• There seems to be less in my sons competition than last year. (NT) -- maybe they gave up, 18:22:39 01/20/09 Tue
• How do you know who's in your sons competition (NT) -- ?????, 18:32:46 01/20/09 Tue
  • ah ha - if I tell you I may have to kill you LOL -- inside, 04:07:08 01/21/09 Wed
    • For some reason, I don't/can't get second page. Any chance someone sees how many in boys/men under 18? (NT) -- Thanks, 05:53:08 01/21/09 Wed
      • Ok, they must have removed that second page because I cannot get it today but I had a look at my history -- inside, 07:51:10 01/21/09 Wed
• Anyway you can tell me how many in the boys U10 (NT) -- Thanks, 08:03:27 01/21/09 Wed
  • Don't forget it's 9-10 and 10-11 in AI's -- inside for numbers, 08:15:05 01/21/09 Wed
• how many in u17 boys? (NT) -- dm, 14:09:33 01/21/09 Wed
  • Very much appreciated! (NT) -- mom, 15:00:22 01/21/09 Wed
• How about boys 14 under 15. Gracias! (NT) -- dm, 19:36:36 01/21/09 Wed
• Would you be so kind to email it to me? I know a few Mom's that would love to have the numbers for their son's competition. Thanks so much for considering it! Email address inside...Thanks -- drewsmom, 21:35:47 01/21/09 Wed
  • No problems I have it saved at work and once I get in there I will send it or post the boys comps here. I have not save it at home (NT) -- unfortunately, 03:10:06 01/22/09 Thu
• oops - no I did have it at home and I have pasted inside. -- let me know if you want more info, 03:20:23 01/22/09 Thu
  • I have added a link to the page on my computer -- inside, 04:11:37 01/22/09 Thu
• thank you so much (NT) -- dm, 06:41:39 01/22/09 Thu
• Thanks for the info (NT) -- Thank you!, 15:19:14 01/23/09 Fri

• Is that irish shoe size or U.S. (NT) -- ?, 14:13:37 01/22/09 Thu
• Irish. The actual size printed on the shoe. (NT) -- BigFoot's Mom, 04:19:17 01/23/09 Fri

• Isn't GH of MHOB some sort of lawyer? (NT) -- it can be done, 09:41:08 01/16/09 Fri
• There are many male AND female teachers who carry on "day jobs" and careers in addition to teaching Irish dance - lawyers, teachers, finance executives, accountants - (NT) -- I'm a TC, lawyer AND mom, 11:50:56 01/18/09 Sun
• How successful are tc's who also work day jobs? Especially if they don't have other tc's or assistants? Just wondering what most opinions on this subject are. (NT) -- I'm not the op, 14:39:30 01/18/09 Sun
• It depends on how you define "success". I think teaching alone would be very difficult just from a sheer exhaustion standpoint, but it all depends on what standard of measurement you apply - there are so many truly successful teachers out there who also work full time - (NT) -- so many variables!, 06:33:56 01/19/09 Mon
  • for example (see inside) -- imho, 18:19:14 01/19/09 Mon
    • You are a success because you love what you're doing, seem content with life and certainly your students love you! What more could anyone ask for? (NT) -- happyness, 19:20:35 01/19/09 Mon
• Ours is full-time TC, so I'm no help. (NT) -- :-), 08:12:32 01/20/09 Tue

