2007

The 2007 Comhaltas Irish Dance Festival was held on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

This is always a great feis because so many local schools take part in putting it together. Strong adult turnout today -- the smallest competition was beginners with 3 dancers and the largest were the novice competitions with 19-20 dancers.

Two adult perpetual trophies at this feis -- the Nash Gerald Treble Reel trophy, which was won by Angela L. of the Beaton School, and the Peggy O'Neill 8-hand Cup which was won by the Culkin School's Cross Reel team (which is heading to the North American championships in July). Both of these trophies were presented on the main "champs" presentation stage which was a nice way to recognize the adults.

The solo competitions were well attended and placements seemed to be spread out amongst all the dancers. Almost all adult competitions were completed by 4:00 PM.

In Figures, teams represented Aoibhneas an Rince, Beaton. Crossroads, Culkin and Teelin (may have missed a team -- sorry!) in the 2 hands (Culkin won); AAR, Beaton, Crossroads and Culkin (2 teams) in the 3 Hands (Culkin won); 3 Culkin teams in the 4 hands (the reigning SRO champs won); and 2 Culkin teams in the 8 hands.

In addition to the schools listed above, adult solo competitors showed up from Rhythm of Ireland, Maple, Dudney, Do Cairde, McGrath, and O'Neill James.

2006

Also known as the CCE Feis, the Comhaltas Irish Dance Festival is the first big feis of the season for competitors in the Washington, D.C. area and is held Memorial Day weekend. As a result, it's also one of the most well attended and quickest to reach its cap.

Adult solo competitions span the full range of levels and styles: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice and Prizewinner competitions in Reel, Jig, Slip Jig, Traditional Treble Jig, Traditional Hornpipe, Traditional Set and Treble Reel. Figure competitions include 2-hand, 3-hand, 4-hand and 8-hand competitions. The Peggy O'Neill Perpetual Cup has been awarded to the winning 8-hand ceili team since 2005.

Beginner and Advanced Beginner competitions are first up in the morning. They range in size from a few to as many as 12 dancers depending on the style. Figure competitions are held at the conclusion of B/AB comps. Novice and Prizewinner are held after figures. The novice group in this area averages 15-20 dancers. Prizewinner is usually 10-15 dancers.

Adult competitions are rotated with regular age group competitions and you will rotate stages and adjudicators at this feis. The majority of competitors are from the local schools, but with this competition being held before Nationals, it has drawn ceili teams from throughout the region.

This feis caps at 800 dancers and, in 2007, filled in less than one day.

Feis review submitted by Damhsóir.