Many new parents or first time competitors have questions regarding
competitions. Listed below is an overview of some of the things you would need to know to get started in competition, as well as a sample of a feis syllabus.
Irish dance competitions called feisanna are open to dancers from every level. All dancers are required to dance two steps (consecutively) on both the right and left foot. Once your child is able to perform two steps you can begin entering them in competition.
Competition encourages our dancers to strive to improve and meet personal goals. It also offers dancers a chance to meet dancers and families from other schools and more importantly make friendships that can last a lifetime.
Beginner dancers are not required to have a school costume.
A white blouse, black skirt, dance socks and shoes are fine.
Hair should be curled or put up in a bun.
If you are considering entering your dancer in competition for the first time, looking at a feis syllabus could be a bit daunting. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
**The first thing you will need to do is choose which feis you would like to attend. Basically for first timers, that is one closest to home!
***To see a listing of all of the upcoming feisanna (plural of feis) you can use the link on the school website.
Information regarding each feis will be listed on the site as well as a syllabus for that particular feis.
**Remember: The syllabus is the key to every feis!
On the syllabus you will find: the date, location, directions, the competitions that are being offered, the fees, the approximate time the event will start, and also most importantly, the feis entry information.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE SPECIAL NOTICE OF THE CLOSE OUT DATE ON THE SYLLABUS, ( that is the last date they will accept entries for their feis!!) However, many feisanna reach their maximum number of entries early and will close out once they reach that number. It is always best to enter early!
Before you can fill out your entry card, you need to find out from your teacher what dances he/ or she wants your child to enter, then select your child's age group.
The rule for dance age is:
Always consider your child's age as of January 1st of that year.
For example, a child who turned 9 years old on May 15th, will be considered 8 years old ( or under 9) for dancing purposes, since she was 8 on January 1st!
Therefore, if you look at the sample of the syllabus below, your child would be dancing (under 9). Say now that your teacher tells you that your child is able to enter a reel, jig , and slip jig competition.You would follow down the list to find Under 9, then look across. Her
competition numbers would be 215, Reel; 216, Jig, 217, Slip Jig.
SAMPLE SYLLABUS
Girl Reel Jig Slip Jig Treble Jig Hornpipe
Under 6 200 201 202 203 204
Under 7 205 206 207 208 209
Under 8 210 211 212 213 214
Under 9 215 216 217 218 219
Under 10 220 221 222 223 224
Under 11 225 226 227 228 229
Under 12 230 231 232 233 234
Now that you know the dances, the next step is to fill out the entry card!
Get yourself a 3x5 card, and put your dancers Name, age, date of birth on the top line. Address and phone number next, followed by dance school name, which is Mc Coy School of Irish Dance. Then list the competition numbers your child is planning on entering (as demonstrated above)Add up the fees per dance . Make out a check
( to whomever the syllabus indicates)for the total amount of entry fees. Mail the entry card and the check to the feis entry person , and you're all done! Many feisanna now offer on-line entries .
Good Luck and have fun feising!
