2007

What a nice feis for adults! It was held in Jeb Stuart HS in Falls Church, VA and put on by the Maple School.

All the adult solos were run back to back on the same stage, progressing thru all levels in one dance before moving onto the next dance. We were on the largest stage in the gym and the only wooden platform one.

Most beginner dances had 4-5 dancers. Advanced beginner was the most represented with 10-12 dancers. Novice and prizewinner had 6-9. The stage manager was incredibly organized and had us off and on the stage in no time. Parent-child dances and adult figures were also on the same stage. All the adult figures and solos were done by about 11 am.

Since we were all in the same location for a while, there was a lot of pleasant socializing and friend making going on. I spoke to dancers from Culkin, Crossroads, Rhythm of Ireland, Dudney, McGrath, O'Neil-James, Teelin, and others I am not sure of. Everyone was friendly and supportive of each other.

Set dances and treble reels were held at the end of the day on a different stage, which was a type of rubber matting that was taped down to the floor. This stage was smallish, but the surface did not seem to cause any problems or dampen the sound much.

Food was available, but the lines were fairly long. Bathrooms were in short supply (as usual at a feis!), and there was no indication that the girls locker room (off the gym where we were dancing) was available for changing and had a bathroom.

The bleacher seating was adequate and it was nice to get up and away from the craziness down on the gym floor. At times it got a little crowded down there! The musicians were very good and the music was clearly heard from the stages. Two pairs of stages shared musicians which slowed them down in the afternoon, as they had to wait for "fast" and "slow" dances in novice. The adult solo stage had their very own accordian player, who did an excellent job.

Results went up in a timely manner, but the results room was quite a distance from the "action" so it was difficult to check results until later. No one mentioned that the parent-child was going to be announced and given on the podium, so my daughter and I missed our first chance to get up there! It was also done right in the middle of the adult comps, so that could have been timed a little better.

Overall, it was a great feis, and one I will probably do again next year!

Feis Review submitted by Rachel J

2006

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 Maple Cup has been awarded to the winning 8-hand ceili team since 2003.

Held at a local high school, adult figures competitions are are first up in the morning. Beginner and Advanced Beginner competitions range in size from a few to as many as 12 dancers depending on the style. The novice group in this area averages 15-20 dancers. Prizewinner is usually 10-15 dancers.

Adult competitions are generally held on one stage and are concluded by lunchtime. The majority of competitors are from the local schools.

This feis caps at 750 dancers and, in 2007, filled in about two weeks.

Feis review submitted by Damhsóir.