Four things to do at the 2011 North American Irish Dance Championships

BY ERIN BAILEY, Feis America Magazine contributor

Nationals was always a time for my family to take a summer vacation. OK, it was essentially forced on all of them, but they packed up the car and drove to that year’s lucky locale, eager to explore a new city without hesitation.

If you’re heading to Nashville for the 2011 North American Irish Dance Championships this weekend, (good luck!) and maybe take a look around Tennessee's capital with these ideas.

- When you think Nashville, country music pops to mind--no surprise. If you’re a music lover and would like to fully immerse yourself into the country theme, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see.

- Don’t forget, there is also loads of history down in the southern region of our country. The Belle Meade Plantation is home to a Civil War battle. With a low price, it'll keep the younger kids entertained and get their brains churning over summer break.

- Wanna make history? Then join in what will (hopefully) be the longest line of Irish dancers at 12 p.m. in the Tennessee Ballroom of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Sunday, July 3. CLICK HERE to register. A portion of all fees will go to the IDTANA scholarship fund.

- Whenever we hit up Nashville for the NANs, my dad loves walking through the downtown area. Be sure to hit up Riverfront Park for some 4th of July fireworks a day early on Sunday, July 3.

Tell us, what’s a favorite Nashville hotspot you’ve discovered while at the NANs?

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Cincinnati Feis Photos 2011

Christine & Sydney celebrate Sydney’s 2nd in the under 11 Preliminary Championships



Colleen M. & Theresa C. from the under 16 Open and Preliminary Championships



McClanahan and Erickson dancers at the end of an enjoyable Cincinnati Feis



Two tired feising friends take a breather at the Cincinnati Feis


The 28th annual Cincinnati Feis was held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center this past Sunday, June 26. Like years past, it was a well-run afternoon filled with great competition, happy dancers and, as expected, some tired feis-goers.

Thanks to Feis America LLC friend Julie McCurry for sharing her terrific photos!

For more Feis Follow-ups from all across North America, subscribe to North America's favorite Irish dancing magazine, Feis America by clicking here:

5 reasons to Irish dance as an adult

BY: CHRISTY DORRITY, Feis America Magazine contributor

I’ll never forget the feeling I got the first time I competed onstage as an adult Irish dancer. The rush I felt at accomplishing a goal and using talents I previously had shelved when I started a family made me realize that yes, I really could pursue dance as an adult.

If you are like me, you put aside many of your goals and talents after college, thinking that it was time to put away childish things. That’s where we were wrong. Who says Irish dancing is only for kids? In my first Irish class, I danced every week with a woman who was in her sixties. I plan to follow in her footsteps and dance until my body tells me it is time to stop.

It is never too old to start down a road that leads you to a better place. So here are five reasons to embrace Irish dancing today:

1. A goal to stretch for. Yes, we adults desperately need something to look forward to that is OUR thing—not our spouse's, or our children’s or our mother’s.

2. Camaraderie. You will find a tremendous support group in the adults you dance with. I am a friendly person and involved with church and community groups, but my adult dancer friends are some of my most loyal.

3. Exercise. What? I can dance and burn calories at the same time? Bonus. The more you dance, the better you will feel, the better you feel, the more you will dance. Let the cycle begin.

4. Self-confidence. When you master that tricky hornpipe, you will have a boost of confidence in yourself that will bleed into other areas of your life. Windows will open up and you will have the gumption to try all sorts of great new things (and finish some old things).

5. Quality of life. Just knowing that you have something that is your own, something that builds you up and pushes you to be a better person, will help you see life in a whole new light.

Do you Irish dance as an adult? Do you want to? Introduce yourself and let’s get started.

Photo Credit: Christy Dorrity

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Louisville Kentucky Feis Photos 2011

Beginner Claire R. with her Louisville Feis plush horse!
Waiting on results!
Feis friends Megan O, Sydney M. and Scout P.

Maggie H. and Colleen M.

The 15th Annual Louisville (Kentucky) Feis was held Saturday, June 18, 2011. The Greater Louisville Irish Cultural Society hosted more than 600 dancers in the East Hall of the Kentucky Expo Center with 5 stages of dancing. This year plush horses were given away to the beginner and First Feis dancers - that was a huge hit! Louisville Firefighter Unit 345 was kind enough to sponsor the Senior Champ Treble Reel in honor of one of their own. It was a touching presentation!

Thanks to Feis America LLC friend Julie McCurry for sharing her terrific photos!

