Competitive Irish Dance Track

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What are the levels? 

Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Novice, Prizewinner, Preliminary Championships, and Open Championships.

How do I move up to the next level?

The only way to move up to the next level is to compete at a Feis (pronounced “Fesh”, meaning festival in Irish) and place according to the advancement guidelines listed below. 

Below are the rules for advancement by the Western Region governing body through the CLRG.

First feis:

First Feis is not per dance, it is the first Feis ever for the dancer. They are only allowed one first feis regardless of how many dances they are doing. Dancers may only enter First Feis once, even in the case of back-to-back Feiseanna.

In Beginner 1, Beginner 2, and Novice the following will apply:
• 5 - 9 dancers: 1st place will advance to the next grade.
• 10 or more dancers: 1st and 2nd places will advance to the next grade.
• Dancers may not stay in level at the Teacher's discretion, except for back-to-back feiseanna.

Prizewinner:
• Advancement from Prizewinner to Preliminary Championship is at teacher discretion.

Preliminary to Open Championship:
• Must have 3 overall wins with 5 or more dancers, not at teacher discretion.
• Upon winning 3rd overall win in the Preliminary Championships, a dancer must move immediately to the Open Championships, even in the case of back-to-back Feiseanna. This includes 2-round and 3-round Preliminary Championships.

Adults:
• Dancers who started after the age of 18, or who have been out of competitions for 5 years are eligible to compete in the adult category. 

Advanced Adults:
• An Advanced Adult dancer is defined as anyone age 18 or older who has previously placed in the top 3 of a Prelim Championship or competed in Open Champ levels in the youth/&over levels regardless of when the competitor was active.

How do I register for a feis?

Go to www.feisworx.com to register for all feisianna.  You will go in and register your dancer and pay the fees for regular competitions.  If you do a major competition your dance teacher will sign you up and you will pay the fees as a team.  

What do I wear to compete?

Beginner levels will wear our school beginner costume which consists of our Red skirt and a black leotard with poodle socks and a red bow for girls OR a black dress shirt and black pants with a red tie for boys.

Teams will wear the team skirt, black leotard, black tights, and team wig (girls), OR team vest and black shirt, red tie, black pants (boys).

Novice/Prizewinner levels can either wear their team attire or a solo dress/vest with teacher approval.  

Prelim and Open Championship dancers wear solo dresses or blackout attire.  

When can I get a solo dress/vest?

You may get a solo dress/vest when you have at least half of your dances in Novice.  Solo costumes are optional but if you go to majors it is highly encouraged.  

What is the teams class?

The teams class is a competitive class for teams at local, regional, national, and world competitions.  We will learn the traditional Ceili dances for competition in this class. We usually compete 4 hands or 8-hand teams. 

When can I start teams?

You are invited to teams by one of our teachers. Typically it is when you have your light shoe dances in Novice.  

What are the major competitions?

The major competitions for teams and solos are Oireachtas (regionals), Nationals, and World Championship.  Regionals will be located in the Western US. Different areas host this competition each year so the location varies. Nationals are in the United States or Canada as regions take turns hosting the event. 

What are the requirements to go to the Oireachtas? 

The Oireachtas is by invitation only. Dancers who participate on a team also have the option to compete in a solo championship or traditional set.  If you go to the Oireachtas you are required to be on a team. You may not compete in a solo competition unless you are on a team.  

How do I qualify for Nationals or World Championships?

To qualify for Nationals you need to be an open champion dancer or qualify at the Oireachtas.  You are welcome to compete at nationals without being on a team. To compete at the World Championships you need to qualify at either the Oireachtas or Nationals and are not required to be on a team.    

Why do competitive Irish Dance?

Participation in competitive Irish Dance has many benefits.  It teaches students to make goals and work towards achieving them.  It also teaches teamwork and the thinking of others as they support and work together in a common goal.  It builds community and memories with others who also share the love of dance. It not only creates lasting friendships in our dance school, but it also builds lasting friendships and a network of people who live in different places who also love dance. At Rise Academy, we work hard to foster an environment where dancers can not only meet their goals in competition but also grow as people. It teaches how to win and lose graciously, it pushes dancers to try new things and enjoy the Journey not matter the outcome.