• Will tell you when I get back from All Irelands. Usually new styles are there. (NT) -- ??, 06:13:09 01/09/09 Fri
  • Great tip, we'll watch for the pics too. Missing AI's this year. Thanks. BTW can I just say again how much I love how supportive and down to earth this site is. Thanks to all!!! (NT) -- Anyone at GB's? I heard some boys were dieing (sp?) their hair to match shirts etc. Anyone else see this?, 08:34:52 01/09/09 Fri
    • My ds wears various wash out colors in his hair most days. This year he did have blue and silver in his spiked hair to match his vest., and last year -gold. He just thinks it's fun. (NT) -- Irishmama, 11:59:49 01/09/09 Fri
      • We were at the GB's and noticed some of the hair dying!!! (NT) -- Probably less than 5 % of dancers though !, 13:38:02 01/09/09 Fri
• At the MWO 3 boys in my son's comp had black shirts, red vests and white ties. (my son included) (NT) -- we thought he was being unique!, 16:52:21 01/10/09 Sat
  • Most important thing is, your son should be comfortable in what he's wearing. Sometimes, I've backed off because what I /teacher may have liked, he was not confident in. (NT) -- and it showed, 09:50:49 01/12/09 Mon
    • My DS was blown away when he saw a pic of Elvis Presley, and wondered why he couldn't "get an outfit like that made!" Really WOW the judges and blow the girls' dresses out of the water. LOL (NT) -- He was 8 at the time, and a bit jealous of the attention the girls get. "Not that I want to wear a dress and make-up Mommy!!!" Tee hee hee. So cute., 05:21:38 01/14/09 Wed
      • We have a costume special for Halloween at the class feis. I thought it would be fun to have our mixed team do the boys in Elvis and the girls in Chicita Banana costume! (NT) -- : ), 09:42:14 01/15/09 Thu

• What to do? -- inside, 07:21:53 01/11/09 Sun
  • Hopefully, he will be friends with the new girl and they will have dance in common. Some kids will know, some won't but it's his reaction to the negative that matters. (NT) -- hold your head high li'l guy!, 07:31:07 01/11/09 Sun
  • He needs to know that his classmates ARE going to find out that he dances (more) -- ., 03:14:20 01/12/09 Mon
• We try to get our son to understand that everyone (not just him) has different interests. He knows that there may be people who tease him but he can't let that ruin something he is great at. (NT) -- Keep him strong!, 09:14:29 01/11/09 Sun
• Kind of a catch 22 but I think he will find (see inside) -- Mom and TC, 15:15:14 01/11/09 Sun
• try a little role playing with u being a teaser and see if that makes him more comfortable. my kids practice "600 girls in bloomers and sports bras - you figure it out". your son is a little younger for that to matter, though! do a kick an inch from their nose is another of my kids favorites. (NT) -- mom, 16:01:22 01/11/09 Sun
  • I had 2 boys that danced...more -- mom o'2, 19:29:12 01/11/09 Sun
  • I remember being at a dance out & ds was maybe 10 - the announcer said, "that poor laddie with all those girls" TC piped up & said, think of that laddie as a teen, the announcer says, "that's a really smart laddie out there!" (NT) -- ecr mom again, 21:10:36 01/12/09 Mon
• My son is 10 and (more inside) -- mom, 21:39:21 01/11/09 Sun
  • Very sage advice indeed. So many kids have that "thing" they don't want others to know about - and if we all knew each others, we likely would realize how much more alike we are !! (NT) -- --, 05:25:45 01/12/09 Mon
• Thanks for all the great advice. We just had a talk before he was off to school. -- I think he's getting there.(op), 06:15:26 01/12/09 Mon
• Are you based in the US? My brother in Ireland was a dancer as we were growing up - none of the his sisters were. He was tormented about it. My son is a dancer but he is in the US and the kids love that he does it. they are always asking him to dance. (NT) -- he is 10 yrs old, 10:52:41 01/12/09 Mon
  • Yes, we're in the US. I hope he finds out that most of his peers think it's pretty neat! (NT) -- op (NT), 11:13:42 01/12/09 Mon
• DS only really ever told his best friends but I'm sure the other kids knew but was never teased -- ecr mom to a ds & dd, 21:03:08 01/12/09 Mon

• No, Milwaukee will be our first of the year !!! (NT) -- MW fam, 18:05:59 01/04/09 Sun
• Raleigh will be our first in a couple of weeks. Definitely needed the break and that was me not my son. (NT) -- ??, 10:28:52 01/06/09 Tue
  • Mary Woodgate in Feb for us. Want to do one prior to Worlds. (NT) -- Irishmama, 17:00:11 01/06/09 Tue
    • Mary Woodgate is our first in region, but we are heading out to Pender Keady to get an extra comp in before worlds (NT) -- Always good to have as much feedback as possible., 04:20:49 01/07/09 Wed
• We went had a good vacation but neither of my dancers placed -- ecr mom, 08:39:21 01/09/09 Fri