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Countdown to North American Irish Dancing Championships!

2010 Stephen Scariff School (FL) NAN ceili team
2010 Rince na Tiarna (NY) NAN ceili team
2010 Penk O'Donnell (WC) NAN ceili team

2010 O'Rourke School (NY) NAN ceili team

2010 Glor na Daire (GA) NAN ceili team

2010 NAN Under 9 Girls' solo competitors waiting to dance

In just one week, thousands of dancers, their families and teachers will converge in Nashville, Tennessee for the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America Irish Dancing Championships! These photos by Feis America LLC are of some of our friends who competed at last year's 2010 NAIDC in Orlando, Florida.

Good luck to everyone getting ready to travel and best wishes to the organizers from IDTANA who are busy finalizing details. Keep your eye here on Go Feis The Irish Dance Blog for more inspiring photos all week long and visit us at the Feis America on IrishCentral.com table on Monday, July 4th in Nashville!

Feis America Irish Dance Magazine Review

The July/August issue of North America’s favorite Irish dancing magazine, Feis America, is about to be mailed out to subscribers. With a whopping SIXTY big full-color pages all about North American Irish dancing, this issue packs inspiration, motivation, dedication and celebration from Western Canada to Florida, New York to Georgia and makes a quick journey across the Atlantic for a look at the North Americans who rocked the World Irish Dancing Championships in Dublin this year. The final chapter in Rod Vick’s “The Day the Feis Stood Still” serial will thrill you and three articles shout-out scholarship winners from the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America, North American Feis Commission and the Southern Celtic Music Association.

See follow-ups and photos from the Big Apple Feis, Peach State, Orlando, Southern Florida, Vancouver, Connecticut Shoreline and the Garden State! The feature article by Patricia McNamara, “Sorority of Seniority” highlights the achievements of several Irish dance schools who are able to retain female dance students through the teen years into adulthood with great results. Learn about the Culkin Family, a dedicated group of adult Irish dancers jigging and reeling their way through life.

A sneak preview of Ireland-The Show which opens in Santa Barbara, CA on July 17th and thoughtful ‘hindsight’ looks by a long-time Irish dancer and an Irish dancer’s grandma round out the editorial in this issue.

Subscribe or renew today to ensure you get your copy of the July/August issue fast and first!

Four easy ways dancers and parents can show they’re good sports at competition

BY: MAY B. ANYDANCER, Feis America Magazine contributor

In the heated spirit of the upcoming North American Irish Dance Championships, here are a few friendly reminders for dancers and parents on being a good sport through the thick and thin.

Snap back from slip-ups. A detached cape. A bump on stage. Things pop up. It’s how you bounce back from a snafu that shows you’re a star sport.
Dancer dos: We’re not just taught to dance with grace and poise, but to apply it to every facet of our lives. Let the aggression out on stage, but don’t take the little—and uncontrollable—things out on others. Anyone in the audience, as well as the adjudicators, can easily sense animosity. So no matter how upset you might be, graciously wish your fellow competitors well and fight back the tears. They never look good on anyone.
Parent pointers: No matter what happens on stage, it’s important to instill a sense of perseverance, not shame. Something as simple as saying, “I’m proud of you,” will keep a dancer’s mind focused on the big picture and all the hard work they’ve done leading up to a competition…not the few minutes that just happened.

Seize results. Everyone can agree, awards ceremonies are the scariest part to any competition. But face it, once the dancing is done, it’s out of your hands.

Dancer dos: For any dancer faced with the recall rounds, why not make a quick exit from the ballroom to compose yourself before the big announcement. You didn’t get the results you wanted? Keep that idea of luck at the front of your mind. Just think of those who weren’t able to partake in such a prestigious event. A champion is a champion, no matter the placement.

Parent pointers: Parents, much like a dancer’s TCRG, have a responsibility to teach their dancers. Instead of reiterating what they could have done better that day (they probably already know), stay supportive no matter the outcome. Teach them the importance that shaking hands or posing for a picture with the winner is far better than storming off.

Lead by example. Dancing helps people grow as athletes. But having good sportsmanship is what defines every individual as a true champ.

Dancer dos: Remember, eyes are on you at all times. And that includes the little ones who want to be a champ like you one day. Your game face isn’t just for when you’re on stage, but whenever you’re representing your school. Just think of the champions you looked up to when you first started and how they acted.

