IrishCentral: Adult-friendly Irish dance feiseanna for January

Megan Howard TCRG teaches a beginner adult Irish dance class
at Culkin School in Silver Spring, Maryland
photo credit Bill H on flickr

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

Quick note: Registration for the Shelley Wasatch Winterfeis (February 4, 2012) closes tomorrow, January 21.  The TCRG there assured me that they will offer slow speed dances for hard shoes for adult Irish dancers, even though it is not listed on their syllabus.  To register, go to www.feisworx.com.


Many feiseanna offer competitions for adult Irish dancers.  Here's a quick glance at feiseanna that are friendly to adult Irish dancers in January. Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers and keep an eye out for those feiseanna who are offering slow speed dances for adults. 
*source: www.feisworx.com 

Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship

Feis New Orleans 2012
New Orleans, LA - Jan 14, 2012
McTeggart, Louisiana
B/BII, N/PW
4 soft shoe
2 hard shoe, traditional speed only
2 hand reel or light jig, 3 hand reel, 4,6,8 book dance

specials: double reel, music, vocal, art, spoken word, baking

Blakey Calgary Feis 2012
Calgary, AB - Jan 20, 2012 to Jan 22, 2012
Blakey School of Irish Dance
B, N, PW
4 soft shoe
2 hard shoe
traditional set
2,3,4,6,8, progressive

specials: treble reel

King-O'Sullivan Winterfeis 2012
Atlanta, GA - Jan 21, 2012
King O'Sullivan School of Irish Dance
B, N, O
3 soft shoe
2 hard shoe

parent/child figure (any)

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READ MORE:


Adult Irish dancer Andria Beauvias from Celtic Steps

Irish dance - a welcoming school day escape

Adult Irish dance team at Villanova University - VIDEOS
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Wisconsin Winterfeis 2012
Waukesha, WI - Jan 21, 2012
Cashel-Dennehy
B/BII, N/PW
3 soft shoe
2 hard shoe, traditional speeds only
traditional set
figure (any)


Irish Cultural & Heritage Society Feis 2012
Waukesha, WI - Jan 22, 2012
Irish Cultural and Heritage Heritage Center
B/BII, N/PW
3 soft shoe
2 hard shoe, traditional speeds only
traditional set

figure (any)

Colorado WinterFeis 2012
Castle Rock, CO - Jan 27, 2012 to Jan 28, 2012
Wick School
B(over 40), B, N, PW
4 soft shoe
2 hard shoe, traditional speeds only
traditional set
2,3,4,6,8, 

specials: trophy (soft shoe and non-trad set)

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IrishCentral: Adult Irish dancer Andria Beauvais from Celtic Steps

Adult Irish dancer Andria Beauvais from Celtic Steps in Colorado

When I talk to other adult Irish dancers, I often find that they feel isolated. While you may be the only adult dancer in your area, there are thousands more who lace up their hard shoes and pound the floor with seasoned feet. If you are an adult Irish dancer (any level or age) or know of an Irish dancer that would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to christy at dorrity dot net.

Welcome to Andria Beauvais from Celtic Steps in Colorado. Thank you for taking the time to do an interview for our adult Irish dancers.  

Who began dancing first, your daughter or yourself?

My daughter actually started dancing first. We happened to go to the Colorado Springs St. Patricks day parade and saw Irish dancers there and, well, it all began that day.

How did you get started in Irish dancing?

I actually got started after my daughter had been dancing for a while. Honestly, watching her I thought this isn't that hard, I can do this. Not too long after taking classes I actually did my first feis and have been going strong since then.

As an adult do you feel encouraged and supported at Celtic Steps?
I actually get a lot of support at Celtic steps. About 5 years ago I dropped down to the age groups and had to dance with the kids. The Celtic steps family is very supportive of everyone. Even when you think you can't do it, there is some who will always say you can do it. Most of the time they are right but there are somethings that my body just won't do.

