TEELIN SCHOOL DRESS
Answers to a few of your questions...
Who will wear the new Teelin School Dress?
The Teelin School Dress is worn by dancers who choose to compete at feiseanna either in solo dance competitions or on a figure team. Dancers typically wear this dress through Prizewinner level in solo dances, and the Teelin School Dress is always worn for champion-level figure teams.
Beginning in 2009-2010, the Teelin School Dress is also a required costume for girls in the Teelin Irish Dance Company. *NEW: The performance company will not be required to wear this dress for the 2008-09 season because it will not be possible to have all of the dresses made by September. Therefore, dancers who need a Teelin School Dress for competitions and/or figure teams now have top priority as the new dresses are made.
What are the features of this new dress?
It is a sleeveless dress (yes, sleeveless!!!) made of black poly-poplin with red embroidery outlined in silver. The skirt has three embroidered front panels with shiny silver material in between the panels. The cape is a small red cape from the back of the left shoulder to the right hip. The underskirt is black satin (won’t show dirt!) and black satin bloomers are included.
Of course sleeves are required in competition, so there is a second piece of the dress which is a comfortable shirt with the dress sleeves attached (as pictured above). The top is easily washable!!! (gently, line-dried) This dress is very versatile – can be worn sleeveless for performances, and with sleeves for competitions. (Sleeveless dress can also be gently washed if necessary. Instructions will be posted on this website.)
Each dress includes a matching embroidered headband. Guess what dancers - these beautiful headbands are worn with natural hair held neatly off the face. Yes, this means NO WIGS! Yippee!! (Hair is to be worn down with the headband - no ponytails or braids.)
The entire dress has been designed with the dancer’s performance and comfort in mind.
How do I get a new Teelin School Dress?
Please send an email to this address to request that your name be added to the queue. Include dancer name, age, class (or team), parent name, home phone, cell phone, and email address. You will then be contacted regarding dates for the dress fittings. The dress will be complete approximately 4-6 weeks from the time the first measurements are taken. (Priority decisions will be made by Maureen regarding the order in which dresses are made.)
First Fitting
Usually this will be done at the Teelin studio in Columbia. Ann will travel to Columbia about once a month and several fittings will be scheduled on the same day. A deposit in the amount of $250 by check payable to Ann Donahue is due at the first fitting.
Second Fitting
This will be scheduled for two weeks after the first fitting at Ann's home office in Manassas, Virginia. This is a quick appointment focusing on the bodice of the dress, and is a recommended step in the process of ensuring a proper fit. Important: If a dancer chooses to skip the second fitting, dressmaking will continue on schedule in order to avoid backlogging other dress orders. However, if minor alterations are needed in the bodice at the time of dress delivery, those alterations are the dancer's responsibility.
Dress Delivery
Dresses will be completed 4-6 weeks after the first fitting. Delivery will either be at the Teelin studio when Ann returns to measure for new first fittings, or dancers may pick up a completed dress from Ann's home in Manassas. A check for the balance of $300 payable to Ann Donahue is due upon delivery.
How much does it cost?
The new Teelin School Dress costs $550 and includes the sleeveless dress, the undershirt with dress sleeves, bloomers, cape, and embroidered headband. Dancer is asked to bring a check to the first fitting in the amount of $250 payable to dressmaker Ann Donahue. The balance of $300 (also payable to Ann Donahue) is due upon delivery.
Can I make my own Teelin School Dress?
Sorry, no. This pattern has been custom designed for our school by Susan Gowin and Ann Donahue. It is not an easy pattern to sew, and it is best for one dressmaker to make all of the dresses to ensure the desired uniformity.
How long can I wear the "old" Teelin School Dress?
Maureen has not yet set a date by when she would prefer to no longer have the red school dress in circulation. If you currently have a red school dress that fits well, you may continue to wear that dress for competitions until Maureen says otherwise. If you are considering purchasing a second-hand red school dress, please first talk to Maureen.
