacted regarding the timeline. These items will be delivered at the next scheduled fitting for school dresses. The total cost for these items (patch, cape and headband) is $65-$75 depending on size needed. Payment to Ann Donahue is due upon delivery.
And,
B: Begin sewing! Or, contact a dressmaker of your choice to have the dress made.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
1. The pattern calls for piping at the neckline, but we will not be using piping for this dress. Instead, dressmakers should make a simple front and back neck facing from the poplin.
2. The hem facing per the pattern forms a border along the outside of the skirt. (Email for clarification if needed - photos will be posted as soon as possible.)
3. The finished skirt hem must land at least 3 inches above the top of the kneecap. Irish dance dresses cannot be too long. If they are, it makes it difficult to see a dancer's legs, and a judge may deduct points in competition.
STEP FOUR:
Attach the embroidery patch to the chest area of the dress and the cape to the LEFT shoulder area and the RIGHT hip area per instructions. Black bloomers may be purchased from most dance stores for approximately $10.
If you have any questions, please ask!
How long can I wear the "old" Teelin Advanced Beginner Dress?
Maureen has not yet set a date by when she would prefer to no longer have the red dress in circulation. Maureen would be happy to talk to you about your choices if you are considering purchasing a second-hand red advanced beginner dress.