You own Sheehan’s Irish Shop. What inspired you to open an online dance store?

I opened the Irish dance store so that there was something local here in Colorado Springs so people could get shoes and supplies faster than driving 45 mins to an hour to the shops in Denver.
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Christmas songs for the break in Irish dance competitions - VIDEOS

Irish dance - a welcoming school day escape

Adult Irish dance team at Villanova University - VIDEOS
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What are your short and long term personal goals for Irish dancing?

Right now I'm not sure what my goals are for Irish dance are. I've been dancing for several years, first as an adult and then in the age groups. My main goal in Irish dance after I dropped down to the age groups was to make it to championship and I have reached that goal.

Will you be competing in slow speeds this coming year?

I've been dancing slow speeds for several years.  I do help with colorado springs Celtic steps adult class and I have been working with them on their slow steps and they are actually very excited about doing the slow steps.

What do you think the future looks like for adult Irish dancers?

Things have changed so much for the adult dancers over the past few year and I really hope that it continues for them. I hope that maybe some day they will bring championships back for the adults. As long as there is an interest, I think the adults will continue to keep dancing and enjoying it.

What music do you practice your Irish to?

I personally love the Top Box cd (Dean Crouch) and Kin'sha cd.  I love anything that is more up beat and fun to dance to.

Thank you Andria. Congratulations on reaching your goal of Championship level and good luck in your future dancing.

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IrishCentral: Adult Irish dance team at Villanova University

Villanova adult Irish dance team, Villanova, Pennsylvania

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

The Irish dance club at Villanova University in Pennsylvania provides opportunities for all college students of all levels.  There are classes for the greenest beginner, and a course of study for those who desire to continue competing while in their collegiate years.

Villanova adult Irish dancers sporting Irish dance jackets

In 2006 a group of dedicated dancers wanted to share their love of Irish dance, music and culture with the Villanova community.  The Villanova Irish dance club was formed. All dances are choreographed by students and include traditional sets and ceilis and contemporary figures and solos. Co-captain Kristen Boersig has been told that there's a different sort of energy that sets them apart from other dancers on campus. "We like to mix traditional and modern moves to upbeat and recognizable songs," Boersig says. "That way the audience can make a connection and relate to the performances, even if they don’t understand the background of Irish dance.



The Irish dance team performs all year on the Villanova campus and in local areas around Villanova.  With St. Patrick’s Day comes an annual showcase as a way to celebrate the dances they have learned.

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Two families celebrate siblings at New England Championships

Five core exercises for every Irish dancer

Songs for the Dec. 10-11 Irish dance competitions - VIDEOS

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Classes are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.  Beginner adult Irish dancers get the opportunity to show their new dancing talents at many of the performances, including the St. Patrick’s Day Showcase.  Intermediate adult Irish dancers can learn more advanced technique in soft and hard shoes.  Advanced adult Irish dancers meet often for team and solo work, competing in regional, national and international competitions. 

Student Bridget Nyland was able to travel with the Villanova Irish dance club to Paris, France and participate in the European Celtic Irish Dance Festival. Bridget says, “It was noncompetitive and a great chance to meet other Irish dance groups from all over the world.”

Villanova adult Irish dancers at the European Celtic Irish Dance Festival

For more information about the Villanova Irish dance club, take a look at their website. 

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IrishCentral: Pros and cons of boys in Irish dance

The boys at a feis

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

My husband and I have five sons and a daughter and they all take Irish dance lessons. As a family, we love to travel to feiseanna together to cheer on our three boys who are old enough to compete.

People tell us how lucky we are that we don’t have to spend the money on the many trappings of the girl’s costumes. Having boys in Irish dance is easier in a lot of ways, and yet I find myself counting the years until my daughter competes.

Why I love having sons who Irish dance.