Parent pointers: Remind your child to be pleasant and let them know that every dancer has their day. It’s easy to feed off the body language and attitude of others, so remaining calm will help your dancer do the same.

Keep working. Dancing is an ongoing journey of uncertainty. You might win a competition one weekend and not place the next. Keeping a tirelessly mindset of always wanting to improve will keep you going.

Dancer dos: There’s always room for tweaking—in your dancing and your outlook. You didn’t dance as well as you wanted? Channel your frustration into working an extra hour next week perfecting your steps. You’re on a winning streak? Take that natural high of success to push yourself that much further on trying to stay on top.

Parent pointers: Keep thinking of ways to keep your child interested and inspired. Let them show you new steps or moves and get excited for them. Remember, half of the excitement of a win for many dancers is making their parents proud.

Photo Credit: Alexa Crisa

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Irish dance documentary 'Jig' - meet the star Shane McAvinchey TCRG - VIDEO

Feis America caught up with our friend Shane McAvinchey, TCRG - a star of Jig! The Film - to get the behind-the-scenes scoop and find out what's next for this internationally-renowned performer, Irish dancing teacher and entrepreneur.

Feis America: What was your first reaction when Sue Bourne contacted you about including your ceili team in Jig?

Shane: I was absolutely delighted! When I first went to Russia to teach I was amazed by how dedicated these people were to Irish dance. There have been so many times when I have been teaching a class in the suburbs of Moscow and been amazed by the hard work and dedication of these dancers and just wished that other people could see it too. When Sue Bourne told me that she wanted to feature them in the film I was excited that finally they would be introduced to the world and show what passionate and dedicated dancers they are.

Feis America: How long have you been working with this particular team?

Shane: The teaching team of Tir na nOg is made up [of] three TCRGs - Mary Sweeney ADCRG and myself based in Germany and Anna Demchecko TCRG based in Moscow (Anna is also the first fully-qualified TCRG in Russia!). We have all been working on the team for a number of years with Anna having regular classes up to four times a week with the team and Mary and/or myself flying into Moscow for weekend workshops on a monthly basis. The team has been to the Worlds and All Irelands a number of times and each year they are coming closer and closer to being recalled to the final rounds. They are a pleasure to work with and after the amount of time spent together we all understand each other, even when there are language barriers!

Feis America: Describe the actual circumstance which kept some of your team members from getting to Glasgow for the 2010 World Irish Dancing Championships? How did you overcome the obstacle?

Shane: Unfortunately, two members of our Ladies' Ceili team were refused a visa for the United Kingdom at the very last minute. The Russian people usually have to get a visa to travel just about anywhere outside their country, even if it is just for a visit, and it is notoriously difficult for them to get them. In this case, we had invitation letters from An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG), letters from ourselves (the directors of Tir na nOg) and all the proof that was needed to show that these girls were taking part in an international competition and still there were problems. There is usually no real certainty when the team is applying for a visa so we really have to rely on luck. We are hoping that the popularity of the Jig! movie will make things easier in the future.

Feis America: What are your thoughts as a TCRG on the film itself? What were the team members reactions to seeing themselves on film?

Shane: I absolutely loved the film. I was lucky enough to be in Ireland when it was released there and I think it is an absolute boost for Irish dance and will really show people what our world is all about. I was so proud of Sue Bourne's work in portraying the Irish dance world and how she found the true spirit of it and didn't just take the easy route and focus in on 'the wigs, the make-up and the false tan' as many news and TV agencies seem to always do. I remember when I met Sue first I was amazed at the types of questions she was asking which were so unlike the ones I was used to ("Why the fake tan?" "Why the makeup?" "Why do Irish dancers hold their hands by their sides", etc. etc.). Sue's questions had heart and I knew the film waas going to have heart too. Unfortunately, our team have not yet really had the opportunity to see themselves on film! I know that they really want to so let's hope that Jig! becomes so big that it is show in Russia!


Feis America: What's next for Shane McAvinchey?

Shane: Right now I am keeping myself busy doing the things I love - teaching and co-directing the Tir na nOg school which has locations across Germany, Poland and of course Russia; I have recently launched the new Irish dance instructional website, Diddly Learn with my brother which I am really excited about; [I am] completing a post-graduate business degree here in Munich, organising events, summer camps and workshops around Europe and of course, my main passion: performing from time to time too! I have loads and loads of ideas and plans in the works so I am just trying to take it one step at a time! I cannot wait to see what's next for me but all I hope is that I can continue on my mission to life life to the fullest, keep developing new ideas and projects and of course carry on dancing and being happy! What more could I want?