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• Too bad we can't sign them up for Superstars of Dance. That show could use some new dance moves in the Irish catagory! (NT) -- : ), 08:34:40 01/07/09 Wed
• Thanks for posting. (NT) -- it was nice, 06:50:12 01/08/09 Thu

• ??? Haven't had any problems myself - it has just been quiet. (NT) -- usually more active in spurts, 07:23:23 01/04/09 Sun
• Suggestions? Not sure what you are referring to. (NT) -- mod, 08:52:08 01/04/09 Sun
• Sorry, I thought it was the board, but it was how I was doing something !! (NT) -- OP, 11:13:46 01/04/09 Sun

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• Depends on the brand of shoe (and where they're made). Try them on first, especially in the beginning. Once you know your size and brand, then it's easier if you want to mail order. (NT) -- WR mom of dd/ds, 08:57:25 12/24/08 Wed
• Here is a link that is really helpful- -- Irishmama, 20:53:52 12/24/08 Wed
• Also, if you go to a local dance store and have your ds try on Capezio split sole jazz shoes for size, then you know better what to order from the Irish show vendors, as most use Capezio split soles for the boys reel shoes (NT) -- TC and Mama of DS, 08:33:20 12/26/08 Fri
  • I just buy the cappazio's, send them to NY and Fays puts the heels on for about $50. Then, I know they fit! (NT) -- trick learned on this board :), 08:57:09 01/01/09 Thu
    • I have done that also, although sometimes the heel width and height varies more with this method. But trying them on at a regular dance store for sizing is a fabulous idea. (NT) -- another mom, 20:16:55 01/01/09 Thu
• Here we go again. One more day of break and back at it all over again !! (NT) -- Is everyone ready?, 14:29:27 01/03/09 Sat

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• We actually had our seamstress make my ds cuffs. They are removable, with velcro, so that the shirt can be washed without ruining the cuffs. (NT) -- Irishmama, 19:18:25 12/15/08 Mon
  • arms have to be perfectly by your sides, otherwise cuffs draw attention to any movement. (NT) -- ..., 15:01:42 12/26/08 Fri
• Boys shirts -- DS, 13:35:35 12/17/08 Wed

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• It is hard to find bright patterned, shiny shirts for the boys. If it was much over $50 for a shirt, I'd probably not order though. One popular thing for the boys is contrasting cuffs/collar to the shirt. Ties with some crystals are also getting popular. (NT) -- my 2 cents : ), 11:57:34 12/11/08 Thu
  • And vests with crystal buttons with a bit of bling in the material but not too much (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 12:35:35 12/11/08 Thu
• Thank you! That's really helpful -- I wouldn't have guessed the bling actually (not a problem, crystals we got :) ) (NT) -- Ally, 05:41:06 12/12/08 Fri
  • Bling is hot but the shirts need to be very tailored and look/ fit like a buisness shirt, not like a blouse, or the bling looks too fem. Think Hottie at Paris fashion week rather than Liberacci (sp?) (NT) -- Also bling should be colour on colour, black sequins on black vest, red gems on red tie, just to give sparkle and bring attention not to look "pretty", 07:08:48 12/12/08 Fri
    • That's what I was envisioning also (the tailored look) -- also I'm assuming that any sparkle in the material should be subtle (like light-catching on stage as the dancer moves, not blinding). (NT) -- Ally, 11:11:13 12/12/08 Fri
      • Yes, that's what I'm thinking. I need to find some material & get TC's approval first. But DS needs a new vest & store bought ones are too darn short... (NT) -- ecr mom, 18:46:10 12/14/08 Sun
        • Try feispants.com. Christine is great!! (NT) -- mom to ds, 18:06:46 12/16/08 Tue
          • I have a seamstress but tc needs to approve material - the old vest is a great look for ds but we need to make it longer & I won't have to pay for shipping fee & such but thanks, (NT) -- ecr mom, 09:22:52 12/18/08 Thu
• Did anyone see the fab shirts at the SRO in the mens store, name escapes me at the moment. But they fabric and patterns were great. They were mens shirts and a little pricey starting at $298 but the ideas were gorgeous and the vests were similar quality. (NT) -- well fitting and chic, 10:57:09 12/12/08 Fri
• We would love this! I just paid $150 for a custom shirt & vest. A selection of ties with some bling and cufflinks (not too bling - calls attention to arm issues) would also be welcome. (NT) -- MW Mom, 08:42:50 12/16/08 Tue

