Many of our dancers who are competing for the first time or our beginners, wear a Dennehy Jumper with a blouse or wear a white blouse with a blue skirt. They will also need poodle socks and their dancing shoes. Your dancer doesn’t need to wear a wig but there will be some kids in their competitions with them on.
When you arrive to the Feis, go to the registration desk (set up alphabetically), and get your registration card. Your competitor number is listed on one side and the competition numbers in which you are entered are on the other side. Verify that the competitions listed are correct. Check the stage assignment sheet and map to locate which stage your competitions are on. Also, the competitor # needs to be worn by the dancer. It can be attached with a safety pin or yarn / ribbon. Many feiseanna have these items available for families but it’s probably a good idea to have your own just in case.
Figure Ceili competitions are usually first. Solo competitions usually start after all of the figure competitions are complete. Check with a volunteer of the feis to verify the order of competition. Occasionally check the competition progress for the stages you will be dancing on. There will be a large board listing the competition numbers located at each stage. As a competition is completed, the number is crossed off. Depending on the # of competitors in each competition, it’s a good idea to be at your stage at least 3 competitions ahead of yours to be ready to check in.
Results are posted on the Results Board - check about 30 minutes to 1 hour after the competition is over for your results.
Wear comfortable shoes - you will be walking a lot!
Other Feis Tips!
Many competitions allow families to “camp” in certain designated areas at a feis. Therefore, you may want to bring a blanket and some chairs to use during the day.
Bring a busy bag for the younger kids. Older kids can bring a book or an iPod / iPad. You may have a wait in between dances.
Bring everything you think you could possibly need. Have a supply of band-aids, aspirin, shoe polish, extra shoe laces, sock glue, tape, bobby pins, wig, hair donut, safety pins, bloomers, etc.
If you are attending a feis out of town and arrive the evening before, most feiseanna have registration available that night. This will cut down on time the morning of the feis.
Bring a pair of shorts for the dancer to wear in between dances. If time allows, practice your steps just before your competition begins.
Bring a highlighter and pen. Use the highlighter to highlight your competitions and cross off the completed competitions on your stage and keep track of your competitions.
GOOD LUCK, RELAX AND HAVE FUN!