Helpful Hints for Placing at a Feis

• Do not look at the other dancers
• Count the music yourself and start right away on 1
• Keep your eyes straight ahead at all times
• Timing must be perfect all the way though the dance - LISTEN TO THE MUSICIAN
• Make sure your feet are turned out and crossed at the beginning and end of each movement
• Do not turn head, move arms or upper body while dancing
• Fist should be closed
• Lift legs at the back
• Dance on toes the whole time whether it's hardshoe or softshoe
• Perform 2 steps with the right and left foot for each dance except championship competitions


What to do when you arrive:

1. Arrive early

2. Pay the admission fee (dancers free) at the door and obtain a program. This program lists all the dancers and the number of events they will compete in and the stages they will dance on.

3. Go to the Registration desk and pick up the ENTRY #. Check that is matches your dancer's name and EVENT #'s.

4. Then use the program to match the EVENT # to the proper stage. If there are any conflicts - report them to the registration table. If not, punch a hole in the middle of each side of the ENTRY #, string the black shoe string through the holes and tie the number around the dancer's waist in a DOUBLE KNOT.

5. At this point you have most likely run into some Rochez families. We tend to mingle together. Ask them to assist you with any problems you may be having.

6. As the feis starts you will hear the national anthems and calls for the first events. Figure dancing starts the competitions. Orient yourself to the stages your dancer will be on. Next to the stage is a column of EVENT #ís. Locate your dancer's #. As the feis progresses, take your dancer to that stage 2 numbers prior to your event.

7. The EVENT # before your child's you should check in with the stage manager. They are usually carrying a clip board. Your child will then be sit in a line of chairs next to the stage. The stage usually hold between 10-12 children. Try not to have your child dance first. Judges usually start judging from their left. Watch the competition before to make sure which side starts first. The dancers dance 2 at a time and perform different steps because they attend different schools.

8. If your dancer has 2 dances coming up at the same time, check in with each stage and pick the one stage you think your dancer will dance first at. The feis should hold the competition until your dancer has completed his/her other dance. Go directly to the other stage for the 2nd dance.

9. After the competition your dancer will be escorted out of the stage area. If your dancer has medaled he/she may get the prize right at the stage or you will have to check the awards area. At the awards area you look for the EVENT # then look for your dancer's ENTRY #. If his/her number is there - show your number to the feis awards representative (they will be right there). They will have the dancer sign a confirmation paper then give you the medal.

10. Before you leave, please sign up for the judges comments and marks. This is done at the awards table. You may receive them that day or the feis will mail them back to your house.

11. If your child places at the feis - please fill out a result form at the next class. This assists Eilis in your child's class placement for the next year.


We hope this will prepare you somewhat for a feis.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!!!!