• A good pocket knife and a "How to whittle" book, woodburning kit and sit down with him to do it...first project...sign for his bedroom door, camping gear, sports gear (NT) -- Technology makes it tricky!, 06:04:25 12/11/08 Thu
• Last Christmas I got my then 11 year old ds "The Dangerous Book for Boys" by Hal Iggulden. It has stories, how to build things, make paper airplanes, do coin and magic tricks, advice on girls, how to tie knots, etc. (NT) -- interesting book for boys, 10:20:29 12/11/08 Thu
• Things to get him off the computer and out of the house. Past purchases include: skateboard, paintball gun and equipment, snowboard, basketball hoop. Even though grumbled, all much used (especially the paintball and basketball, great for when friends come over). (NT) -- ., 11:35:02 12/11/08 Thu
  • Yeah...AirSoft guns!!! And goggles!! (NT) -- ., 17:02:48 12/11/08 Thu
    • I did buy Nerf guns on sale at Target for the all the boys in the house (including my husband). Keep the ideas rolling! They are great! (NT) -- op, 19:56:26 12/11/08 Thu
      • Nerf guns! Definitely!! (NT) -- :), 15:13:14 12/12/08 Fri
• Your 13 yr. old still likes Lego? (NT) -- I think that's great!, 06:32:38 12/12/08 Fri
  • Star War legos- apparently, we can never have enough (NT) -- : ), 09:52:38 12/15/08 Mon
• Are winter sports an option where you live? Snowboard lesson with a friend?? My 13 yo ds loves it more than ID! (NT) -- MW Mom, 08:52:31 12/16/08 Tue
• Call out the danger police, but my son just received a big container of non-dairy coffee creamer. The stuff is flammable and great fun. Only for the safety-conscious boy, though! (NT) -- Singed hair is stinky., 02:40:45 12/17/08 Wed

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• No makeup for my son. He is light skinned, but we both don't think the makeup is necessary. (NT) -- dm, 18:29:39 11/26/08 Wed
• Yes the one below I think is intended to be lighthearted but when this subject was broached earlier this year it had to be removed because of the insults. My son doesn't but he is dark skinned. (NT) -- each to his own I presume, 05:24:54 11/27/08 Thu
  • Yes, was light=hearrted. I missed the insults or wouldn't have made the jole. (NT) -- Sorry 'bout that., 03:18:48 11/29/08 Sat
• My pasty white kidlets would not wear make up even if he was told to - the bling this year on the tie was enough (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 05:39:18 11/27/08 Thu
  • kidlet (ds) - the other is my dd and finally all in novice wants to go make up shopping...nooooo (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 05:40:43 11/27/08 Thu
• I have 2 ds, their TC said that they will need bronzer for worlds only because the stage is big and the judges sit so far back. (NT) -- going with the flow., 12:05:22 11/28/08 Fri
• My DS wears bronzer/ foundation called skin lights, a little colour and a little shimmer. But he is fish belly white!! Have seen others wearing mascara and blush but wouldn't go that far yet, (NT) -- but ... never say never as they say., 15:23:39 11/29/08 Sat
• Bronzer at majors - a must for teams, as you have to balance the look with the girls, and for solos it helps when on big stages and so far back. (NT) -- Just a bit, 03:29:15 11/30/08 Sun
• None for my U13. Not yet anyway. :) (NT) -- MW Mom, 11:28:09 12/02/08 Tue
• I think my son would quit before he'd wear makeup! (NT) -- U13 ds mom, 21:03:26 12/02/08 Tue
• NO!! (NT) -- :-), 07:47:16 12/11/08 Thu

