Look at that, right
up on my toes!The BAD Class Feis
March 1997 - 1 ...... July 1997 - 2
December 1997 - 3 ..... December 1998 - 4
July 1999 - 5 ..... December 1999 - 6
This was my first Class feis as I had only been dancing for a few months. It was held in Bedford and it was the first time that we had met up with the rest of the school. There were loads of them!I was put into the Beginners competition. I was so excited as I never knew what a feis was like before that. I couldn't believe it when the results were called. I came First in the Reel, Second in the Single Jig and then I won the Trophy as well. I was over the moon! They were the only dances I took part in because we hadn't learnt any others yet. We stayed for a while and saw the Bedford Senior class (Kirsty, Jodie etc) and they were really good.
As this was my second Class feis and I had already won medals before I was put into a prizewinners group which included the Bedford class that I had seen at the previous Feis. I came Third in the Reel which I thought was really good. I then got only a Commended in the Light Jig but dad said that was only to be expected as I had only just learnt it. I then came Second in the Slip Jig! And I got Fourth in the Trophy (and got a little trophy!)
This Feis was held in Ampthill, which made it harder to find! We were nearly late! I was now moved up to the top group of competition because I had begun to do well at Proper Feisanna as well. This was the first occasion that I wore my new BAD Class Dress and I felt great! I was Commended in the Reel came Third in the Single Jig, sixth in the Slip Jig and 4th in the Trophy. I then stayed to watch the Heavy Dancing Competition as Eamonn had promised that we would start to learn Heavies after the Christmas Holidays. It was really exciting and I couldn't wait to learn.
As I was getting my dress off in a corridor with dad, mum came through and said you've won first prize in the raffle so go and choose your prize. As dad went out to collect it Eamonn called the second prize and dad realised he'd won that too! We all had a great day!
All day Saturday I was practicing for the B.A.D. Class Feis which was on Sunday. This time it was in Wellingborough!
Mum rolled my hair up in the dreaded Wands and I was just about t have another run through when all the lights went out! We had a power cut and had no electricity for over an hour! I ended up dancing by candlelight! Next morning Dad went down to the hall because he was helping with the organising and left us to follow later. We had another Power Cut!
Eventually we got to the Feis and we had the figure dancing first. Sarah and I came third in the two hand and then Kirsty joined us for the three hand, which we won! We then started the Solo competitions, Reel first. I came Second. We then danced the Hop Jig, the Light Jig, and the Slip Jig. I came FIRST in all three!! Then it was time to change our shoes and we danced the 'Heavies'. I came Second in the Heavy Jig and then got FIRST in the Hornpipe as well.
After that we had a Set Dance competition for the first time at a B.A.D. Feis. We danced the St. Patricks Day, with all the age groups taking part in one competition.
I couldn't believe it when I was called for FIRST!
We then had a PREMIER CHAMPIONSHIP competition. This was also the first time. We had to dance a step from the Reel and then change our shoes and do a step from a choice of either the Heavy Jig or the Hornpipe. I chose the Hornpipe as it is my best dance. The scores were added together and Eamonn called the results in reverse order.
It was really exciting as it got nearer and nearer to the winners number. Eventually there were only two numbers left, mine and Kirsty's. She was 68 and I was 67. I knew that it would be between us two and Samantha (who came third) and I crossed my fingers when he called "Second Place goes to number 68." I gave a big cheer, not just for Kirsty but because it meant that I had won! I couldn't believe it.
She had always been better than me but now it looks like I've caught up!
I got a massive Cup and Eamonn says that it will be engraved with my name for next year when I have to return it for the next competition. I will be the first name on the trophy! I will get a normal trophy to replace it. Afterwards I spoke to the adjudicator, who used to be in Lord of The Dance and she gave me her autograph on the back of my Number. She also put a message that said "To a Beautiful Dancer".
Wasn't that nice of her?
We had a Class Feis on Saturday 10th July and I did quite well!
I was FIRST in the Reel/Light Jig and Hornpipe, SECOND in the Heavy Jig and THIRD in the Hop Jig and Slip Jig
(that wasn't a very good result in the Slip as that's my best Dance!)
Oh yes, I won the CHAMPIONSHIP again!!!!
Look at that, right
up on my toes!
The Champions! (click for a close up)
Samantha / (Eamonn behind - and he's even smiling!) Sarah / Katie
Kirsty / Claire /Elishia / Patch / Natasha (and the adjudicator)
Well here we are back to Christmas again! And back to Bedford for a Class Feis. Before I started Eamonn gave me a little trophy to replace the Championship cup from last year as I had to return it for this years competition. Then it was onto competitions.
Well the results were quite balanced between Kirsty and me. We danced in an Under 12 grouping this time. I came First in the Reel and she came Second! The Single (Hop) Jig was the other way around!
Then I won the Light Jig, Sarah came Second (A good result) and Kirsty was Third. Kirsty won the Slip Jig and I was Second, and then came the Heavies.
Kirsty beat me in the Jig and I beat her in the Hornpipe. See what I mean, practically dead equal so far! We then did the heavy round of the Premier Championship I did the Hornpipe and she did the Jig.
This was followed by an Open Set dance competition. I won that with my Madame Bounaparte. Kirsty was Second! The others must have been really fed up with us by then!
Then it was onto the light section of the Championship where I danced the Reel and she danced the Slip Jig.
Then it was nail chewing time as she had danced the two dances that she beat me in and I danced the two that I had beaten her in.
Want to know the result?
Weeeeeeeeeelllllllllll................
In
FIRST
PLACE
Was
BOTH OF US!!!!!!!
The Judge couldn't split us so we share the trophy, 6 months each!
I said it was fairly balanced between us, didn't I?
I'm really pleased for Kirsty because I think she's a really good dancer and deserves it!
(And, of course, I didn't actually want to lose!!!)