Songs for the 25th – 26th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to New York this weekend for the East Durham Feis or Wyoming for the Cowboy State Feis? How about Missouri for the St. Louis Gateway Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!  



“Everything All The Time” – Outfit
Wanna be everything—or at least a champ? Get ready with this energy-inducing song.  

“Sail” – AWOLNATION
Sail through the day by stretching to this tune.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 18th - 19th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 11th - 12th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 3rd - 4th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Save The World” – Swedish House Mafia
And show the world how amazing of a dancer you are this weekend!  

“Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Not impressed with your dancing results for the day? Pick yourself up and play this.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 18th – 19th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Ontario this weekend for Feis Baile Na Ros or New York for the Southern Tier Feis? How about Michigan for the Great Lakes Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!


“Summertime in Ireland” – Daniel O’Donnell
It will be a lovely day for sure after listening to this sunny tune.

“Ireland for the Summer” – Matt Keane
Forget about hearing the music in Ireland! Get ready to listen to it all day at the feis.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 11th - 12th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 3rd - 4th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 28th - 29th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Song for Ireland” – Mary Black
This soothing song is perfect to stretch to.

“Summer in Dublin” – Bagatelle
Wind down on the ride home with this mellow beat.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 11th – 12th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Atlantic City this weekend for the Lynn Academy Feis or Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Feis and McMenamin Academy Feis? How about New York for the Feis at the Falls or California for the Comortas an Chosta Oir? Massachusetts for the McInerney School Feis? Or maybe Delaware for the Irish Culture Club of Delaware Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!

“Lido Shuffle” – Boz Scaggs
The beat will get your feet ready to shuffle, er treble.  

“Left Too Late” – Florrie
A perfect song to stretch to.
 

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 3rd - 4th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 28th - 29th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 21st - 22nd Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Lonely Boy” – The Black Keys
You’ll never be lonely when there’s music to dance to.  

“Time Stand Still” – Rush
Take a minute to look around and absorb all the awesome energy at the feis.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 3rd – 4th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Ohio this weekend for the Columbus Feis or Georgia for the Historic Savannah Feis? How about New York for the Catskill Feis or Long Island Feis? Arizona for the Arizona State Championships or Iowa for the Two Rivers Feile?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!

  
“Intro” – The xx
Consider it your intro to the day.


“Blood Is Pumpin’” – Voodoo & Serano
Pump this out for an instant energy boost.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 28th - 29th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 21st - 22nd Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 14th - 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Good People” – Jack Johnson
Play this and be thankful for all those cheering you on during competition.  

“Too Close” – Alex Clare
This song will put you in the fighting mood for first place.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 28th – 29th July Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to California this weekend for the Maitiu OMaoileidigh Southern CA Summer Feis or the Silicon Valley Feis? How about Maine for the Maine State Feis? Or Ontario for the St. Catharines Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!


“Stand” – Rascal Flatts
You’re a strong dancer—and athlete. This song will remind you of that.  

“With My Own Two Hands” – Ben Harper
You’ll move everyone with your own two (turned out!) feet this weekend.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 21st - 22nd Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 14th - 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 23rd - 24th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“You’re The Best” – Joe Esposito
Well you are, aren’t you?
 

“Jumping All Over The World” – Scooter
This will make you feel like the world champ you strive to be.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 21st – 22nd July Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Wisconsin this weekend for the Badger State Feis or the Cream City Feis? How about Washington for Dance for Life or New York for the Governor Thomas Dongan Feis? Or maybe you’re off to Virginia for the Nation's Capital Feis.

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!
  
“Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” – The Tams
Play this for a cheerful ride to the feis.
 

“Burning Down The House” – Talking Heads
Picture taking the house down with your amazing steps when listening to this.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 14th - 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 23rd - 24th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 16th - 17th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Lollipop” – MIKA
Nothing will get you down after blasting this tune.  

“Gonna Get Over You” – Sara Bareilles
Went off time? Didn’t dance how you wanted? You’ll be alright.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 14th – 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Ohio this weekend for the Clann na nGael Summer Feis or New York for Feis Rochester? How about Littleton, Colorado for the Colorado Irish Festival Feis or Stony Point, New York for the Rockland County Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!


“Lights” – Ellie Goulding
It will make you feel a little stronger before jumping on stage.  