First and foremost are the costumes. A solo dress for a young lady can be as or more expensive than the dress she says, “I do” in. But don’t think it stops there. Girls require shoes, poodle socks, tiaras or headbands, wigs, and incidentals such as earrings, sock glue and bloomers. Aside from shoes, boys who compete have much less expensive attire: vest, shirt and tie, slacks, and black socks.

I know it seems silly, but even though I pay much less for my boys’ costumes, I can’t wait until I can buy my daughter an outrageously priced sparkly dress. There is a part of me that longs to glue the rhinestones on her dress and watch her curls bounce above her head onstage.

My sons no longer perform the slip jig, a more feminine Irish dance, in competition. No slip jig means more time to practice other dances, and less dances to worry about it competition. I’m good with that. It is lovely to watch the girls perform the slip jig and give them a chance to shine. I suppose the boys make up for it by doing heel clicks in their reels.

Drama among boys is considerably lower than the interactions between female Irish dancers. Oh, the boys have their own kind of drama, but it usually consists of a look or a punch in the arm and it’s over.

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Is friendship possible in the world of competitive Irish dance?

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Boys have less competition than girls in Irish dance, especially at the regional, national and world levels.  There are just fewer boys in the sport. That means my sons have a better chance of placing than girls who technically may be better than them. Secretly I am relieved that my boys have less competition, but there is a part of me that worries that they won’t be motivated enough to push themselves to reach their potential.

Whether you have a boy in Irish dancing or a girl, a parent’s worries are universal: Will the time and money spent build in my dancer the character, perseverance, and confidence in him or herself to lay a foundation for a successful future?

If the answer is yes, we all win.

Do you have sons or daughters who Irish dance?  How do you view the differences between the sexes in Irish dance?

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IrishCentral: Adult-friendly Irish dance feiseanna in November

Adult Irish dancers from Hopping Mad Scoil Rince na hÉireannin Brighton, UK practice for a feis.

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

Many feiseanna offer competitions for adult Irish dancers.  Here's a quick glance at the adult-friendly feiseanna in November. Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers.

*source: www.feisworx.com 

Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship

WCR Oireachtas Mini-Feis 2011
Edmonton, AB - Nov 4, 2011 to Nov 6, 2011
Western Canadian Irish Dance Teachers Association

B, N, PW

4 soft shoes

2 hard shoes, traditional speed

traditional set

2,3,6 hand figures

specials: treble reel

Colorado Fall Feis 2011
Loveland, CO - Nov 6, 2011
McTeggart Irish Stepdancers of Colorado

B, N, PW

4 soft shoes

2 hard shoes, traditional speed

traditional set

2,3,4,6,8 hand reel, 2 hand jig

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Learning the language of Irish dance - definitions, terms and steps

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Irish dance track - program for continuing Irish dance education

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River Valley Feis 2011

Fort Smith, AR – Nov 12, 2011

McCafferty School of Irish Dance

B, Adv B/N, O

4 soft shoes

2 hard shoes, traditional speed

traditional set

2,3,4,8 hand, parent/child

specials: treble reel

Celtic Rose Feis 2011
Peachtree City, GA - Nov 20, 2011
Drake School of Irish Dance

B, N, O

4 soft shoes

2 hard shoes, traditional speed

traditional set

parent/child 2, 3 hand

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IrishCentral: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Irish Dance Track offers program for continuing Irish dance education

At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, students have an opportunity to pursue Irish dancing in their college education.  The Irish dance program, headed by Kathleen M. Flanagan, Ph. D., is part of the dance minor offered in the school’s theater and dance department.  Any student can take individual classes, or pursue career in Irish dancing.

            Flanagan, who is also a certified Irish dance teacher (T.C.R.G), suggested to the department that they include a few courses in Irish dance. “The intention was to provide an opportunity for Irish dancers who wanted to continue Irish dance while at university,” Flanagan says. “Our goal was to offer a comprehensive look at Irish dance using the requirements of the T.C.R.G. exam.”

