My comment on square dancing was specifically the attire made for the committee
members of the national square dance conventions. One of the ladies (who has
since passed away) was adamant on the terminology of "costume."
But yet, I imagine most people call them "clothes" or "outfits," and fewer
dancers are going out of their way to wear special outfits today, at least in
the Midatlantic, where I live and dance. Some festivals and other events still
request "square dance attire" for the whole thing, or for evenings
only--loosely, that is skirts for women (more women are opting for
longer-length skirts, rather than short and pouffy, although that look still
has its proponents) and long-sleeved shirts for the men. Jeans for men used to
be frowned on, but that, too, is loosening up.
Many clubs still have a "club outfit" that all members wear to special events
or when visiting other clubs. Sometimes it is identical for everyone,
sometimes just themed to the club colors.
BTW--this mainly applies to modern Western square dancing, or club
dancing--traditional square dancing is another activity, and, believe it or
not, there is little cross over. I have researched the evolution of modern
Western square dance attire, primarily for women, and gave a presentation a few
years ago at the Costume Society of America's annual symposium, but I haven't
written it up for publication. (Maybe someday. . . .)
Ann Wass
-----Original Message-----
From: Ann Catelli <elvestoor...@yahoo.com>
To: Historical Costume <h-cost...@indra.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 12, 2010 9:47 am
Subject: [h-cost] Square Dancers
My parents just say "square dance clothes" or outfits.
And many, if not most, of the square dancers wear matching outfits to pretty
uch every dance, as the unit in square dancing is mostly the couple.
omen: blouse & skirt (or dress), men: matching shirt.
Mom makes many of their outfits. :)
Ann in CT
--- On Tue, 10/12/10, annbw...@aol.com <annbw...@aol.com> wrote:
> > They are offended if you call it costume
Yet, among square dancers, the preferred term
for the matching outfits worn by everyone on the committee
of a national square dance convention is "costume."
Ann Wass
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