Let's Take Care of Some Feile Business...

 

IRISH DANCE TERM
 

FEILE
(Fay - Lah)
Rhymes with Shelagh!
A feile is an Irish dance competition with less than 3 adjudicators.  Dancers compete in solo and team dances categorized by age and level.  There can be other events such as arts & crafts, food and singing as well.  The McGovern Ceili Dancers host a Biennial Feile.  We will be hosting one this year  August 13, 2016.  Follow updates and find info about our Feile on
https://www.facebook.com/ShelaghFeile/?fref=ts

 

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)

White & Gold  Team Wigs   (Teen 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.