What is a Feis?

A feis, simply,  is an Irish Dance Competition. It is loud, crowded, exciting, exasperating, exhilarating, fun, and tiring!

The word "Feis" (pronounced “fesh”) comes from a Gaelic word meaning "festival".   Though many Feiseanna (plural for Feis) include language, music, crafts, writing and soda bread competitions, the main focus is on Irish Dancing.

Throughout the year, there will be many opportunities for your dancer to attend a feis.    You can find a complete list of North American Feiseanna here.  Each feis will post a syllabus, typically 2 to 3 months in advance, where you’ll find all of the information you need to register your dancer.

 

Each Feis provides an opportunity for your dancer to compete against others in the same age group and level.  For your dancer, this is a fun and exciting occasion.  For a “feis parent”, the experience can be very overwhelming!  

 

Feis Levels (please double check your level with your teacher)

Beginner – Open only to dancers who have not taken dance lessons prior to September of the previous year. A beginner

                     must move into the  Advanced Beginner category the next year (2 steps, 2 at a time).   Dancers wear soft shoes                                          (ghillies) and either the school dress, suit/headband or a white blouse and navy/black skirt.  Hair must be neat                                        and tidy.

 

Advanced Beginner – Dancer remains an advanced beginner until he/she wins 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Dancer moves up to novice                                                            only in the dance(s)  he/she has won 1st, 2nd or 3rd AND with your Teachers permission. Dancers                                                                must wear a school dress or skirt/bodysuit.

Novice – Any dancer who has won 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Advanced Beginner competition and has teacher permission to move                                      up.   Dancers in Novice compete in a School dress or purchase a solo costume.

Prizewinner – A dancer who has previously won 1st in Novice in a particular dance. Dancers may compete in the  School                                                 dress or purchase a solo costume.

The last two levels are for the more serious competitors and require very dedicated dancers:

Preliminary Championship – Open to dancers who have placed 1st each of their prizewinner dances.

 

Open Championship – The most advanced level. Must have won TWO first places at the Preliminary level.