Kathleen Flanagan, Ph.D., T.C.R.G

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

            Originally from the Chicago area, Flanagan took dance from legendary teacher Pat Roche and obtained her T.C.R.G in 1976.  When she moved to Minnesota she decided to continue teaching in order to foster an appreciation for Irish dance and culture. “I always say that I have been doing ‘evangelization work’ in southern Minnesota," Flanagan says.

            Students who wish to continue their Irish dance education can find what they are looking for at Saint Mary’s University.  The dance department offers 3 ceili classes, two courses on Irish dance pedagogy, and classes on traditional and contemporary sets and music.  Students are encouraged to take other courses offered in the dance minor, including dance history, composition, anatomy & kinesiology, and nutrition.

            To date, three students are involved in the “irish track”, and there are more than 25 others who have entered the program because they want to stay involved with Irish dance and may consider teaching in the future.  Flanagan notes,  “Even though we have not had a tremendous response in terms of enrollment numbers, we plan to keep the program in place, at least for the next several years.”

The Irish dance program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota gives dancers a chance to continue their Irish dance education. Students who complete the program will be fully prepared to take the Irish dance teacher examination (T.C.R.G. exam). 

For more information, go to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota's website. 

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IrishCentral: Foot care tips and tricks keep Irish dancers on their toes.

Foot Care keeps Irish dancers on their toes
photo by VinothChandar

To dancers, feet are like a prized car that must be cared for, protected and maintained to keep their usefulness and get them where they want to go. For adult Irish dancers whose feet have pounded the ground more than the younger set, foot care is critical. Take the time to prevent foot problems and learn how to care for such setbacks as blisters, and ingrown toenails. 

Most foot skin problems can be avoided simply by correct shoe sizing. Too loose and your skin will slip and rub against the shoe, too tight and you may cause bunions and other bone problems. For Irish dancers that means making sure that both hard shoes and ghillies or reel shoes are snug but not pinching.

Many adult Irish dancers have told me that they couldn't dance without their favorite foot care products. Below are some suggestions for happy, healthy dancing feet. 

Toe Tape help protect Irish dance feet.
Photo from AllAboutDance

• Bandaids and medical tape can be used on parts of the foot that get a lot of friction.  Wrap the affected area before problems start and the tape or bandaid will take the abuse--not your skin.
• Anti-Chafing creams and sticks help lubricate areas that are prone to blister.  One such product is a FootGlide Foot formula made by BodyGlide. One dancer claims that deodorant works just as well, but I have never tried it.  Let me know if this has worked for you. 
• Toe Tape is another product that prevents blisters and chaffing. Check out these cute Smiley Toes Tape.
• Moleskin is helpful for sore spots and blisters that have already formed.  Simply cut the moleskin to fit and cover the sensitive spot and keep dancing. 
• Polymer toe caps like Bunheads Pinky Pads cover and protect sore toes (and fingers too). 
• Cushions for the feet come in a wide variety and help protect the sensitive bottom of the foot.  Dr. Jill's has a Gel cushion that sticks to and helps pad the ball of your foot.  
• Toe separaters are placed between the toes to prevent and care for painful bunions, corns and ingrown toenails. 



Blister Booties reduce blisters in
Irish dance hard shoes
photo from Rutherford Shoes

• When shoes are new they can cause painful rubbing on the ankles, especially those stiff hard shoes.  Blister booties are worn around the ankle and foot, providing protection and relief.

What are your favorite products and foot care tips that keep you dancing and give you the most mileage out of your feet?


Read more:
Bounce Back! 3 Strategies for Returning to Irish Dance After an Injury
Stretch your feet--improve your dancing
Neck Stretches for Irish dancers-health tips and warm ups

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Jig the movie just in time for Oireachtas

Jig the Irish dance movie

Last week I received my copy of Jig, the Irish dance documentary about the 40th World Irish Dance Championships.  I put it on in my van as I drove a group of Irish dancers to dance lessons about 40 minutes away.  