Photo by Darlene O'Sullivan, Co. Kerry, Ireland

See the trailer for Jig here:


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Irish dance documentary 'Jig' opens - feedback is terrific - VIDEO

Ryan Academy (NY) girls at 'Jig' Credit:Heather Kontonis

Check out what Feis America's FaceBook fans had to say about seeing "Jig" in theaters this weekend:

"We really enjoyed it. We laughed, cried and the girls I took came away motivated and inspired!"
-Kelly Fitzgerald Atzbach

"Great film. NYC yesterday afternoon."
- Denise Doonan

"Brilliant!"
- Fidelma McGroary

"It was amazing and the perfect inspiration for my feis today. Everybody I went with felt really happy and wanting to dance in the middle of West Hollywood!"
- Kati Byrne

"Wonderful film. Saw it with my two girls here in Toronto ages 10 and 6..."
- Melanie May

"It was a great look into Irish dance. It really showed how hard these kids work and the sacrifices made [by] these kids and their parents. You really fell in love with these kids and wish them all continued success. Congrats to Sue Bourne!"
- Sue, Feis411

Here's a trailer of the documentary:

-------------------
READ MORE:
Exclusive interview: Irish dance documentary 'Jig' opening today - meet the star John Whitehurst

Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - Joe Bitter - VIDEO

Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - producer Sue Bourne - VIDEO
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You can get Feis America, North America's favorite Irish dancing magazine delivered directly to you mailbox every other month! Click here to subscribe!

Boston Irish Festival: Irish Dance tent Sunday feis schedule

Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann Tent features set dancing with live music!

Ice cream, cupcakes, cotton candy.... and rides for the kiddies, too!

The fun continues Sunday June 19th at the Boston Irish Festival in Canton, Massachusetts with more Irish dancing at the Irish Cultural Center's Step Dancing Frenzy Tent and the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Tent! From adults to a public school class from NYC, to instruction for children of all ages, check out these great performances all day long:

ICC Step Dancing Frenzy Tent:
12:00 noon Damhsa Irish Dance Studio
1:00 p.m. The Keltic Dreams School from New York (featured special guests)
2:00 p.m. Sean Nos Irish Dance Workshop with Kieran Jordan (all ages and levels) with live music by Sean Gannon
3:00 p.m. Dunleavy-Shaffer School of Irish Dance
4:00 p.m. Children's Irish Dance Workshop with Jackie O'Riley (all ages and levels welcome)
5:00 p.m. O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance

Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann (Traditional Set Dancing)
12 noon - 4 p.m. Ceol tradisiunta na h'Eireann
4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Boston Comhaltas

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Boston Irish Festival: Clifden Academy Dancers

Clifden Academy (MA) dancers perform St. Patrick's Day Traditional Set.

Lilly Lane, Mary Malloy and Natalie Vaughan
Clifden Academy (MA)
ready to dance at the Boston Irish Festival

The Clifden Academy of Irish Dance entertained the audience at the Irish Cultural Center Dancing Frenzy Tent at the Boston Irish Festival today!

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Boston Irish Fest: Harney Academy Dancers

Miranda Mahoney, Kit Birch, Kaitlin Concannon, Ciara Hernon, MichaelAnn White and Clara Dionis from the Harney Academy dressed and ready to dance! Photo: Feis America LLC

Harney Academy of Irish Dancing put on a great show at the Boston Irish Festival today!

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Exclusive interview: Irish dance documentary 'Jig' opening today - meet the star John Whitehurst

photo Ruth Reid (c) Wellpark Scotland

Meet John Whitehurst a star of "Jig" The Film opening today across North America.

One of the most poignant moments in "Jig" is with Amanda Whitehurst and her ten-year-old son John with his teacher John Carey during a dance class. She is just outside the gym doors, watching silently with that end-of-the day tiredness and looking like every mom in the world who has ever waited to collect a child from a lesson or game.

The difference is that Amanda and her husband have six children and John, the fourth youngest and only Irish dancer among them, has qualified for the World Championships.

