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EVENT OVERVIEW
Q: What should I expect at the New York Scottish Ball?
A: We’ll begin the evening with cocktail hour and whisky tasting, when guests complete their dance
cards. After drinks, our piper will lead us upstairs for the first set of dancing. We’ll take a break for
dinner, during which we’ll hold a raffle for some Scottish goods and services. After dinner, we’ll
return to the dance floor, finishing our evening with a rousing version of “Auld Lang Syne.” Some
guests typically head to a local pub for an after party as well.
Q: Do I need to be Scottish to attend?
A: No! Though many Scottish Ball attendees have some Celtic descent, others merely have an interest
in Scotland and/or enjoy dancing to Scottish reels. We welcome all who enjoy an evening of music,
dance, good food, and fine whisky!
Q: I don’t know the dances; can I still attend?
A: Our volunteer Scottish Ball committee will host classes during the two weeks prior to the event –
including the morning of the ball. While some guests prefer to be a spectator, most want to join in
the fun, and it’s possible to learn the steps in just a few lessons. We require new dancers to attend
at least two reel-hearsals to learn the dances and maximize their fun!
Q: Do I need to bring a partner?
A: While it’s strongly encouraged to bring a dance partner so we have an even number of “leads” and
“followers,” it’s not mandatory.
VENUE
Q: Where is The Down Town Association?
A: The Down Town Association is at 60 Pine Street in the Financial District of lower Manhattan. It is a
private club near the Stock Exchange.
Q: Is there space for me to adjust my outfit after I arrive?
A: There are both gentlemen’s and ladies’ lounges on the main floor which allow for a shoe change and
other wardrobe adjustments when you arrive. There is also an attended coat check which can hold
your outerwear and small bags.
DANCE CARDS
Q: Why do we use dance cards?
A: The dance cards help us know which dance is coming up next, and pre-selecting partners facilitates
the flow of the evening – we can quickly get into formation before the music starts.
Q: What does a dance card look like?
A: It is a small booklet that features details about the ball on the cover, with the order of dances listed
inside. Each dance will have a blank space for you to write in the name of your partner (pencils
provided!).
Q: How do I fill in my dance card?
A: You will get a blank dance card when you check in at the ball. During cocktail hour, the tradition is to
seek a partner for each one as you are socializing. Simply write the name of your agreed-upon
partner in the blank space next to the dance you plan to do together. Note that this can become
somewhat of a hunt. Etiquette dictates that everyone should dance with as many different
partners as possible. It’s traditional to dance the Waltz and the second Reel of the 51st Division with
your date.
Q: What if I don’t want to participate in all the dances, or can’t find a partner for each one?
A: It’s fine to take a break. There will be seating on the sidelines so you can still watch the reeling.
ATTIRE
Q: What should I wear to the Scottish Ball?
A: The ball is Highland Dress. For gentlemen, this means a kilt/jacket/black tie, or a tuxedo. Women
traditionally wear long gowns, and many wear an optional tartan sash. For more inspiration, see
photos from last years event here. Regarding footwear, please keep comfort and safety in mind –
you’ll be moving quickly around the dance floor, spinning, and jumping.
Q: I’m not Scottish – can I wear tartan?
A: Yes! Though many tartans are associated with a specific clan (family unit), there are also many
district, military, organization, and universal tartans to choose from. Some people select a tartan
associated with a place they have visited or are from (e.g., Isle of Skye, South Korea, New York City).
Others may have attended an educational institution that has one (e.g., St. Andrew’s Management
School).
Q: I descend from more than one clan – which tartan should I wear?
A: The one you like best!
Q: Where do I get a kilt outfit?
A: You can rent a gentlemen’s full kilt outfit locally from The Piper’s Cove or online through Kilt Rental
USA. Some popular tartan kilts can be purchased from Lochcarron, Scotland Shop, or Scottish Kilts,
as can jackets and accessories (kilt hose, sporran, ghillie brogues). With enough lead time, you can
have a custom kilt made (plan 2-3 months). These stores also sell trews (tartan pants) to wear with a
dinner jacket if you prefer. See www.nyscottishball.com for links to various purveyors.
Q: Where can I buy a ladies’ sash?
A: While there are many purveyors, many order from Lochcarron or Scotland Shop. Note that you need
to plan 6-10 weeks ahead as lead times to cut and ship can be lengthy. See www.nyscottishball.com
for links to various purveyors.
Q: What if I’d rather wear a tuxedo than a kilt?
A: Tuxedos are welcome; plan for black tie. You are welcome to accessorize with tartan (pocket square,
vest) if you’d like, but it’s not required.
Q: How much time should I plan if I want to order clothing or accessories?
A: In our experience, it takes longer than you would think to get tartan items. Many kilts, vests, ties,
and sashes are considered “custom,” so it can take several weeks to create them, plus shipping from
Scotland. Some people are lucky enough to receive items in six weeks, but it can often take up to
ten weeks before you receive your order.
SCOTTISH REELING
Q: What is Scottish Reeling?
A: Scottish reeling is a form of social dance involving groups of couples of dancers tracing progressive
patterns. These dances are set to musical forms (Jigs, Reels and Strathspey Reels) which come from
the Gaelic tradition of Highland Scotland, as do the steps used in performing the dances.
Please see our How To Reel page for more information.
THE NEW YORK CALEDONIAN CLUB
Q: I heard that the Scottish Ball benefits the New York Caledonian Club – what is it?
A: The New York Caledonian Club is a non-profit organization established in 1856 providing Scots,
Scottish-Americans, and anyone with an interest in Scotland the opportunity to be immersed in
authentic Scottish culture.
Q: What does the New York Caledonian Club do?
A: It organizes many Scottish cultural activities and events throughout the year including Gaelic
language instruction, pub nights, traditional music workshops, a lively Burns Night dinner, and the
annual Tartan Week Ceilidh.
Q: How can I get involved with the New York Caledonian Club?
A: You can visit their website at www.nycaledonian.org to learn about upcoming events and/or to
become a member.
