ATTIRE FOR THE BALL

Attire for the ball is formal/semi-formal.  Within these parameters, clothing may encompass a variety of styles. Many of the men from the Scottish Dance Community will choose to wear their formal Prince Charlie Coats and vests with their kilts and sporrans and the ladies will choose their formal gowns. Others may choose to dress a little more casually. This is perfectly acceptable, especially since this ball includes people from many different backgrounds and dance traditions. Our hope is that everyone will create a classy/festive look, while feeling free to express their individual heritage and personality.  The point is to have fun.

If you are not quite sure what you would like to wear, please scroll to the end of this page to peruse several  picture from balls around the country.  Also, if you tend to be comfortable in a more conservative attire, consider wearing clothing appropriate for a semi-formal wedding. Please feel free to be creatively dressy!

An important note on shoes:  If you are not planning to dance and only planning to participate in the grand march then a typical street or dress shoe is fine. However, if dancing, a soft-soled non-scuffing shoe is required.  In Scottish Country Dance as well as other dance traditions, people will often wear a formal shoe to the event and then bring shoes with them to change into once the dancing begins.  This may seem unusual to those who have never done this type of dancing but it is quite common. 

The rule regarding shoes is not that of the ball or the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation but that of the facility. It is important that those participating in the dance event respect the rules of the facility. For more information on shoes, including pictures of various options and purchase information, please click on tab at left labeled shoes.