Irish Dance

Step Dancing (sometimes called just "Irish dance") is a type of recreational and competitive folk dance that has been popularized by the world-famous "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance." Although it is most widespread in Ireland, it is also found in Scotland and the North of England. When performed as a solo dance, it is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and the quick and precise movements of the feet. Couples also dance with other couples, in a manner similar to a square dance; these dances are danced throughout Ireland with many regional variations. Larger groups of four, six, eight, or more people can dance traditional ceili ['ki:li] dances, in which the steps are prescribed.

Competitions

Competitive step dancing has grown steadily since the mid 1900's. An organized step dance competition is called feis (pronounced "fesh"). Participants in a feis must be students of an accredited Irish step dance teacher. Dance competitions are divided by age and level of expertise. In North America, dancers progress from Beginner/Advanced Beginner to Novice to Prizewinner to Preliminary Champion to the final level, Champion. Feis competition levels vary around the world, generally depending on the local history and the presence of more advanced dancers.

Rules for feiseanna (plural for feis) are set by the World Irish Dance Commission. Local organizations may add additional rules to the basic rule set. There are seven regions in North America. In North America, regional Chanpionship competitions are held the weekend of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Annual national championship competitions are held in Ireland (known as the "All-Ireland" competition), North America (including Canada and the United States), Australia, and Europe. Annual World Championship competitions have been held in The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The World Championship competitions are held around the Easter Holiday.

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What Is A Feis?

Newcomers to a feis are confused by what they see and hear. Jigs, treble jigs, slip jigs, reels, hornpipes – what's the difference? Step, figure, set, ceili dances – are they variations on a theme? But first, what is a feis?

Feis is the Irish word for festival and it supports language, singing, dancing, story telling, essay writing, and other aspects of Irish culture. Although Irish dancing as we know it today has its roots in the late 18th century, the first feis was held in Ireland in 1897.

Irish dance technique is not easy to master. It is the only form of ethnic dance depending on natural balance without the use of arms. The steps are generally more complicated than most forms of traditional or folk dance.

The rigid upper body and intricate footwork make an interesting contrast. People call it "the ice of body and fire of feet." The strict discipline is rewarded with grace, beauty, and elegance of movement which are characteristic of Irish dancing. The colorful costumes feature ancient and modern Celtic designs and each dance school has its own.

In the solo dancing events, the children compete in one of five levels, depending upon their abilities and the results of earlier competitions. The score is from an independent judge's evaluation of the dancer's Timing (rhythm), Carriage (mannnners), Construction of Steps (complexity), and Execution (presentation).

The Beginner level is open to boys and girls who have never competed before or hadn't won a first, second, or third place at a feis. The dancers must perform a jig which is set in 6/8 time and/or a reel, which is set in 2/4 or 4/4 time. They wear soft shoes which are similar to ballet slippers. Although the children appear on stage in twos, they do not necessarily dance in unison nor do they compete solely against each other.

The Novice level is for boys or girls who have placed first, second, or third as a beginner in that particular dance (reel or jig). Two more dances are added to this class for the girls. At the novice level of jig competition, it's normally an option for the dancer to perform in either soft shoes (light jig) or hard shoes (treble jig).

The Prizewinner (sometimes called simply Open) level is a step up for boys and girls who no longer qualify as a beginner or novice dancer. A set dance is added to the competition at this level. A set dance is "set" to certain music and carries the name of the tune to which it is choreographed, such as The Blackthorn Stick, The Hunt, or The Three Sea Captains. This is performed in hard shoes and at the dancer's own chosen speed. Set dances should always reflect the rhythm of the music in the movement of the feet.

The last two categories are champion level groups, they are for only the more seriously competitive and talented dancers. It is usual for a champion level dancer to devote 1000+ hours a year to Irish dancing if you add up the time spent on formal lessons, home practice, performances, and competing at feisanna

The Preliminary Championship level is for those who have placed first at the prizewinner (open) level at a previous feis. This is normally the only level of competition where boys and girls dance in the same events. Dancers must perform one soft shoe dance and one set dance in hard shoes.

The Open Championship level, the most advanced of solo competition, is for those who had previously won two first place awards in the Preliminary level.

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