Go Feis - The Irish Dance Blog
by Kathleen O’Reilly-WildRSS 
Recent Posts
- Songs for the 1st – 2nd September Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
- Songs for the 25th – 26th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS
- Songs for the 18th – 19th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS
- Songs for the 11th – 12th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS
- Championship training for Irish dancers - tips from teachers on Oireachtas Part 1
Archives
by PATRICIA MCNAMARA,
OK, so we're some of the lucky ones. We get to celebrate our Irish heritage every day through our dancing. We've got Irish tunes on the iPod practically on repeat. We indulge in delicious Irish treats at feiseanna every weekend. But in light of it being halfway to March 17, we figured, why not take a moment to think about one of the busiest days for an Irish dancer of the year?
Eh, then again, why jump the gun? Sure, St. Patrick’s Day 2012 is sneaking up on us, but there are a lot of things to look forward to before that…even before 2011 comes to an end. Here are some events we’re looking forward to the most. What can you add to the list?
by PATRICIA MCNAMARA,
September 11, 2011 is a day we will all remember. Thousands of innocent lives were taken from us. The word “terrorism” brought new meaning to everyone around the globe. On the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, many are paying tribute…in very different ways.
Five dancers from Pennsylvania’s Caitrin Academy of Irish Dance decided to use their skills and passion for the sport to create this special tribute. Aged 12-13, the talented individuals choreographed the dance themselves and wanted to use their gift to honor those we lost 10 years ago.
Check out the video below and let us know your thoughts.
Champs 16&Over (L-R): Jamie Callahan, Megan Murat, Ashleigh Hopkins, Taylor Stephens, Hannah Cass
Champs Special Treble Reel 13&Over (L-R): Cheyenne Stokes, Rebecca Herd, Megan Murat, Bailey Quigley, Sawyer Hicks, Shane McGoldrick, Hannah Cass
Champs Special Trebble Jig or Hornpipe Under 14 (L-R): Heather Noonan, Rebecca Herd, Bridget Kennedy, Sarah Troy, Paige Lanam, Lauren Begnaud
by PATRICIA MCNAMARA,
Heading to the St. Louis Fall Feis in Missouri this weekend or the Rock River Valley Feis in Illinois? How about the June Butler Memorial Feis in Ontario, the Longs Peak Feis in Colorado or the Irish American Assn. NW Jersey Feis in New Jersey?
No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own warm up playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors and be sure to come back and share your results with us!
Pop this on and take a stroll around the venue before going into the hustle and bustle of the day.
by INSPIRED DANCER, Feis America Magazine contributor
In the sport of Irish dancing, we don’t just have the thrill of performing and competing to look forward to, we also have great people to meet everywhere we go!
When I attend major competitions, I love meeting the other dancers just as much as I love dancing. This past July at the 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships in Nashville, Tenn., I had the pleasure of meeting of a lovely dancer with a very interesting story. Meet Colbee Misfud, a 21-year-old open champion from the land down under who’s proving hard work and dedication does pay off—even if you move to another country.
by ERIN CONCANNON,
Confidence is a quality that, to many dancers, might be hard to perfect…and easy to lose.
Just think of how discouraging it can be when one adjudicator’s opinion can make or break your feiseanna track record. But it’s how you mentally prepare yourself for all situations—competitive or not—in the dancing world that will help you survive. And what better way to start than with the fresh fall feiseanna headed your way. Read these tips for a little boost.
What are some thoughts that help you stay confident through competition? Let us know in the comments below.
by PATRICIA MCNAMARA,
Heading to the Clearwater Beach Feis in Florida this weekend or the Oakville Feis in Ontario? What about the Kansas City Feis in Missouri or the Texas Coast Feis? Or maybe you’re packing up for the Constitution State Feis in Connecticut or the Hidden Valley Feis in California.
No matter your competitive destination this Labor Day weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own warm up playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors and be sure to come back and share your results with us!
It sets the perfect pace to practice your high kicks. And, well, it will get ya pumped to own the stage.