This is the story in the film which I think most Irish dance parents can relate to best. Filmmaker Sue Bourne, through the Whitehursts, conveys the whole family's commitment in time and money, as well as the surprising rapture of watching one's child work hard, perform passionately and absolutely love the athletic cultural pursuit of Irish dancing.
------------------------
READ MORE:
Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - Joe Bitter - VIDEO

Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - producer Sue Bourne - VIDEO

Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - first up Julia O'Rourke
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Feis America asked John how he felt about being selected for "Jig" and whether the filming was a distraction during his training for Worlds. John said he had mixed emotions, and felt both nervous and excited. "The film crew were really friendly so I felt relaxed around them and carried on as normal," he adds.

Feis America: How many days a week do you go to dance class? How much more when you are training for a major competition?

John: I go to class Wednesday for two hours and Saturday for three hours. If there is a Major I sometimes have a private [lesson] for an hour every other week, but not always.

Feis America: Tell us about the other boys in your dance class - younger than you - that look up to you as a mentor.

John: The younger boys are at all different levels and I will help them with their steps if they need it. Some of the boys I have known for years and we have fun in class!


Feis America: Do you participate on teams at all? Do you like teams?

John: I have been on a mixed ceili team and I liked it. I really would like to do a mixed figure because the choreography is amazing!

Feis America: Tell me about the other boys in your competitions. Are you friends or friendly rivals?

John: They are my friends! I think my age group is one of the hardest because there are so many great dancers. We all know that we are there to dance our best. We shake hands and wish each other luck. Anyone who gets a recall is a winner. After the set dance, it's time to hang out and have fun!

Feis America: Does being a competitive Irish dancer help you be a better student at school or does the commitment make it harder for you?

John: Being a dancer helps with school. I find it easier to remember things and work things out in my mind. I'm also in the athletics team and run long distances. I'm not fast, but I have the stamina to run at a steady pace.

Feis America: John, what would you tell the parents of other boy dancers that might help them?

John: Be supportive, not pushy. Your son may not be the best in his age group, but if he is happy, his dancing will improve.

"Jig" the Film opens today in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. See the theaters, show times and make a request for a showing in your area at http://www.jig-the-film.com/!



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Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - producer Sue Bourne - VIDEO

Creative Scotland's award-winning filmmaker Sue Bourne stepped out of the world as she knew it when she decided to pitch creating a documentary of the World Irish Dancing Championships. Her first obstacle was presenting to 100 members of An Comisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, whose protective hold on competitive Irish dancing world-wide is a well-known deterrent to all publicity. Bourne was delighted to get full permission to produce the film and set about on a two- year journey to study, select and then chronicle the journeys of 8 solo competitors from New York, Northern Ireland, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom and a team from Moscow to the World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in 2010.

Bourne, whose award-winning works include "Mum and Me" which won the Best Documentary Award at the Celtic Media Film Festival and "My Street" which won the Best Documentary at Broadcast Awards, is used to delving deep inside human nature and knocking on doors to get answers to questions nobody else is asking. It's no surprise then that her success is based on trust and an ability to distance herself professionally, resulting in creations that move, inspire and make us think.


In Jig!, the audience meets dancers who are already qualified to compete at Worlds, the effective 'Olympics' of Irish dancing, and we watch them train, grow and ultimately experience their own definition of success or defeat. With great camera shots that slow down the action (remember these dancers train all year for what amounts to six minutes on stage), it is easy to follow and thrilling to watch. Whether you are familiar with Irish dance or not, be prepared to be moved and inspired by the courage, commitment and determination of these athletes and their families and teachers.

Jig! opens in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto this weekend! Get your tickets or put in your request for a showing in a city near you at http://www.jig-the-film.com/ now!



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Meet the stars of new documentary "Jig" - Joe Bitter - VIDEO

Five-time World Irish Dancing Champion and a star of Jig! The Film

Coming soon to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto!

Joe Bitter is the real thing. Comfortable with cameras and strangers, wearing a smile that just didn't quit during hours of interviews, Joe exudes that stellar presence that helped him claim FIVE World Championship titles. Remarkably, Joe displays none of the inflated ego expected of a 17 year-old, particularly one with his amazing Irish dancing record and international fame.

Born and raised in California, Joe was smitten with American football long before he was introduced to Irish dancing. "I could throw twice as far and run faster than everybody, but I was too small," admits Joe. Watching his older sister dance and a Riverdance DVD peaked his interest, and Joe took to step dancing immediately.

