Feis Day

Arrive Early! Beginner competitions are usually scheduled first. If there is any delay in registration, you don’t want to be worried about missing your competition.

Pick up your registration packet, which will include your competitor number printed on a card.

Verify that your are entered in the correct competitions. Competition numbers are listed on the back of your competitor number. If corrections need to be made, do so immediately. Usually, there is a separate table for corrections.

Pick up program and/or stage schedule. In the program, there is always a list of stage numbers for all competitions. (Sometimes this list is available separately) Find the stage numbers for your competitions, then locate the stages in the hall.

Get dressed in your costume. Make sure laces are double tied, headpiece is securely fastened and shawl is pinned so that it won’t fall off your shoulder. (Pinning the underside of your shawl from the inside of your dress/shirt at the center back usually does the trick.)  Just a reminder that dancers under the age of 10 are prohibited by national rules from wearing makeup or using fake tanning products.

Attach competitor number using either a piece of yarn/ribbon or safety pins. One or the other is usually provided in the registration packet. You can also buy (from one of the vendor tables) a number holder. This is a plastic sleeve, which can be threaded onto yarn/ribbon or elastic and worn around the waist. NOTE: It is a good idea to bring some extra safety pins as they can be used for lots of things like attaching your number, anchoring your shawl, even fixing a hem (in an emergency).

Competing

Get to your stage earlier than you think you need to be there. Check in with the stage manager, who will confirm you are on the list of competitors or add your name if corrections had to be made to your registration. Once you have checked in, stay by the stage. The stage manager will line you up in the order you’ll compete. Usually, dancers from the same school are separated in this lineup.

IMPORTANT: You should be at the stage early as check in occurs during the competition before yours. As each competition has varying numbers of entrants, it is impossible to determine exactly how long each competition will take. If you miss your competition, there is no chance to make it up.

When your competition begins, the stage manager will direct you to line up across the back of the stage. If there’s a large number of competitors, you will be divided up into smaller groups. There is usually a live musician playing for each stage.

You dance two at a time. At the beginner’s level, there is usually a person to help start each pair of dancers. When you have finished your two steps, it is customary to bow to the judge and the musician then return to the line. When all dancers are finished, the judge will indicate that you may leave the stage, then all dancers leave together.

IMPORTANT: Never approach a judge with questions, problems, complaints. All communications should be directed to the stage manager, a feis staff person or a teacher from your school. A common dilemma is being scheduled to dance on two stages at about the same time. If you make at least one of the above people (stage manager, staff or teacher) aware of your problem, some accommodation will be made so you can compete in both dances.

After You've Finished

Results for each competition are posted at a central location. The results list up to four places. There can be more than one dancer in each place. If your number is listed on the results chart, you should go to the award table to claim your medal. It is recommended that you check results only when you’ve finished all your competitions to minimize the amount of time spent waiting in line.

You can also get your actual scores. It is highly recommended that you do this. They are available for a few dollars. Sometimes they are available immediately; otherwise they are mailed to you a day or two after the feis. Typically, they list your score and the scores for the first three places. You may also get written comments from the judges, which can be useful to you as you work to become a better dancer.

Remember

Competing in a feis is a learning experience. For many dancers, it takes a few competition experiences before they feel comfortable. It is also important to realize that each judge has his/her own opinion, and that each competition is really a "snapshot" of your dancing at that particular moment on that particular day. Only by entering several feiseanna can you see if there are consistencies (good or bad) in your dancing by checking for similarities in the scores/comments you receive at each feis.

Finally, and most importantly, you should have fun. There is an air of excitement at a feis that is unlike any other performing experience. You have worked hard to prepare, and this is a great chance to share your skills and talents with other members of the Irish dance community. A feis is a unique opportunity to celebrate the music and dance of Ireland and to celebrate yourself. Beannacht Dé duit!