All you need to know about a Feis
How do you pronounce that?
It is pronounced “fesh” - the plural of feis - feiseanna - is pronounced “fesh-nah”
What is a feis?
The Gaelic word feis means festival, but is more commonly used to describe an Irish dance competition. A feis is a gathering of dancers for competition, each representing various Irish Dance Schools. Dancers perform in front of a judge (or judges) to live or recorded music. Feiseanna may also offer competition opportunities in one or more other aspects of Irish culture: music performance, art, Irish language, or soda bread baking, to name a few. In solo events, competitors from different schools dance simultaneously, so the two dancers competing next to each other will each be dancing different steps.
Who can participate in a feis?
All our Connemara dancers are able and encouraged to participate in competitions. We feel that it helps all dancers progress in the sport of Irish Dancing. They learn the importance of hard work and how to win and lose gracefully - they also get to meet dancers from other schools. There are competition levels available for our very youngest dancers to our most seasoned senior dancers.
How does a dancer start competing?
Any dancer can start competing as soon as they are able to follow instructions, stand on a stage without a parent or teacher, and somewhat get through one step. There is a category called "First Feis" that dancers under 7 can enter to get a feel for what competition is all about, get up on stage, and try their best. They would get to put on the costumes, proper dance shoes....and typically get an award as well to encourage them to do it again!
It is pronounced “fesh” - the plural of feis - feiseanna - is pronounced “fesh-nah”
What is a feis?
The Gaelic word feis means festival, but is more commonly used to describe an Irish dance competition. A feis is a gathering of dancers for competition, each representing various Irish Dance Schools. Dancers perform in front of a judge (or judges) to live or recorded music. Feiseanna may also offer competition opportunities in one or more other aspects of Irish culture: music performance, art, Irish language, or soda bread baking, to name a few. In solo events, competitors from different schools dance simultaneously, so the two dancers competing next to each other will each be dancing different steps.
Who can participate in a feis?
All our Connemara dancers are able and encouraged to participate in competitions. We feel that it helps all dancers progress in the sport of Irish Dancing. They learn the importance of hard work and how to win and lose gracefully - they also get to meet dancers from other schools. There are competition levels available for our very youngest dancers to our most seasoned senior dancers.
How does a dancer start competing?
Any dancer can start competing as soon as they are able to follow instructions, stand on a stage without a parent or teacher, and somewhat get through one step. There is a category called "First Feis" that dancers under 7 can enter to get a feel for what competition is all about, get up on stage, and try their best. They would get to put on the costumes, proper dance shoes....and typically get an award as well to encourage them to do it again!