“Nights Like This” – Icona Pop
Grab your feis friends and play this. Savor every dancing moment you have with them.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 23rd - 24th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 16th - 17th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 8th - 10th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Don’t Upset The Rhythm” – Noisettes
It’s all up to you to keep that rhythm on stage.

“Miura” – Metro Area
Perfect stretching music, while still keeping you energized.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

New England claims four North American Irish Dancing Championship team trophies

Harney Academy Mixed Ceili under 9 team are
2012 North American Irish Dancing Champions.
Pictured with TCRG Sara Ann McLaughlin Flaherty and Liam Harney TCRG, ADCRG
Photo: Wendy Mullane

After winning thirteen of the twenty-seven New England Regional Irish dancing team championships last November, Harney Academy Irish dancers were expected to shine on the team stages at the North American Irish Dancing Championships in Chicago Thursday.  To Harney Academy fans' delight, the school claimed three of the ceili team top prizes: Girls Ceili under 9, Girls Ceili under 13, and Mixed Ceili under 9.

Gilleóghan Irish Dance 16 & Over Mixed Ceili Team
are 2012 North American Irish Dancing Champions.
Pictured with TCRGs, ADCRGs Terry Gillan, Philip Owens and Patsy McLoughlin
Photo Sheila Cardell

Also from New England, Gilleóghan Irish Dance of Connecticut won the 16 & Over Mixed Ceili national championship; Harney Academy's 16 & Over Mixed Ceili team placed second.


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Read more:
New England Regional Championships
2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships Recap Part 3
Celtic Steps Ramp up for North American Nationals
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The Mid-America team dancers fared well also, with Cashel-Dennehy's ceili teams defending their 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championship titles for both the under 16 and 16 & Over Girls Ceili competitions.  Lavin-Cassidy clinched first place for Girls Ceili under 11 and Tim O'Hare's Mixed Ceili under 11 team was at the top of that event's podium.  From Chicago, Mullane-Healy-Godley's Girls Choreography under 11 team won the North American Irish Dancing Championship.

Two Mid-Atlantic teams from Broesler and Peter Smith, respectively, won the under 13 and under 16 Mixed Ceili team championships.

Celtic Steps Choreography Teams won three
North American Irish Dancing Championships.
Photo Maeve Heitman

From the Western United States, Celtic Steps thrilled the crowds as anticipated with its amazing choreography performances.   The teams from Colorado defended all three of their 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championship titles for Choreography under 13, under 16 and 16 & Over.

Watters School of Irish Dance from Florida produced and performed the North American Irish Dancing Champion Dance Drama and the Ladies Adult Ceili team from Toal in Western Canada won its event.

It was an exciting day with thousands of dancers, families, teachers and fans, who all enjoyed the expert live music played by some of the world's finest feis musicians.


Congratulations to all the competitors, especially the champions!


Full results are available here.  Check back here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more North American Irish Dancing Championship recaps, photos, interviews and results!

Mid-America region dominates male North American Irish Dancing Championships VIDEO

Three-time North American Irish Dancing Champion
Drew Lovejoy from McGing School of Irish Dance with his mom Andee Goldberg
photo: Andee Goldberg

The Mid-America Region of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America dominated the male Irish dancing solo championships in Chicago last week.  Dancers from Irish dancing schools in the Mid-America Region, which is made up of thirteen states and Western Pennsylvania, claimed six of thirteen male titles.  Of the six, two Mid-Americans defended the North American Championships for their age groups for the third time:  Drew Lovejoy from McGing School of Irish Dance from Ohio and Collin Mountain from The Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance.

Three-time North American Irish Dancing Champion Collin Mountain
from Richens/Timm Academy with his sister Caitlyn Mountain
photo: Micaela Mountain

Also from the Mid-America region, Michael Putman from the Dennehy School of Irish Dance, topped the podium for Men under 20, in what the audiences viewed as an outstanding competition among friendly rivals who have grown up together in international tournaments.  

Three of the youngest age groups' championships were also won by Mid-Americans.  Conal Mulhern O'Kane from the Mulhern School of Irish Dance and Tadgh Spillane from Lavin-Cassidy School of Irish Dance, won the Boys under 12 and Boys under 11 events, and Declan Mangan from Leneghan Academy of Irish Dance won Boys under 9.

