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TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR FIRST FEIS

(Click here to see a list of upcoming feaisanna)

PRIOR TO DANCING

  • Plan to arrive around 8:30am ( competitions commence at 9am)

  • Collect competitor number ( index card) - tables are arranged alphabetically, sometimes by surname, sometimes by School name.

  • Pin number waist high on front center of costume.

  • Locate the stage on which each of your competitions will take place - match the competition number on front of competitor index card to the list of competitions posted at each stage.

  • Routinely check these stages so you are aware of approximate start times.

  • When it is time for your competition, a stage hand will assemble all of the competitors near the end of the stage.  Competitors are lined up in random order.  It is usually a good idea for students of the same school to separate themselves.

SOLO DANCING

  • Dancers proceed on to the stage in groups of approximately 8-10.  The judge lists all numbers on his/her score sheet and then asks the musician to begin. 

  • The first two competitors step out and begin to dance immediately after the 8-bar musical introduction. Each dancer performs two steps (32 bars of music), two dancers at a time.  The next set of dancers begin as soon as the preceding dancers are finished - NO ADDITIONAL MUSIC SHOULD ELAPSE !!!!!  It is very important to know when to start “in time” with the music.  Dancers cannot depend on watching other dancers to know when they will be done - listen to the music and focus on oneself. 

  • Once a dancer is finished he/she should return to the on-stage line and wait until the entire group is finished - then walk off the stage with the group.  The next set of 8-10 will proceed on to the stage and so forth until all of the dancers in that specific competition  have had a chance to dance. We practice this exact format in class every week.

FIGURE / TEAM DANCING

  • Preparation is generally the same as for solos (above). Groups usually perform one at a time.

AWARDS

  • When a competition is over, the judge will tally the scores and place the dancers.  These results are forwarded (via a stagehand) for posting at a central location.  Dancers should check this location, looking for the results of their particular competition.  If a dancer’s number is listed among the posted winners he/ she should proceed to the awards location to collect an award.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Since beginners’ and team dances begin early in the day, we recommend that everyone arrive fully dressed - -except for shoes.  PLEASE TIE AND KNOT LACES SO SHOES ARE VERY SECURE !! Bring safety pins to attach capes and numbers. 

  • Dancers are routinely reminded that they should NOT STOP even if mistakes are made - recover and continue.  Others may make multiple mistakes and you may still win.

  • Members of team dances should always remember to encourage and help each other.  IF ONE MEMBER MAKES A MISTAKE, IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OTHERS TO ASSESS BLAME.  Mistakes will happen, everyone makes them and everyone can learn from the - learn and try to do even better next time.

  • Beginners may enjoy watching the advanced competitions later in the day and therefore may want to bring a change of clothes.

  • ALL OF THE TEACHERS WILL BE AT THE FEIS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HELPING WHEREVER NEEDED.

We are very proud of all of the dancers at the Cara School and wish you the best of luck !! Have fun and remember that if you don’t win this time there will be many many more opportunities - SMILE.