top of page

FEISING 101

Our school is proud to offer levels of Irish Dancing for every child, from beginner to championship levels, and for dancers who are looking to perform or just dance for fun and exercise! If you or your dancer is ready to compete in a feis, this information

will be helpful to you! 

​

Below you'll find information on what a feis is, where to register, and how to prepare. If your dancer is competing in their very first feis, make sure to download the First Feis Information Packet. If you are unsure whether your dancer is ready, Meghan is always happy to talk with you about feising and what your dancer can do to prepare for competition. 

​

WHAT IS A FEIS?

​

The Gaelic word feis (pronounced “fesh”) means festival, but it is more commonly used to describe a sanctioned Irish dance competition.  A feis is a gathering of dancers for competition, each representing various Irish Dance Schools from across the country.  Dancers perform the steps they learned in class and compete against other dancers of the same age and skill level. They perform to live music, in front of a judge, and often alongside one of their competitors. Feising is the way your dancer can advance through the different levels of Irish dance (First Feis, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice, Prizewinner, Preliminary Championship, and Open Championship) and reach their goals in competition.  A feis is to Irish dance classes as a soccer game is to practice. 

      

Because the MT School of Irish Dance is certified with An Coimisiun le Rince Gaelacha (the governing body of Irish dance headquartered in Dublin, Ireland), MT School students have the privilege of competing in feiseanna (plural form of feis).  These competitions are held throughout the world on weekends throughout the year.  A complete feis listing is available in North America can be found here.  There are currently six feiseanna available annually in St. Louis, as well as dozens throughout the Midwest.  Feiseanna are not only enjoyable family activities that give your dancer the opportunity to test her/his skills, but they are also opportunities to meet other dancers from all over the country, learn valuable life lessons such as good sportsmanship, and celebrate the Irish culture and heritage. 

​

Feiseanna may also offer opportunities to compete in one or more other aspects of Irish culture:  music performance, art, Irish language, crafts, or soda bread baking, to name a few.  The goal of this publication is to help prepare dancers and families from the MT School of Irish Dance as they embark upon the exciting adventure of competitive dance.

​

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A FEIS

​

Most feiseanna offer online registration at either www.feisworx.com, www.efeis.com, or www.quickfeis.com.  Please visit each site to set up your free account, so you are prepared to register when the time comes.

​

FEIS REGISTRATION WEBSITES

 

STL FEIS REGISTRATION

​

St. Louis Feis Registration is on the following sites:

​

​

TRAVELING FOR A FEIS

​

All dancers who have competed in their first feis are welcome to travel and participate in any feis around the country. Feisanna are held across the country almost every weekend of the year. An out-of-town feis is a great way for dancers to get more practice competing, and to move up in feis levels. 

​

Our families always have a great time traveling to feisanna. Some of our favorite place to feis are Kansas City, Chicago, Little Rock, Memphis, Indianapolis, New Orleans and more! 

​

 

Important Feis Tips to Remember!

​

  • Ensure that your dancer practices at home (with music and dance shoes) in the days and weeks leading up to a feis.

  • Competing in a feis is a learning experience. For many dancers, it takes a few competitions before they feel comfortable. 

  • A feis is an excellent chance for a dancer to perform in front of an audience and get feedback from judges on how to improve. Irish dance judges travel around the world to be at feisanna!

  • Set your goals high, but remember, you will not always win or even place…and that is okay!  Everyone has an off day, so just keep your head high and learn how to make improvements for the next feis!

  • Be comfortable and confident in your steps.  It is not the steps that help you win, but the way in which they are executed that really get you the points. 

  • Finally, and most importantly, your dancer should have fun! Always know that even if you don’t place, you should still have fun!  All MT teachers will be proud of you no matter what place you get as long as you gave 100%!

​

Advancing in Competition

​

Click here for a full overview of feis levels and MT School requirements per level.

​

​

Grade Exams

​

Grade Exams are the first steps in becoming a certified Irish Dance instructor! Dancers are welcome to begin the exams at any age. Click here for grade exam information. Click here dance information.

​

 

​Black-Out Feis Attire

​

A black-out feis is a competition where no costumes are required or wigs are worn! Dancers are required to wear all-black attire that meets the following requirements:

​

  • No solo or school costumes

  • No school-branded attire

  • No obvious graphics or lettering on clothing

  • Girls: black leotard or black shirt, either short or long sleeved, but “necklines must be at the collarbone level or above” - low scoop tops or tank tops are permitted. Black skirt or skort for girls. It should be comfortable for dancing and adhere to requirements for length.

  • Boys: Boys should wear long black pants and a black shirt conforming to the same requirements.

  • Bling IS allowed

  • No wigs, hair pieces, crowns, tiaras – hair should be pulled out of the face in a ponytail or braid.

 

 

Leotard Suggestions:

 

Skirt Suggestions:

bottom of page