I never knew that a documentary could be so captivating, but you should have seen the looks on the kids' faces.  They were glued to the screen and let out small exclamations every few minutes as to the amazing dancers in the movie. 

One of the dancers featured in the movie used to spend 7 hours at a time practicing in his kitchen.  My car full of dancers were awed by this.  We talked about it for awhile and came up with the idea that if a dancer whose goal is to win Worlds practices 7 hours a day, couldn't a dancer with a smaller goal, say getting on the podium in prelims at a local feis would benefit from practicing even a half an hour per day?

And that's what it takes isn't it?  Especially when an event such as Oireachtas approaches, even a little bit of determination and practice goes a long way. 

What are your goals?  Are you setting benchmarks for yourself to acheive those goals?

IrishCentra: Adult Irish dancer from Murray Irish Dance Academy

Kim Carney, adult Irish dancer

"No one else was making me dance, it was my choice. And my responsibility." -Kim Carney

Today I am pleased to introduce Kim Carney, an adult Irish dancer who began dancing at age 22. Kim danced at the World Irish Dance Championships 2010 in Glasgow, and 2011 Dublin, and qualified for Belfast 2012. Before retiring, Kim placed 22nd at Nationals this year, qualifying for Worlds 2012.  Kim dances with Anne Murray MacRitchie at Murray Irish Dance Academy. 

Kim talks today about what inspired her to begin Irish dance as an adult, what influenced her decision to retire and gives advice to other adult Irish dancers. 

When did you first start Irish dancing?

I started dancing at 22 years old. I had always wanted to try it. However it was an expensive hobby and I was one of five children so I was unable to participate as a child.

When I graduated from college and got my first job at 22, I

thought it would be fun to try.

What inspired you to begin Irish dancing as an adult?

I knew that when I moved I wanted to continue

to dance. I sent an email out to several schools in the area. I

had several teachers who either did not respond or responded by telling me I was too old to transfer. At this time I knew I was not ready to stop and wanted to see what I could accomplish. I was lucky enough to have Anne Murray MacRitchie respond to my email. I stared to dance for Murray

in 2007.

Kim Carney, adult Irish dancer

I have been told that you qualified and attended Worlds as an adult dancer.  What qualities do you have that gave you the extra push to get so far?

Hmmm, this makes me feel self conscious. :)

But if I had to name a few it would be...

Perseverance. Dancing is just harder as you get older. Adult dancers have more responsibilities. The last few years I have been working

as a nurse full time and going to graduate school. Dance served as my stress relief and was the best part of that busy time.

I also wanted to push myself as far as I could. No one else was making me dance, it was my choice. And my responsibility.

If Anne was going to take the time to teach me, I was going to take that seriously.

Passion. I love the music, I love the rhythm. I love the dance. I truly enjoy the performing aspect of the dance. When it is your passion, it does not

seem like work.

I am very proud of myself but I owe alot of my success to my teacher Anne, and our workshop teachers, all who worked with me regardless of my age.

Kim Carney at the World Irish Dancing Championship 2011

What did you learn about yourself when you competed at Worlds?

That hard work really does pay off. My second worlds, 2011, though I did not recall, I did get a rank, 63rd, and was in the top half of my competition. I poured myself into my dancing. Between strengthening, practicing, and classes I was putting around 20 hours a week in. My hard work really paid off.

I also learned that the only people who had to be okay with my competing were Anne and I.

There were a few times were I was looked down upon for competing at local feis and the Oireachtas (message board posts, and heard through the grapevine of people griping).

People felt I was too old. They probably did not realize I had started so late, though that should not really matter. Anyone who wants to put the work in and compete should be allowed to.

Kim Carney(in blue), adult Irish dancer

What influenced your decision to retire after qualifying a third time for Worlds?

