Competition Info
First Feis
What is a feis?
A feis (fesh) is the name for an Irish dance competition. OGQ is registered with An Coimisiun le Rince Gaelacha (CLRG) and therefore all of our dancers must compete with feisanna that are registered with the North American Feis Commission (NAFC) or CLRG.
It is not mandatory to compete in Irish dance but many progress much quicker when they start competing. We always say it’s like joining football or soccer and then attending practices but not attending the games! You can decide to just concentrate on performances and not competition, however they are mostly concentrated over the St. Patrick’s Day Season and don’t really aid in progression all year round like competitions do. It is very common for dancers that compete regularly to progress much quicker than those who do not.
Where can I find information on local feisanna?
This website is for the NAFC and has all info and rules
www.northamericanfeiscommission.org
This is a great website but there is a small fee
www.feis411.com
How do I know if my dancer is ready to feis?
You must check with your teacher before signing up for your first feis. They will know what dances your child is ready to compete in. Keep in touch with your teacher as your dancer progresses and they will continuously let you know when to move your dancer up a level or to add dances.
How do I sign up for a feis?
First you must read through the syllabus of the feis you would like to attend. Make sure they are still taking entries and when the entries are due. Remember to allow plenty of time to sign up. They tend to reach their cap and close early.
Figure out how old your dancer is as of Jan 1st of this year. If your dancer is 9 as of Jan 1st then your dancer will compete in Under 10 all year long regardless of when they turn 10.
Figure out the level your dancer will be competing in and the dances your dancer is performing.
Example: Dancer is U10 and competing in Reel and Light Jig in Adv Beginner. Therefore dancer will be in comp # 100 and 101. (The competition numbers vary by feis)
Once you have figured that out, you will need to see if the feis does online entries, mail in entries or both. If both you can choose whatever you prefer.
Online entries will require you to sign up on a particular website and enter via that website. Payment options may be online or mail in. Make sure to read the instructions.
Mail in entries will require you to write the following and send it in with your check. Fees can vary from feis to feis.
Example – make sure it is written on a 3x5 index card:
Katie Smith Age: 10 DOB: 1/15/1999
1234 Main St
Bethlehem, PA 18018
123-456-7890
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
O’Grady Quinlan Academy
Comp # 100 Reel, 101 Light Jig
How far in advance should I sign my dancer up for a feis?
Most competitions in the Mid-Atlantic region will have their syllabus out approx 3 months before the feis date. Some will be later and some will be earlier but this is the general time frame. Please make sure you don’t wait until the last minute. Many feisanna in our area will close when they reach the cap. Many times this is before the due date of entries.
What is appropriate to wear at a feis?
DANCERS:
Beginner thru Novice Girls will wear a jumper or an OGQ School dress, a wig, a crown, and dance socks along with the proper shoes. NO SOLO DRESSES ALLOWED
Beginner thru Novice boys will wear black pants, a black shirt, a red tie, black socks and the appropriate shoes.
Dancers in Prizewinner and above may wear a solo outfit that is approved by the teachers.
REMINDER: PLEASE do not let your dancer walk around in her bloomers/lollies!
PARENTS:
Casual dress is fine. Sneakers are always a plus. Go for comfort!
Feis Checklist
___ Dress/Boys outfit
___ Shoes
___ Socks and sock glue
___ Wig and Headband
___ Make Up/Mirror
___ Bobby pins
___ Safety pins
___ Duct tape/Electrical Tape
___ Travel Sewing Kit
___ Scissors
___ Pens/Pencils
___ Healthy Snacks
___ Things to do while waiting (coloring books, Nintendo DS, etc)
___ Feis Chair for you and dancer
___ Camera
___ Bandaid/Ice Pack