The Teelin School Dress is worn by dancers who choose to compete at feiseanna. Dancers typically wear this dress through Prizewinner level in solo dances, and the Teelin School Dress is always worn for champion-level figure teams.
This dress is also a required costume for girls in the Teelin Irish Dance Company.
FEATURES
The Teelin School Dress is a sleeveless dress, with a sleeved shirt worn underneath. The shirt is conveniently washable (gently, line dry). The full dress can also be gently washed if necessary (submerse in tub, use minimal MILD detergent, keep flat), but given that this is a black dress with a black underskirt, it is recommended that washing the dress be done as RARELY as possible.
This dress is very versatile – can be worn sleeveless for performances, or with sleeves for competitions. (Sleeves are required for competitions.) The entire dress has been designed with the dancer’s performance and comfort in mind.
Each dress includes a matching embroidered headband. Hair is to be worn down, either neatly curled or straight and full-bodied, held neatly off the face by the headband. No ponytails or braids, and NO WIGS! Remember to secure the headband with bobby pins or clips.
Black bloomers are also included with each new dress. Dress should be worn with Irish bubble socks. Figure Team dancers will wear black dance tights instead of socks with this dress.
PURCHASING A NEW DRESS
Each new School Dress is custom made. Total cost of a new dress is $550 and includes the sleeveless dress, the undershirt with sleeves, bloomers, cape, and embroidered headband.
The following dressmakers are authorized to make the Teelin School Dress according to specifications. Please contact a dressmaker directly to begin the ordering process. Allow AMPLE time before a competition or performance to have a dress made (a minimum of 3 months before the event is recommended).
MERCEDES FOUTS - 443-438-0403, or emailPAULETTE SWEENEY - 240-405-2761, or email
- Dressmaker is based in Baltimore, MD; fittings may be scheduled for Teelin's Columbia studio
- $300 deposit at the initial fitting, at least one subsequent fitting will be scheduled, and balance is due upon delivery of the dress
- Dressmaker is based in Mt Airy, MD; fittings may be scheduled for Teelin's Columbia studio
- $200 deposit at the initial fitting, balance due upon delivery of the dress
Because the School Dress is essentially a school uniform, it must be made to match the design specifications chosen by Director Maureen Gately. A certain amount of "growing room" allowance will be included up to the point that the dress stays within the specifications of uniformity.
PLEASE NOTE: If a dancer has a growth spurt during the period of time that this dress is being made, the dressmaker must be informed right away!
IMPORTANT: When a new dress arrives, Maureen or Molly needs to see the dancer in the dress to confirm that the fit is appropriate. If there are any fit issues, this should be discussed with Maureen or Molly promptly and then will be addressed with the dressmaker.
The dressmakers listed above are independent business owners with whom Teelin has established a working relationship to make the Teelin School Dress according to the uniform specifications. If you have questions or comments regarding the dressmaking process, please send an email to schooldress@teelin.com.
ALTERATIONS
The following businesses are familiar with the Teelin School Dress and are good resources if alterations are needed. However, please recognize that a dress can only be altered so much. As kids grow, it may be necessary to buy a new dress instead of attempting to alter to a different dress size.
Mercedes Fouts
dressmaker in Baltimore
443-438-0403
Paulette Sweeney
dressmaker in Mt Airy, MD
240-405-2761
Tangs Alterations
alterations business in Mannassas, VA
website
OTHER INFORMATION
As dancers outgrow their Teelin School Dress, it is recommended that the dress be listed for sale on the Dresses for Sale page of the Teelin website. The recommended resale value of a well-kept Teelin School Dress is $500.
To purchase a Teelin headband separately please send an email to Ann Donahue. The cost of the headband is $25.