Created and developed by Irene Fidler is an elegant European dance known as the Thistle. This “elegant” dance is said to have originated from Scotland, and is mainly performed by females. Apparently, this dance form is said to have been created using the traditional Scottish “step dancing”.
a. History/origin of the Thistle:
It was using the traditional Scottish step dancing as a template that this dance style known as the “Thistle” was first created. Furthermore, this dance is said to have been created by Irene Fidler, and was officially made public in the year 2007. In addition, this dance form has been well preserved by the “St Andrew’s Summer School of Royal Scottish Dance Society”.
b. Costumes used in the Thristle:
The costume essentially used in this dance form basically varies on the gender, and they are as follows:
1. For males:
The attire used includes a jacket called “Prince Charlie”, a shirt, a bow tie, a waistcoat, and a belt. In addition, a “Montrose” styled jacket may also be worn which would include a white lace jabot and sleeve ruffles. Furthermore, a kilt with matching tartan hose is also worn along with “sporran” i.e. pockets.
2. For females:
The attire used includes a velvet jacket, a tartan kilt, a lace insert, a sleeveless velvet vest worn over a blouse, and a matching tartan hose. Furthermore, the velvet vest worn may either be black or coloured using gold or silver braid.
c. Music involved in the Thristle:
Traditional “Scottish” musical instruments such as the Accordion, Bagpipes, Fiddle, Harp, Tin whistle, and the Bodhran are mainly used in this dance form.
d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Thristle:
In terms of technique, this dance form is essentially based on Scottish step dancing. Furthermore, this form of dancing involves the use of reel steps. As for training centre/schools, there are not many available around the world since this dance form is mainly performed in “Scotland”.