• We've heard similar complaints at every level of competition about my DS and other boys. It's always variations on a theme - boys have it easy. I would have more sympathy if there was some material reward for an "easier" path to success. But it's Irish dance! They get *trophies* for winning the Worlds, not multi-million dollar signing bonuses. The well-adjusted kids (and parents) are obviously in it for the fun and dancing, not fame and fortune. (NT) -- Geoff, 10:46:53 12/02/08 Tue
  • And while I'm thinking about it...Congratulations to all the MHoB boys for a great showing at the O last weekend! (NT) -- Geoff, 10:54:30 12/02/08 Tue
    • Yeah Geoff! A wonderfully soothing voice of reason. My son always refers to ID as a hobby and enjoys it tremendously. No university scouts/ talent agents are watching from the stands. In the great scheme of life, meet new people and friends, travel and enjoy your time dancing. (NT) -- -, 17:49:20 12/04/08 Thu
• You are correct - my son had to be in the top 8 to even recall. Very sad to see that post - are they trying to get rid of the few excellent boys who do dance? (NT) -- DS Mom, 10:54:25 12/02/08 Tue
  • Let's face it - most boys have to develop a thick skin to stay in this sport for any length of time, so a few nasty posts on a message board are unlikely to change their views on dancing. They probably hear much worse from the odd malcontent in dance class. (NT) -- Geoff, 10:59:30 12/02/08 Tue
    • Dance class - how about middle and high school. My son is to a point where he doesn't tell the other boys what he is doing. He told his friends he was going to a soccer tournement instead of O - and he doesn't even play soccer anymore (NT) -- LOL!, 11:23:44 12/02/08 Tue
      • We've been there! My son gradually grew more comfortable discussing ID with his classmates and has even performed in his high school classes on occasion. It also helps that he has a great group of boys to hang out with at our dance school. (NT) -- Geoff, 12:14:24 12/02/08 Tue
      • We experienced that with older son (now grown), but younger son has had a completely different experience. His HS friends think it's really cool that he dances, and constantly ask him to demonstrate in the halls @ school. Perhaps because of his attitude--he has no problem telling anyone who might be critical that dance is cool and their opinion to the contrary is lame. (NT) -- Very fortunate., 07:43:11 12/11/08 Thu
• Now, I'm kind of new at this, but it does seem easier for boys to qualify. However, once they get there, the dancing has to measure up. It's not like the mediocre girls can beat the best boys. Often, even the best girl can't beat the boy. Some truth to it, but (NT) -- don't need sour grapes, 11:04:15 12/02/08 Tue
  • It is easier for boys to qualify, definitely. That is a function of the relative numbers of boys and girls in the sport and doesn't have anything to do with "fairness" of the qualifying formula. What would be unfair, in my opinion, would be rigging the rules in order to reduce the number of boys going to major competitions. That makes no sense on any conceivable level for the ID powers-that-be, which is why the few discontented message board posters can complain till they turn blue but remain irrelevant. The rule change they seek will never happen. (NT) -- Geoff, 11:16:43 12/02/08 Tue
• Fortunately, my ds is pretty thick skinned and ignores all kinds of stuff so he can continue doing what he loves. It's the hostility that depressed me. It's not like the boys make the rules. My ds would LOVE to have more boys competing! (NT) -- MW Mom, 11:16:56 12/02/08 Tue
  • I have to agree on that one - for the past 8 years, my ds has looked forward to the majors as those are generally the only comps where he has real competition. He would love to have more boys against him all the time. Luckily, he takes the nasty attacks from others on boys in stride - (NT) -- what else can you do?, 05:16:48 12/03/08 Wed
• I really want to add this to the discussion. I've got 2 female dancers and one male. This was his first time dancing solo at the O. He's U16 and didn't start until he was 11. He didn't recall of course, but met his goals. He also met all the top tier male dancers in his age group in our region (he only knew 3 of them since he's only in PC). He was so happy that all of them were nice guys and welcomed him. Not one was stuck up. My daughters have a mixed bag in their comps. Plenty of nice ones, but plenty of prima donnas too. Just thought I'd add a thanks to all the parents of those boys for raising them right. (NT) -- momof3ids, 10:51:27 12/03/08 Wed
  • We had the same experience. My son also is U16. When we moved to the Midwest region the other boys his age were very welcoming. They have become great friends even while competing. It all stays on the stage, and I think their camaraderie - even at the major competitions - sets such a great example of sportsmanship. (NT) -- Geoff, 19:15:13 12/04/08 Thu
• I have 2 DSs, I agree I would love to see more guys. The few in WR are all very nice young men that are in the 19-21 and the senior men's groups. (NT) -- Mom of 2 DSs, 17:04:47 12/03/08 Wed
• I have found that the boys (generally speaking, there are exceptions of course) are good sports all around (see inside) -- Let's hear it for the boys!, 18:16:46 12/03/08 Wed
  • So true, the boys are friendly with each other, root for each other, hang with each other before and after competitions--really lovely boys from each age group it seems (NT) -- boy power, 08:45:00 12/08/08 Mon
• Being an Irish dancing guy myself, you just have to put up with those types of comments. Maybe it holds water for the Oireachtas, but I know I have to dance my best at the Worlds. (more) -- -, 09:17:52 12/06/08 Sat
  • We've seen several instances where the top boys seem like great friends and are often seen having a ball. One example are two older guys that do the treble reel comp. at Lynn feis (atlantic city) (NT) -- obviously no hard feelings there, 15:19:07 12/09/08 Tue

