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The feis (say it: FESH) is an Irish step dancing competition. For us dancers, it's REALLY exciting! We get to compete, alone or in teams, with people from across the state and beyond. There, you can find vendors of Irish goods, teachers, and LOTS of people in curlers. I was totally baffled at my first feis, so here is a brief feis walk-through. It's important to note that this is an explanation of Southern Californian feiseanna (plural of feis; say it fesh-AH-na). The procedures vary according to the region.

The championship section is nearer the bottom of the page.

The Day Before the Feis

The focus of this day should be rest and relaxation. Chill. If you need to work off some nervous energy, practice that step that's been giving you trouble--every dancer has one. As long as you keep your curlers dry, you could take a bath. I find that a bath is a great way to relax, and a perfect time to visualize yourself dancing perfectly. I also recommend giving your feet a nice rub, with lotions and everything, to prep them for a loooong day. Of course, there's no way to maintain a perfectly clear and calm outlook right before a feis, but it's worth it to make an effort.

The Big Day

Let's say that your competition starts at 8:30. You should plan to be at the feis by at the latest 8:00. I would recommend getting there at 7:30, personally. Often, the feis is behind schedule, but the one day that you're running late will be the day that the feis is right on time. Better safe than sorry.

At the feis, if you have curled your hair, you should start removing the curlers. If you are running late, you could start to take them out in the car, but if possible, wait. Next, find your teacher, or if she hasn't come, the registration table. Get your numbers (solo and figure numbers) and be sure to know which is which. You wear the same number for all of your solo dances, but you change numbers for every figure dance. Actually, an increasing trend at feiseanna is to use a team member's solo number instead of a special figure number. I kind of like it better that way. Usually, someone will announce the dance numbers before they start, so pay attention.

Once you see people lining up at your stage, ask what they are lining up for. If it's your competition, find the check-in person. This is usually the annoyed-looking person with a clipboard standing at the front of the line. He or she will take your name and number, and then direct you to the correct line. It is very important that you do this!

Then, ten or twelve people go on stage to perform for the judge. Before you go on, check your shoelaces. It is dangerous to have untied shoelaces, plus you lose if they come undone. Double-knot them. If you're unsure of what to do once onstage, ask the annoyed clipboard lady. They're actually very friendly. Also, a helper often stands behind the line on stage to tell the dancers when to start in beginner levels. Usually, once onstage, dancers dance two at a time, starting at the judge's left-hand end of the line. Step out as the dancers before you enter their last eight bars of dancing. Dance. Bow to the judge and return to line.

Once you've danced, return to the line at the back of the stage. Wait, bow with the line, then walk off like a champion!
About a half-hour or more after your last dance, the awards will be posted. Know your number and the numbers of your competition. If you win a medal, pat yourself on the back. Having patted yourself on the back, check to be sure that you know exactly what place you got in all your competitions. Take this information and your number to the awards table and collect your medals or trophy. Keep in mind that sometimes "special" competitions are announced onstage, so be sure not to miss it.
After the feis, don't forget to look for all your belongings. Label your shoes before the feis with your name and phone number.
On a closing note, remember that there are always other feiseanna, so just enjoy yourself and have fun!

Championships

If you're a new champion, moving into prelims will probably be a bit scary. It will be less scary if you know what you're supposed to do.

First off, if you are doing solos as well as a championship, those are usually first. It's basically the same as prizewinner solos, except the clipboard lady will ask you what soft shoe and hard shoe you are doing in solos. You must do the opposite from what you plan to do in your championship. Once onstage, you know the drill. Two steps down the line. After the whole line bows to the judge, usually they will also bow to the musician. Make a mental note of what side of the stage the musician is on before you dance.

When they call for your championship to check in on the side of the stage, you will need to see the clipboard lady again. She will ask you what soft shoe, hard shoe, and set you are doing. (This is assuming the championship includes all three rounds; many feiseanna omit either the hard shoe round or the set.) Tell her, and make sure you know what speed you are doing your set at. They will line you up in order. You walk onstage and dance two at a time. When the pair ahead of you is standing at the back of the stage waiting to bow, walk on and stand behind them. Make a mental note of whether you are on the left or the right, because you need to return to that spot after you dance. Dance. Bow. Walk back, bow to the judge, and bow to the musician again. Change your shoes quickly for the next round. The hard shoe round is just the same, and so is the set, except sets are danced one at a time.

Hang around for awards. Awards are announced onstage. Stay in your dress, shoes, and wig for awards, even if you don't expect to place. It looks very unprofessional to go onstage for an award if you aren't in costume.

That's it. Go home now.