Any dancer who knows at least one full dance
is able to compete at Shelagh Feile. Any one who is competing this year at Regionals and Nationals should be planning to attend Shelagh Feile.
For those of you who are new to Irish Competitions or haven't competed in a while here's just a few words...
For First-Timers (and old timers) please know that the schedule is not a solid
schedule. Things happen, they always happen, without fail they always happen. So just relax and go with the flow.
I would like for our group to gather
about 45 minutes from start-up for stage introduction, warm-ups, and costume check at the competition venue. So
find me or Elizabeth (aka Lizzie-to our long time Feis friends)
I'll help everyone through the check-in process the morning
of the competition. It's easy so don't worry, and I have things for you parents
to do to help relax (or keep occupied) during the competition. Remember,
if you're stressed you'll only make it worse on your dancer who is already
excited, nervous, stressed and so on.
(that may or may not help)
1. Dancers should be practicing every day.
2. Thursday Night (or the night before leaving) dancers
should have all dancer accouterments accounted for and packed. Then pack your
everyday stuff (clothes, toothbrush, etc.). Next pack entertainment (books,
electronic game, coloring, etc.) you'll be at the competition for several hours and
much of the time is spent waiting.
3. Friday Night (or night before competition) light practice
or run through, good supper/dinner, lay out dance items (ready for the
morning), and then to bed early. If everyone is at the same hotel we may have a quick run through.
4. Saturday (or competition morning) up early and
light warm-up. Either breakfast first then get ready or get ready then
breakfast. If you choose to get ready then breakfast please remember No
Eating In Costume. You can shower and such, put on your wig, but no
costume until after you eat. If you’re driving in the morning of the
competition (which I don't encourage, but "you gotta do, what you
gotta do") leave the dress for last. There should be some place to change
at the venue.
Dancer Tips for the Competition (and
respectively, this includes parents)
1. Pet Peeve Alert... At the competition, mind your
P's and Q's. That means be polite, and show good sportsmanship. Dancers, we know
you're nervous but that is no excuse for bad manners, and I will "call you
out on it" if I see it. Congratulate and console your team mates. Remember
you are a team first. Your classmate's win is your win, your classmate's loss
is your loss. I'm already proud of you, so nothing you do is going to change
that view (except for bad sportsmanship).
2. No talking to the judges. Of course if they say “Hi!” please
respond in kind. If you receive a complement "Thank you" is a proper response. Do not approach and start conversing about dancing to a competition judge.
3. Make friends, you already have
something in common. Have fun, relax, don't sweat the small stuff, ...
4. Pet Peeve Alert... Listen and pay attention, I
can't stress this enough.
5. Pet Peeve Alert... Go to the bathroom before
line-up, and/or after you've completed your dances, and make sure your
ghillies are tied and stay tied!
6. Make friends, you already have
something in common. Have fun, relax, don't sweat the small stuff, ...
7. Pet Peeve Alert... Do not change after you've
completed your dances, even your shoes. We have a bit of a wait until awards
and you must be completely geared to receive your award (that's the rules).
8. Pet Peeve Alert... Listen and pay attention. I'm
your coach so you see me before and after your dances. Remember that I'm
already proud of you, and you are going to be phenomenal!
9. Make friends, you already have
something in common. Have fun, relax, don't sweat the small stuff, ...
I'll stop there. Email me if you have any questions. If you
can keep posted on Facebook, and lets make sure I have everyone's phone #'s so I can do a group text.
Thanks, you are all wonderful!
Tam
One last item that I've been forgetting to post:
Wigs!
If you have one that still looks nice, or have just purchased one and it is in a different category, no need to upgrade or change. It will be fine! But if you are looking to make a change or are in need of replacing your wig here is where you can order your wigs. We have a color wheel at the studio if you want to test out the colors.
Pink Team Wigs (Hailey-younger dancers)
Black Team Wigs (Youth Spiral)
Slightly larger wigs are acceptable for our Ard and Craobh Grad dancers for competitions. The picture to the left is NOT a good example however. When you are ready for that, we can work together on a new wig. If you have questions about what to order, please feel free to contact me.