• How old is your ds? I have one who walks like a duck - it's unbelievable. Anyway hip exercises have helped some but it is a matter of time. Physio said so. (NT) -- good luck., 18:34:25 12/02/08 Tue
  • He's U13. He doesn't walk like a duck but sometimes he eats like one. Not pretty. :) (NT) -- OP, 07:14:51 12/03/08 Wed
• Ha! My youngest eats like the napkin was never invented. Videotape them or make them watch themselves in the mirror. Even though they practice in front of one - I swear they don't really LOOK! It's like the napkin - LOL. I have also had some luck asking my ds to think ONLY about his feet - not the timing, the steps, etc. They can see/feel the difference in the mirror. (NT) -- hang in there! takes practice, 10:05:50 12/03/08 Wed
• Boys even more than girls need to work on their flexibility, because hormones tend to harden the muscles & connective tissues--for turnout, tightness in their hip flexors can make it difficult. Stretch, stretch, stretch!! (then have TC show how to properly turn out from hips). (NT) -- :-), 07:39:41 12/11/08 Thu

• Is that Kieran and Brandon from LA? (NT) -- way to go guys!, 16:34:29 12/04/08 Thu
• No, Kelcey and Brian from McGing in Ohio, but congrats to the others too. (NT) -- Great job!, 18:32:22 12/04/08 Thu

• and Kieran Dillane from Leneghan -- in third, 08:14:32 12/03/08 Wed
• My son was in the same comp. and I thought he did very well and then I saw these boys dance, WOW! (NT) -- MA dad, 08:18:38 12/03/08 Wed
  • Congrats to your son too! I thought this was a tremendous group of dancers. (NT) -- Go Midwest Boys!, 08:36:06 12/03/08 Wed
• Also congrats to the top boys in MWU12-1st-Michael Fleck, 2nd-Kevin Duncan, 3rd-Danny McCormick, 4th-Brandon Asazawa, 5th-Donovan Damore (NT) -- Wonderful comp to watch! Awesome dancers, 11:36:26 12/03/08 Wed
  • Congrats Brandon-we love you. I know youdanced great! (NT) -- Canadian fans, 16:34:46 12/03/08 Wed
• Yea Drew! great job! i got 2nd, too! (NT) -- CRC Roomy (and Ian doesn't get 2nd.... EVER!), 14:13:03 12/03/08 Wed
• Just heard the results for the top MARO U12 boys - 1st Evan Adams, 2nd Lockie Nidds, 3rd Conor Regan,4th Tom Lavin,5th Ryan Frehill (NT) -- Congrats boys!, 17:33:19 12/03/08 Wed