I rounded off my Irish dance career at Nationals this year by placing 22nd and qualifying for Worlds2012. It was unbelievable. I had hoped, but never expected to qualify for worlds at nationals. I retired about a month ago after nationals, just shy of 7 years of dancing. I have a new job as an RN at a Boston Pediatric Hospital and dancing will unfortunately not fit into my schedule anymore. I have decided that this is a good stopping point for me. I love to dance, but I at this point in my life other commitments (job, family) are taking over.

Will you continue dancing as a teacher or a performer?

I plan on remaining involved with Murray. I hope to help Anne out with school events, and with the younger dancers as my time allows.

Kim Carney and Anne MacRitchie, TCRG

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

What advice do you have for other adult Irish dancers?

Do what you love and love what you do.

If you want to take your dancing to the next level, do it, don't let fear or other's negative opinions stop you.

If you are willing to put in the time and energy you can achieve so much. Find a teacher who is supportive and see what you are capable of.

What do you envision for the future of adults in Irish dancing?

I hope that the adult Irish Dancing field continues to grow. I was very happy to see a team of young adults in the film Jig. I was also very happy to see the number of senior ladies dancing at Nationals. The competition has required a split that last two years. 

Dancers are dancing longer, and starting later than ever before. 

And because of this the competition is getting tougher. If adults continue to push for the right to compete, at whatever level they choose,there is no stopping them. :)

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IrishCentral: Back health for Irish dancers with Dr. Jack

Dr. Jack Giangiulio, D.C., Dance Injury Doctor

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

As a dancer, you don't consciously think about the health of your back.  If you are like me, you take your back for granted until you have an injury. By taking a few preventative measures, you can stop injuries from occurring, and stay fit on the dance floor.

Dr. Jack Giangiulio is a dance injury doctor located in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Jack is a sought-after lecturer and consultant to numerous professional dance companies, college dance departments, schools of dance, and summer intensive dance programs. In answer to my questions about back health for Irish dancers, Dr. Jack lends some professional advice to Irish dancers who wish to keep their bodies healthy and strong.

What can a healthy, uninjured dancer do to keep their back healthy and prevent injuries?

1) First and foremost is to find a chiropractor to get regular spinal adjustments (dancer’s & athletes should be adjusted about every 2 weeks). This is the most important

2) Keep your muscles flexible--stretch.  This can be a hard concept for dancers who feel that they are flexible and stretch enough. Compare all of the hours you use your muscles to the amount of time you spend stretching them. Regular massages may also be of benefit to aid in loosing those muscles.

3) Cross-training: doing something active other than Irish dance, for example yoga or some other activity (yoga is probably the best). This will help to keep the muscle strengths balanced around the joints--a balanced joint equals a healthy joint, which means less injuries.

4) Proper hydration and eating habits as well as taking multivitamins/minerals to fuel the body and to give it what it needs to heal.

If a dancer has an injury, what steps should she/he take to get back into dance?

1) Get treated by a doctor and or therapist.

2) Do not stop dancing unless it is an absolute must.  Instead, limit the number of days and/or hours of dance. Also limit the activities in dance that produce the pain or aggravate the injury.

3) Before dancing and your usual dance warm-up, briskly walk for 6 min and then lightly stretch the injured area. After dancing, ice the injured area for 10–20 minutes. Remember not to dance immediately after icing; it will re-injure the area.  You will need to warm-up the area again with the brisk walk and stretching.

When is a back injury considered so severe that a person should stop dancing?

1) If the injured area is unstable.

2) If severe pain and/or inflammation, or severe swelling occurs with dancing.

3) If an experienced dance injury doctor tells you not to dance.

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An Irish dancer's biggest horrors

Songs for the Oct. 29-30 Irish dancing competitions - VIDEOS

Adult friendly Irish dance feiseanna in November

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What stretches can a dancer do to maintain back health?

