Does anyone here go to Ren. fairs?

[Pandora II]

Or whatever they are called????

I tried on my actual wedding dress today - and it is everything I hoped for and more.

But, it''s a modern twist on tudor with a big split skirt and underskirt and made in heavy-weight silk damask lined with silk satin - so it''s HEAVY!!!

How the heck do you walk/dance in such things?

Do any of you frequent these ''dress up and have a ball'' type events and have any handy hints/advice.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

Personally, no. However, there was a very active SCA society at my college and I used to be a dancer so I have a little idea. Remember that their shoes were either flats or low heels with wider heels for stability.
You have to keep your back very straight to keep the skirt well balanced. If you do dances with kick steps, keep your toes pointed down; you may catch your dress and trip otherwise. The best thing you can do is wear the skirt and shoes and walk slowly, one foot in front of the other and then practice actually dancing. This helps you get used to the weight, but it also strengthens your ankles. I know it was common to kick the dress behind you for backing up, but I am not sure of how the court ladies actually did this.


The SCA regularly do dancing in the heavy gowns and might be your best bet. I don''t know where in the UK you are, but take a look here: http://www.drachenwald.sca.org/Regnum/uk.php You can probably find a local group that will let you attend an event where you can watch them dance and ask for pointers.

This woman is a specialist in Baroque dances, which often had heavy dresses as well. http://www.ukbaroquedance.com/classes/

 

[Selkie]

I used to go, but never in full garb so I don''t have any tips on the dancing. I''m glad to hear you''re happy with the dress! Will you be posting pics at some point? Would LOOOOVE to see it!

 

[movie zombie]

Date: 6/26/2008 8:07:58 PM
Author: Selkie
I used to go, but never in full garb so I don''t have any tips on the dancing. I''m glad to hear you''re happy with the dress! Will you be posting pics at some point? Would LOOOOVE to see it!

+1!

movie zombie

 

[miraclesrule]

I attened a few, but I was wearing tribal fusion style belly dancing clothing, so I''m of not help to you. But I think it''s awesome that your dress is unique.

 

[Lynnie]

Date: 6/27/2008 1:33:55 AM
Author: movie zombie

Date: 6/26/2008 8:07:58 PM
Author: Selkie
I used to go, but never in full garb so I don''t have any tips on the dancing. I''m glad to hear you''re happy with the dress! Will you be posting pics at some point? Would LOOOOVE to see it!

+1!

movie zombie

+2

I go to the Ren fairs... mainly to buy cases of wine!
Is it going to be hot when you get married? I just read on another thread about "boobie-cooler" thingies - like cold gel pads for your boobs.
Maybe you can practice walking/dancing in it for a while... is the dress in your posession?
I wanna see pictures too ((in my best whiney voice))

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 6/27/2008 9:46:02 AM
Author: Lynnie

Date: 6/27/2008 1:33:55 AM
Author: movie zombie

Date: 6/26/2008 8:07:58 PM
Author: Selkie
I used to go, but never in full garb so I don''t have any tips on the dancing. I''m glad to hear you''re happy with the dress! Will you be posting pics at some point? Would LOOOOVE to see it!

+1!

movie zombie

+2

I go to the Ren fairs... mainly to buy cases of wine!
Is it going to be hot when you get married? I just read on another thread about ''boobie-cooler'' thingies - like cold gel pads for your boobs.
Maybe you can practice walking/dancing in it for a while... is the dress in your posession?
I wanna see pictures too ((in my best whiney voice))

I wish!

I''m sitting here in a jumper and a cardigan today. So far we have had one day this year where I have left the house without a coat!

I have real problems being cold, whereas my ideal temperature is in the 90''s. When everyone else is melting I''m happy, so if it''s hot I don''t mind - which is good as the dress has full-length sleeves as well.

I definitely can''t wear flat shoes - they wreck my back for a start (I have to wear heels at all times) - and I need a bit of extra height so the hem is the perfect length. I''m definitely a chunkyish heel type girl - I can''t do stillettoes or anything with a thin heel at all. I''m looking for something with about a 2.5 to 3" heel, with straps and that is super comfortable.

I don''t have any photos yet - I''ll maybe see if my FSIL will come round sometime and take some for me - I pick the dress up tonight.

I''ve ordered a cotton hooped crinoline to see if that helps me move without adding width. The hoops are adjustable so fingers crossed.

 

[Fancy605]

Date: 6/27/2008 11:05:57 AM
Author: Pandora II


I don''t have any photos yet -

What? All talk and no photos? You cruel person (If I knew the code, there would be a little smiley guy waggling his finger at you right now).

 

[Lynnie]

Date: 6/27/2008 11:05:57 AM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 6/27/2008 9:46:02 AM
Author: Lynnie

Date: 6/27/2008 1:33:55 AM
Author: movie zombie

Date: 6/26/2008 8:07:58 PM
Author: Selkie
I used to go, but never in full garb so I don''t have any tips on the dancing. I''m glad to hear you''re happy with the dress! Will you be posting pics at some point? Would LOOOOVE to see it!

+1!

movie zombie

+2

I go to the Ren fairs... mainly to buy cases of wine!
Is it going to be hot when you get married? I just read on another thread about ''boobie-cooler'' thingies - like cold gel pads for your boobs.
Maybe you can practice walking/dancing in it for a while... is the dress in your posession?
I wanna see pictures too ((in my best whiney voice))

I wish!

I''m sitting here in a jumper and a cardigan today. So far we have had one day this year where I have left the house without a coat!

I have real problems being cold, whereas my ideal temperature is in the 90''s. When everyone else is melting I''m happy, so if it''s hot I don''t mind - which is good as the dress has full-length sleeves as well.

I definitely can''t wear flat shoes - they wreck my back for a start (I have to wear heels at all times) - and I need a bit of extra height so the hem is the perfect length. I''m definitely a chunkyish heel type girl - I can''t do stillettoes or anything with a thin heel at all. I''m looking for something with about a 2.5 to 3'' heel, with straps and that is super comfortable.

I don''t have any photos yet - I''ll maybe see if my FSIL will come round sometime and take some for me - I pick the dress up tonight.

I''ve ordered a cotton hooped crinoline to see if that helps me move without adding width. The hoops are adjustable so fingers crossed.

Well, I think that not being in the heat will actually be a plus for you... with a big heavy wedding gown and all.
Strappy shoes? No chance of going full-on Ren-style -- like these?