• WOOHOO Declan - we're so happy for you!!!! (NT) -- Declan fans, 13:52:26 12/02/08 Tue

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• I bought the material, buttons, and then the vest maker charged $50.00 for labor. (NT) -- It turned out really great because the fit was perfect!, 15:07:12 11/12/08 Wed
  • Sorry. Forgot to say the cost of materials was about $15.00 (NT) -- Purchased at Wal-Mart, 15:11:42 11/12/08 Wed
• ordered online a standard children's size, for $114. Then when arrived still had to alter for better fit. $45. perfect now, but I'm sure custom woulda been less expensive. (NT) -- live and learn, 19:13:34 11/12/08 Wed
• Feispants charges between $55 to $70 depending on materials used and they are custom fit. Happy with my ds' vest. (NT) -- momtods, 19:31:19 11/12/08 Wed
• A dress maker mom from our school just made a vest for my ds and she charged $60.00 then remembered to buttons were $5.00 a piece so the price bumped to $85. Oh she made his tie with sparkles, too. so al in all not so bad. and boy does he ever look wonderful. I told him he does not even have to dance, just stand there looking good (NT) -- Feis dad, 09:43:25 11/16/08 Sun
• Another mom from our school had them made for the boys. $75 for a black velvet vest with satin(?) back. Looks nice. (NT) -- MW Mom, 09:35:11 12/02/08 Tue

• the more clothes under the shirt the warmer the dancer gets -- not rocket science exactly, 14:34:51 11/29/08 Sat
• DS is too young yet, but DD wears dress sheilds, (SHHH don't tell her they are actually incontinence pads) just remove lining and adhere to inside of short at armpit. (NT) -- let me know if this helps the gents too and we can start DS when neccessary., 15:28:00 11/29/08 Sat
• We use the target brand of under armour and it works great. cheaper too!! (NT) -- 7kids4us, 15:33:20 11/29/08 Sat
  • so it doesn't wick the sweat right away from the body to the shirt? the polyester is hot to begin with. (NT) -- thx, 18:36:08 11/29/08 Sat
    • No, the sweat stays in the shirt and no wet underarms. My ds has two. One that feels like cotton and the other is more of the nylon polyester feel. (NT) -- 7kids4us, 14:32:37 11/30/08 Sun

• I think the Mid-Atlantic (Eastern) is this weekend too - Go other MAR boys & men too! (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 05:42:11 11/27/08 Thu

• Our cross country team finished at state meet a couple of weeks ago -- how about yours?, 08:02:15 11/20/08 Thu
  • oops sorry meant to say we finished 2nd at regionals before state (NT) -- good luck all, 08:03:41 11/20/08 Thu
    • Fantastic news about the cc team. I was actually referring to regional Irish Dancing comps, Ulsters, Leinsters, Mid-America etc (NT) -- sorry if I confused you., 08:43:56 11/20/08 Thu
• Western region is this weekend! My son is doing teams and trad set - he is SO NERVOUS!!! I know he is going to be a wreck on team day. (NT) -- just got to get out there and do it, right?, 08:53:09 11/20/08 Thu
  • Southern Region on Dec 6th/7th in Orlando. Looking forward to a bit of heat (NT) -- weatherwise I mean!, 09:37:04 11/20/08 Thu
• ECR was a few weekends ago and DS was first of three. WooHoo! (NT) -- Now he's stressing about world's, but as parents there is much less stress as it is in NA this year., 04:29:51 11/21/08 Fri
• Mid America is next week. DS is nervous anfd licking his lips and making em chaped with big red around. Gotta keep on him to put on lip balm. (NT) -- IDdad, 06:57:07 11/21/08 Fri
• Our guy is MW U16 solo and team on the same day!! (NT) -- Gonna have to carbo load him :), 09:31:43 11/21/08 Fri
  • how about solo, team AND drama all on the same day. Sigh. Good thing the guys are (NT) -- easygoing!, 14:34:47 11/21/08 Fri
    • and - he doesn't need to switch make up! (NT) -- !, 19:46:48 11/23/08 Sun
      • So he wears the same makeup for all of his dances? (NT) -- :), 14:44:59 11/24/08 Mon
• DS is champ but -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 06:12:14 11/24/08 Mon
  • That looked like great fun. Well done (NT) -- and thanks, 10:14:01 11/24/08 Mon
• WRO just finished. From young, to older boys, there were fantastic competitions. (NT) -- sm, 19:23:54 11/24/08 Mon
• My boys are in the Western Region. They were happy to see that they both came in 3rd in their groups. My youngest's scores were very close to the 2nd place. (NT) -- mom of 2 DSs, 16:39:31 11/25/08 Tue