Stretch the Latissimus Dorsi, Piriformis, Hamstrings, Quadriceps and Calves.  If these muscles are tight they will increase pressure in the low back. This increased pressure may lead to joint or disc injuries.

For the low back itself: Prone lumbar extension stretch, knee-to chest-stretch and lumbar rotation stretch.

Does diet have anything to do with general back health?

The things we eat affect the chemistry of our bodies. A poor diet increases catabolic hormones (destructive) and decreases anabolic hormones (building).  This will create a pro-inflammatory state and increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which in turn irritate muscles and joints causing muscle tightness. 

Here are some foods that decrease pain and inflammation: cold water fish, onion, garlic, cayenne and ginger. There are many more.

Here are some types of food that enhance pain and inflammation: dairy products, red meats and sugars. There are many more.

What should an Irish dancer (who performs many jumps and leaps and pounds the floor with rhythm) be aware of when it comes to keeping his/her back healthy?

When it comes to Irish dancing it is important to remember that repetitive jolting especially in rhythmic patterns may have damaging effects on the back, especially the disc.  It is important to do whatever it takes to keep the low back healthy; strict attention to foundational dance techniques, chiropractic adjustments, proper diet, stretching and massage will all help with this.

To find out more information to keep you dancing healthy, go to Dr. Jack's website.

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IrishCentral: Adult-friendly feiseanna in October - Irish dance competitions for adults

Heritage Irish Stepdancer adults from Colorado practice an 8-hand.


Photo by Steve Wille

This article first appeared on IrishCentral.com.

Many feiseanna offer competitions for adults. Here's a quick glance at the adult-friendly feiseanna in October. Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers.

*source: www.feisworx.com 

Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship, / indicates combining of levels.

Portland Feis 2011 Portland, OR - Oct 1, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011 Murray School B, N, PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,6,8 hand figures specials: first feis reel, treble reel, soft shoe reel, slip jig -------------------- READ MORE: Songs for the Sept. 24-25 Irish dancing competitions - VIDEOS Guys in Irish dance and their gravity-defying hair - PHOTOS of styles An Irish dancer’s St Patrick’s Day countdown -------------------- Crossroads Feis 2011 Salt Lake City, UT - Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 8, 2011 Power Academy of Irish Dance B, N, PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,6,8 hand figures specials: treble reel

Feis an Fhomhair (Irwin Feis) 2011 Calgary, AB - Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Irwin School of Irish Dance B, N, PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,6,8 hand figures, progressive Florida Suncoast Feis 2011 Palm Harbor, FL - Oct 7, 2011 to Oct 8, 2011 Stephen Scariff School of Irish Dance B, N 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,8 hand figures, family dance

Chicago Pat Roche Feis 2011 Chicago, IL - Oct 8, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Trinity Academy B1/B2, N/PW 3 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 8 hand figures Tampa Bay Feis 2011 Palm Harbor, FL - Oct 8, 2011 to Oct 9, 2011 Stephen Scariff School of Irish Dance B, N 3 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,8 hand figures, family dance

Phoenix Halloween Feis 2011 Phoenix, AZ - Oct 15, 2011 Maguire Academy Phoenix B,N,PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,6,8 hand figures specials: parent-child 2 hand, thriller special, music Feis Orange County 2011 Orange, CA – Oct 22, 2011 to Oct 23, 2011 Fearon O’Conner School B,N,PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,6,8 hand figures specials: treble reel Enchantment Feis 2011 Albuquerque, NM - Oct 29, 2011 Irish Stepdancers of NM and Coleman Academy B, N/PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,8 hand figures

Feile Samhain 2011 Vancouver, WA - Oct 29, 2011 to Oct 30, 2011 An Daire B,N,PW 4 soft shoes 2 hard shoes, traditional speed traditional set 2,3,4,6,8 hand figures, adult/child figure specials: reel, treble reel

For North America's favorite Irish dancing magazine delivered directly to your mailbox, subscribe now!