In Jig!, Joe's father recalls that Joe won the first seventeen competitions he entered and often would roll up the carpet and dance for as many as seven hours at a time. Eventually, Dr. Bitter gave up his successful practice and moved the family to England so Joe could train with John Carey, TCRG, an EIGHT-time World Irish Dancing Champion. It is this kind of intimate look at the whole family's commitment that makes Jig! such a fantastic documentary about the world of competitive Irish dancing.

In New York for the opening of Jig!, Joe was excited to talk about the film and when prodded, about his own dancing and creative partnership with his mentor and teacher John Carey. Joe is preparing now for the North American National Irish Dancing Championships and finishing up at school at the same time. He does get to miss some school - and unfortunately some social events with his friends - because of dance, but he sees it more as dedication than sacrifice. He crosstrains with Pilates and at the gym. He looks up to the professionals who perform in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, and hopes to join a tour when he's done with school.

In the film, a memorable moment is when young John Whitehurst talks about looking up to Joe in dance class; in another, Joe talks about wanting to be remembered for his set dance. Neither scene is one you will soon forget!

Jig! is scheduled to open this weekend in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. See http://www.jig-the-film.com/ for a list of theaters and cities, and put your request in for a showing in your area today!

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Irish Dance DIY craft - a tshirt quilt is the perfect memento of dance competitions

By: ERIN BAILEY, Feis America Magazine contributor

When I finished my dancing career, it was a bittersweet moment. Weekends without morning practices felt strange.
My parents had a bit more time on their hands…and a bit more money.

Sorting through our “Irish Dance closet,” we found a basket of soft shoes deemed no longer worthy, old bloomers, ripped tights and make-up from my earlier competitive days.

Basically, a bunch of stuff we held onto because we never knew what might come in handy for a show or competition down the road. While some items were easy to trash, others took on a new life of their own. My mom took all of the memorable Oireachtas, Nationals and Worlds T-shirts and turned them into a quilt—a graduation present that made the perfect parting gift right before I packed up for college.

So before you throw out those old tees, think of a clever new way to use them. Read this step-by-step guide on how to make a dancing tee quilt of your own.

Materials:
• 12-15 T-shirts
• 2-3 yards of stabilizer
• 2-3 yards of material for back
• 1-2 yards of material for front (usually a contrast)

Instructions:
1. Determine the size of squares by the biggest design on the shirt or hoodie
2. Cut shirts to that size. Example: 12x12 or 16x16
3. Cut stabilizer and iron to the back of shirts
4. Arrange squares into the desired pattern. We like three squares across and five down
5. Cut panels in a contrasting fabric into strips. They will surround the squares
6. Sew panels and squares together, working horizontally first and then vertically
7. Pin your sewn-together top layer to the backing material
8. Sew together
9. Finish with top stitch and embroidery threads in corners

Photo Credit: Erin Bailey

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'Jig' the Irish Dance Movie Rocking Theaters Now

In ninety-three edge-of-your-seat minutes, Jig producer Sue Bourne takes her audience from neighborhood Irish dance studios across the globe to the coveted podium of the 40th Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, held in Glasgow in 2010. If you're at all familiar with the culture of competitive Irish dancing, you will be delighted to share the journey made by the very best of these athletes; otherwise, you're in for an education and a treat!

Meet friendly rivals Julia O'Rourke from the Petri in New York and Brogan McCay from McConomy in Derry, Northern Ireland; young John Whitehurst and his idol World Champion Joe Bitter who study with 8-time World Champion John Carey TCRG in England; Will Sandun, a Sri Lankan adopted and brought up in the Netherlands known as "The Flying Dutchman"; the three young ladies - all friends - who have battled for the top title for 15 years; the unlikely Ceilidh team of adult Russian ladies from Moscow who with Tir na nOg's Shane McAvinchey TCRG are unwavering in their pursuit of excellence.

Jig opened in theaters across the United States on Friday, June 17th. View the trailer here:



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Houston Academy Wild Irish Rose Feis 2011

Open Championship under 16 Top 3


Open Championship under 17 Top 3


Preliminary Championship under 12 Top 3


Kim Houston Kinash, TCRG and Courtney Manion

The Houston Academy's Wild Rose Feis took place on June 4-5th at the Westin Calgary in Alberta, Canada. The Houston Academy, run by Sally Houston ADCRG and her two daughters TCRGs Kim Houston Kinash and Kerry Houston, is the longest-running school in Calgary. Expert tabulation and results by FeisWorx. Photos courtesy of Houston Academy.

Congratulations on a terrific feis from your friends and fans for life at Feis America!

