How to Survive a Feis!

1) Before you Go.
a) If the Feis is 'Enter in Advance' make sure that you have completed the entry form and paid the Fees!
b) Some Feisanna are 'Pay on the Day', so take plenty of Money with you!
Make sure that you have a copy of the DANCES that you are entered for.
c) Make sure you know what TIME you are dancing and leave in plenty of time to get there. If you are early you can get some warm-ups and practice done.
d) Make sure that you know which HALL you will be dancing in.
e) Make sure you know where it is! The feis instructions are not always easy to follow and may not necessarily be from the same direction in which you are travelling. If you are not sure, ask someone who has attended before.
If possible, try to find a decent map of the area.

2) Appearance
If you are not wearing a class or solo dress, then dress smartly!
Skirt length just above the knee, with plenty of room for movement.
NO necklaces, bracelets or dangly ear-rings to be worn.
Correct Socks can be purchased at the Feis. Pull them Up!
Correct Shoes MUST be worn.
CHECK THAT YOUR LACES ARE DONE UP PROPERLY!
Hair must be Neat and Tidy at first. Later on it must be curled and ringleted according to the current fashion.

3) When You Arrive
a) Spectators will have to pay an entry fee. (Entry for the Dancers is Free)
b) Next you may need to find the "OFFICE", which may be just a desk in a hallway with two people behind it or maybe a table in the hall where you are dancing. If you can't see it ask the doorman where it is.
c) If it is an 'Enter in Advance' Feis and you have already paid in advance, you will just need to collect your number to pin on your waist. (Make sure you have a safety pin with you.).

You may be asked to give some details. (NAME, AGE GROUP, SCHOOL of DANCING etc.)

d) If it is a 'Pay on the Day' Feis you will need to enter the competitions. Decide how many dances you are going in for (Reel/Light jig/Slip jig/Single jig etc.) and ask for that number of SOLO Plus the TROPHIES.
You will be given tickets or tokens as requested. Don't lose them! You will also be given your number to pin on your waist. (Make sure you have a safety pin with you.)
e) Get to the hall and try to get some practicing done. This will help ease your nerves and ensure you are ready to dance.

4) Dancing
a) Go to the toilet as late as possible before you are due to dance (a good time is just as they start the previous groups Trophy dance) so that you don't get caught short. There will be very little chance between your own dance competitions, which run one after the other.
b) When they call out the age group you are in, listen to what dance they are calling for. Try to join the queue near the centre and avoid dancing with your own classmates if possible. Hand in one token before each dance (if you have them).
c) Walk smartly onto the stage, keep your arms still and point your feet out. Remember to SMILE when you dance. When the bell rings, stop dancing, point and bow. Walk smartly back to your place and stand still. When the bell rings again remember to bow to the adjudicator and then turn and bow to the musician. Walk smartly off, keeping your hands and arms still.
d) Listen out for your number when the results are called and collect your medal as quickly as you can if you win one. If you are lucky enough to achieve either FIRST, Second or Third place in any Beginners competition Or FIRST in a Primary or Intermediate competition you might have to give your name in at the desk. You will have moved up a grade in that particular dance.
e) Write the results down immediately so that you are sure of the places achieved.
f) Unless they (or your teacher) say otherwise, choose your best dance for the Trophy competition. (It must be one of the dances you have already danced in the Solo dance competition).
Sometimes, however, the Trophy dance does not allow you a choice. Be sure that you know which dance to do.
The organisers at the side of the stage will be happy to help you if you ask.

AND FINALLY, be prepared to wait around as sometimes the competitions can run some time behind schedule, because there are lots of entries.

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