• Not sure where you are, but Burlington Coat Factory sometimes has a variety of colors. (NT) -- --, 16:57:19 11/17/08 Mon
  • Burlington hasn't had anything interesting in the past year. No stripes even. Looking for same size as OP. (NT) -- Tough to find, 20:44:17 11/23/08 Sun
    • I have pkgs in the mail from both of the links in this thread. Hoping something will stick, as the clock is ticking! Burlington didn't do it for me...colors not bright enough, son is not into pastels. (NT) -- Thanks again for links., 12:39:44 11/24/08 Mon
• Try this link inside to see if there is something -- good luck, 03:02:24 11/18/08 Tue
• Thank you both! I was going to make the trek to Burlington Coat Factory today, but that website looks promising! (NT) -- thanks, 04:26:59 11/18/08 Tue
• If solid is ok - try this website too. -- ., 08:41:13 11/18/08 Tue
• I have usedf the shirts from the last link and they are nicely made and wash like a dream. (NT) -- Irishmama, 16:58:05 11/18/08 Tue
  • Now, *that's* what I wanted to hear!! (NT) -- thanks, 04:53:32 11/19/08 Wed
• Buy a men's size and have it altered. You can take in the sides and move the cuffs up. (NT) -- 7kids4us, 05:07:57 11/19/08 Wed
• Is satin ok? I'm getting a taste for the bling. (NT) -- What's happening to me??, 11:30:34 11/19/08 Wed
  • ds wore blue satin & HE picked it out! (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 05:49:51 11/20/08 Thu
• Satin is ok, but watch the sweat factor. On some boys this would be prohibitive. If wearing satin wear a t-shirt underneath to control and limit sweat showing. (NT) -- IMHO, 03:52:58 11/21/08 Fri
  • Thats why I like the shirts from Burlington. They look like satin but are just polyester. No big sweat issue, easily washed. My ds did have a crepe backed satin shirt last year, Wore underarmor and sweat not a huge issue. If you have a really big sweater might not be such a great idea. (NT) -- Irishmama, 04:18:31 11/21/08 Fri

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• Link to Russell Beaton's article, "Irish Dance Costumes—What about the boys?" inside... -- ZandB, 13:15:11 11/01/08 Sat
  • Thanks for sharing this-it is a great article. I have always thought that any article of clothing that is ill-fitting makes a boy look loose and sloppy. Vest too, if too large, they swing around while the boy is dancing and make the upper body look unsteady. (NT) -- Irishmama, 14:55:35 11/01/08 Sat
  • Thanks for the link. Makes me happy that I spent the money on alterations. (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds and dd, 20:54:03 11/01/08 Sat
    • The BIGGEST thing I have always insisted upon for my ds is impeccably-fitted clothes. He has final say on colors, vest or no, etc. But from my standpoint, these kids are very fit and they should be highlighting that in a tasteful way, as dancers are known to do. (NT) -- ..just mho, 14:52:00 11/02/08 Sun
  • About the socks, my son always wears his black socks up to his knee then uses sock glue, just like the girls and has no problem with his socks falling down. (NT) -- /, 15:14:20 11/22/08 Sat

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Replies:

• Did the shoes sell? If not, what's he asking price? (NT) -- May be interested., 17:02:53 11/17/08 Mon

• Do you have any photos? (NT) -- thank you, 07:59:01 11/07/08 Fri
  • I would like pictures too! NT (NT) -- ReelBoysIrishDance, 08:24:24 11/11/08 Tue