Special competitions included First Feis, congratulations to winners:

Reel and Light Jig (under 6) Scarlett Quinn (Houston)

Reel (under 7) Shannara Chutny (Possak)

Light Jig (under 7) Will Dyack (Casey O'Loughlin)

Reel (under 8) Lana Mihajlovic (Blakey)

Light Jig (under 8) Scarlett Hutchison (Okotoks)

Reel (under 10) Katie Henry (MJP Academy)

Light Jig (under 10) Melissa Hilgen (Okotoks)

Reel (under 12) Daemon Watson (Okotoks)

Light Jig (under 12) Erin Kubian (Blakey)


Preliminary Championship under 10
1 - Kaelyn Stabel (McCormack)

2 - Calais Harvey (Houston)

3 - Mikayla House (McCormack)


Preliminary Championship under 11
1 - Madyson MacDougall (Houston)

2 - Taylor Dechamplain (Scoil Rince Clannad - SRC)

3 - Willow McDonald (Okotoks)

4 - Bree Mullaghan (Scoil Rince Bhriomhar - SRB)

5 T - Courtney Cowger (Pomeroy) and Sarah Lambros (Houston)


Preliminary Championship under 12
1 - Vanessa Nelson (Mattierin)

2 - Sarah Gilmour (Houston)

3 - Lauren Maier (Blakey)


Preliminary Championship under 13
1 - Madeline Herbers (SRC)

2 - Courtney Quesnel (Houston)

3 - Jacqui Moreland (Blakey)

4 - Meaghan Matichuk (Blakey)


Preliminary Championship under 14
1 - Emma Hilton (Irwin)

2 - Danik Chynoweth (Possak)

3 - Olivia Ribecco (Casey O'Loughlin)

4 - Annie Hotchkiss (Casey O'Loughlin)

5 - Christina Ingram (Irwin)


Preliminary Championship under 15
1 - Harper Watson (Mattierin)

2 - Amy Migneault (River City)

3 - Sinead O'Halloran (Irwin)

4 - Bronagh Smyth (Scoil Rince Mahoney SRM)


Preliminary Championship under 16
1 - Caroline Peplinski (Irwin)

2 - Alex Scivoletto (Knock)

3 - Megan Cuddahy (Mattierin)

4 - Cassidy Theroux (Irwin)

5 - Maria Osiowy (Irwin)

6 - Kayla Staume (Blakey)


Preliminary Championship under 17
1 - Danielle Massee (Houston)

2 - Laila Abelseth (Blakey)

3 - Julia Jennings (Blakey)


Preliminary Championship under 18

1 - Georgina Fox (Blakey)

2 - Danielle Judd (Blakey)

3 - Stephanie Vandervelde (Blakey)

4 - Lindsay Kathrens (Regent)

5 - Michelle Radomski (Irwin)


Preliminary Championship 18 & Over
1 - Kristi Betschler (Blakey)

2 - Brenna Astle (Knock)

3 - Jaime Clanachan (Knock)

4 - Kirsten Goertz (Knock)


Open Championship under 12
1 - Ava-Marie Schroder (Mattierin)

2 - Londyn Nachtigal (Mattierin)

3 - Devan Berg (Irwin)

4 - Brighid McKay (Casey O'Loughlin)

5 - Ceili Davey (Mattierin)


Open Championship under 14
1 - Rochelle Hoffmann (Blakey)

2 - Rachel Frend (Mattierin)

3 - Mary Peplinski (Irwin)

4 - Breanne Gambles (Irwin)


Open Championship under 15
1 - MacKenzie Mahler (Blakey)

2 - Olivia Scully (Irwin)

3 - Natasha Reid (Irwin)


Open Championship under 16
1 - Sydney Powell (Houston)

2 - Alexia Bell (Houston)

3 - Alex Nessler (Irwin)

4 - Aidan Macpherson (Mattierin)


Open Championship under 17

1 - Ben Abelseth (Blakey)

2 - Danny Doerksen (Houston)

3 - Erin Nichiporuk (Houston)

Open Championship under 18

1 - Kimmy Cooper (Blakey)

2T - Colleen Kehler (Possak) and Simon Tottrup (Irwin)

3 - Shallon Terry (Blakey)

Open Championship under 19

1 - Ian Gott (Irwin)

2 - Elspeth Hughton (Irwin)

Open Championship 19 & Over

1 - Oriana Salvalaggio (Houston)

2 - Kahylin Kelly (Houston)

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