A Feis (say "fesh") is an Irish step dancing competition. Feiseanna (plural, say "fesh-an-uh") were traditionally cultural gatherings with events and competitions in music, dancing, singing and other aspects of Irish culture.
Before looking at the modern feis it's important to recall a little history. Irish step-dancing as we know it in the 21st century can be traced back to travelling dance masters of 18th century rural Ireland. They each developed their own "steps" (footwork danced to eight measures or bars of music) and competed against each other for the opportunity to teach in different regions. In 1929 the Irish Dancing Commission (An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha) was formed to establish rules for the teaching, judging and competitions.
Before they can go on to compete, students must master the basics of Irish dancing known as the "sevens and threes" i.e. the sidestep followed by a 1, 2, 3 step. Or, in other words, learn a beginners dance.
In the solo dancing events, the children compete in one of four levels: Beginner, Primary, Intermediate and Open. Dancers move through the levels by fulfilling certain criteria, such as winning a first in a dance against at least 5 other dancers
Once in their categories, the dancers are divided according to their ages so a six-year-old will not compete directly against a 14-year-old. Each dancer usually competes in several dances, possibly even in different categories if they advance more quickly in one dance than another.
In solo competitions each dance is judged and awarded separately. The dancers perform two or three at a time. The judge will usually have a small bell to ring so the dancers know when to stop. They then bow to the judge, return to the back of the stage then wait for a second bell, when they bow to the judge and musician and walk off stage. Judges identify dancers by the number pinned to their costume. Results are either announced or posted, and those placed receive medals. Some feiseanna also have team competitions, including two and three-hand dances, Ceilis (say 'cay-lee') and figures.
Mike did great at the Queen City Feis in Cincinnati! He did so well that he's been passed up 2 levels and will now compete at the harder OPEN LEVEL in his next feis in Dayton next month.
