Feis (pronounced Fesh) is the Irish word for festival. The first Feis was held
in Ireland in 1897 and was a celebration of the Irish culture including language,
song, dance and creative writing. The Feis arrived in America in 1964. Though
many Feisanna (plural for Feis) include language, writing and soda bread competitions,
the focus is on Irish dancing. Dance teachers from each school make up their own
dance steps to teach to their students. When the student feels confident with their
steps, they may enter the competitions. Students will compete in one (sometimes two)
of five levels in the appropriate age bracket. First, second, and third places are
usually awarded for each dance.
Feis Levels for Dancers
Beginner – Open only to dancers who have not taken dance
lessons prior to September of the previous year. A beginner must move into the
Advanced Beginner category the next year (2 steps, 2 at a time). Dancers wear
soft shoes (ghillies) and a nice dress outfit or McDade School uniform or costume.
Girls must curl their hair in ringlets and wear a school headband or scrunchie.
Advanced Beginner – Dancer remains an advanced beginner
until he/she wins 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Dancer moves up to novice only in the dance(s)
he/she has won 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Dancers must wear a McDade School uniform or costume.
Girls must curl their hair or wear a McDade School wig with school headband or scrunchie.
Novice – Any dancer who has won 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Advanced
Beginner competition only in that dance. Must move into Prizewinner after winning
a 1st in that dance. All girls must have a McDade School costume and a McDade School
wig at this level.
Prizewinner – a dancer who has previously won 1st in Novice
in a particular dance. Dancers may compete in the McDade School dress or purchase
a solo costume.
The last two levels are for the more serious competitors and require very
dedicated dancers.
Preliminary Championship – Open to dancers who have placed 1st,
2nd or 3rd in each of their prizewinner dances.
Open Championship – The most advanced level. Must have won
TWO first places at the Preliminary level.
