DEIRDRE MCQUILLANtalks to dancer and choreographer Jane Shortall.
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'RE WEARINGThe vintage leather jacket was given to me by stylist Sonia Lennon at a swap party. The T-shirt and jeans are from Topshop, and the bag is from its Oxford Street branch. The Nike runners are from Champion Sports, and the ring was bought for me by my mother from DesignYard when I was living in New York. It says "on and on and on". I would die if I lost it. The sparkly leg warmers are from Ad Hoc in Temple Bar.
WHAT'S IN THE BAG?My phone, lip gloss, CDs, iPod and some nuts. Plus a change of clothes.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SHOPS?I love the high street – shops such as Zara, HM and Topshop – but my favourite place for a treat is Costume. I buy underwear from Brown Thomas. I love rummaging through vintage and second-hand shops and finding bargains – when you're small you have a better chance of getting a good find.
APART FROM DANCE WEAR, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO DRESS?I've always been conscious of being petite. I really appreciate good clothes, and love dressing up. I wear runners and Converse, but I am in my element when I dress up and get into high heels because I wear sweatpants and jeans so much.
WHERE DO YOU GET THE BEST DANCEWEAR?The quality of Lycra in fabrics is the most important thing in dance clothing. Dance World is excellent, but you can also pick things up in MS.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLOTHING?A dress by Tim Ryan, which I have worn about 300 times. It's a knit in pale, pale pastels and it fits the body like cling-film. It has been to weddings, parties and christenings and I can wear it with flip flops or Jimmy Choos. I also love a party dress by Helen Cody in pale green with sequins and fur down the front, but I am always looking for an occasion.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE:I would say I really love being casual. It's a mix of street, and looking as if you have made no effort and not tried too hard. I wear a lot of jeans. I must have about 35 pairs in my wardrobe.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EXPENSIVE CLOTHING PURCHASE?A leather bomber jacket with a hood, from Costume. It cost €600, but I love bomber jackets.
DO FASHION AND DANCE GO TOGETHER?Yes, there's a fashion feel to dance and it's influenced by pop stars and MTV, so there's a synergy between the two. There's a style to it. I have taken classes in New York, Los Angeles and London, and the young ones dress up coming to class. The more funky lot will wear knee-length socks, football shorts and hoodies and 1980s Flashdance styles.
WHAT IS YOUR WINTER UNIFORM?Loose, baggy Diesel jeans, baggy sweaters (cashmere, from my boyfriend who gave them to me in every colour!) and Converse runners.
DO YOU WEAR A LOT OF COLOUR?I am really trying to wear more colour and my favourite pieces are colourful. I have an off-the-shoulder little black dress from Reiss – it's a safe feeling wearing black. There's something chic about it.
WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS?I think that Lady GaGa [US songwriter and musician] looks great, even when she's wearing underwear. Gwen Stefani is so colourful, so dynamic and innovative, and the way she dresses depicts how she is as a performer. She's zany and courageous. Young people try to emulate her, but though it works on stage with lights, it doesn't work on the street.
Jane Shortall’s dance courses start in a new studio in Friarsland Fitness Centre in Clonskeagh this month. This afternoon from 2pm until 3.30pm, there’s a free class to learn Beyoncé’s latest music video moves. It’s open to all levels and ages. See www.janeshortall.com