Dancing in a Kilt

Written by Nathan

Sunday, 06 April 2008 12:49

Have you ever stopped and wondered: How did it happen that I am wandering downtown Huntsville at midnight in a kilt and tunic? Well, I can now cross that extraordinary experience off my list.

I was invited by some good friends to attend a bash. The catch, it was a costume party. A costume party in April, yes, because according to the people arranging the shindig: "It is cooler to dance and get drunk wearing a costume."

I was told about the party 24hrs before the event, so I had little time to find a costume. Luckily, my good friend Ashy was there to help! The man embraces his Scottish roots and he owns a kilt, tunic, jerkin, belt, sporran, sgian dubh...the whole deal complete with a basket hilted sword. Given the opportunity, I will go all out, and even if I do say so myself, I looked good!

Of the eight that went to the bash, only 3 were in costume. The ratio was only a little better at the party, only half were wearing a decent outfit - there were a lot of cheesy half attempts. Oh well, I looked good, and I was there to dance.

The music was a live mix, and the quality was a mix, about half was really good, but it got better as the night went on. Maybe that was the beer I was drinking... Have you ever danced to disco or club music in a kilt? It makes it tough to pass a phantom basketball through your legs, let me tell you. Another experience I can check off the list.

Around midnight someone decided the scene was played out and we were going downtown, "was I in?" I had liquid courage flowing through the veins, and I was dressed to impress, of course I was in!

So a Scottish Highlander, a Zapatista, and a Queen Bee walk into a bar...

The bar was small and cozy, but they had a live jazz/blues/rock band playing and Brooklyn Brown Ale on tap, I was happy. WARNING: when dancing in a kilt, be wary of playful people trying to lift up your attire to see if/how much you embrace your Scottish heritage. After some catch and release fishing ("due to the current socioeconomic stresses in the region" I unfortunately had to be thrown back), a few more rounds of phantom basketball, and closing down the bar, we end up in in a friend's kitchen at 2:30 am discussing physics, gravity and terminal velocity.

Who said nerds can't have fun?! And yes ladies, I am single...