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Read more:


Mid-Atlantic region dominates female North American Irish Dancing Championships

4th of July patriotism in Chicago for North American Irish Dancing Championships

Recap of the 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships Part 3
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The Mid-Atlantic Region, comprised of the states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Eastern Pennsylvania clinched four male titles, in addition to the seven female North American Irish Dancing Championships this year.  Two of the 2012 titles were defended by North American champions Owen Luebbers from the Broesler School of Irish Dance and Sean Crosby from Hagen Irish Dance.  Jonathan Detullio from Petri School of Irish Dance and Daniel Callanan from Lynn Academy of Irish Dance also claimed North American championships.

From the Western United States, Blaine Donovan from Celtic Steps topped the podium for Men 20 & Over in another exciting competition among international rivals and friends.  Brian Perry-Carrera won the Boys under 18 event, hailing from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor in California.

Top 5 Boys under 16
2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships
Photo: Heidi Hamerman Nidds

Mitchell Hodges from Carey Academy in Midlands, England/Wales, defended his 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championship.  Hodges success follows second placements at both the 2012 World and All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships earlier this year.

View Thursday's Parade of Champions here:

North American Irish Dancing Championships for Boys/Men

Men 20 & Over Blaine Donovan: Celtic Steps Western USA
Men under 20 Michael Putman: Dennehy Mid-America USA
Boys under 18 Brian Perry-Carrera: Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western USA
Boys under 17 Drew Lovejoy: McGing Mid-America USA
Boys under 16 Mitchell Hodges: Carey Midlands England/Wales
Boys under 15 Jonathan Detullio: Petri Mid-Atlantic USA
Boys under 14 Owen Luebbers: Broesler Mid-Atlantic USA
Boys under 13 Sean Crosby: Hagen Mid-Atlantic USA
Boys under 12 Conal Mulhern O'Kane: Mulhern Mid-America USA
Boys under 11 Tadgh Spillane: Lavin-Cassidy Mid-America USA
Boys under 10 Collin Mountain: Richens/Timm Mid-America USA
Boys under 9 Declan Mangan: Leneghan Mid-America USA
Boys under 8 Daniel Callanan: Lynn Mid-Atlantic USA

Congratulations to all the competitors, especially the champions!

Full results are available here.  Check back here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more North American Irish Dancing Championship recaps, photos, interviews and results!

Mid-Atlantic region dominates female North American Irish Dancing Championships in Chicago

Girls under 17B awards podium with Sarah Oldam from Peter Smith School
Defending 2012 North American Irish Dancing Champion
Photo: Ciara McGovern

The 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships concluded Saturday evening with awards for three of the largest age groups 'solo competitions.  Starting Monday, July 2nd, teachers from the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America gathered for its annual convention which was followed by five long days of solo and team championship events.  More than 3,000 competitors vied for or defended North American titles in 30 individual and 14 team events.

Bridget Albrades, 2012 North American Champion Girls under 10B
Photo: Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance NY

Solo dancers from seven Mid-Atlantic Region Irish dance schools clinched the girls' championship for their age group, including defending champions Fiona Dargan, Sarah Oldam, Melanie Valdes and Gabriella Wood.  Bridget Albrades and Farran Dougherty, the 2010 North American Champions for Girls under 8 and under 9 respectively, reclaimed their titles, while first-time North American champion Sara Sam Zee Moi also topped the podium for Girls under 9A.

Fiona Dargan, 2012 North American Champion Girls under 15A
with Mary Kay Heneghan from Rince na Tiarna NY
Photo: Stacy Harrington Quinlan

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Read more:

2012 North American men champions and Parade of Champions - VIDEO

For the love of Irish dancing - competition builds character

Book review: Nora and the Irish Dresser
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Solo dancers from England/Wales and Ireland also claimed seven first-time North American girls' titles, with two going to McGahan Lees in the Southern Region of England.

Abigail Monaghan, 2012 North American Champion Girls under  13B
from McGahan Lees in Southern England
Photo: Feis America LLC

Corinne Gallibois was one of two dancers from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor in Eastern Canada who topped this year's podium, reclaiming her 2010 North American title after an association with an adjudicator prevented her from competing in the 2011 major.  Michaela Hinds, also Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Eastern Canada claimed her fourth North American championship, paralleling her four-time consecutive World Irish Dancing Championships.

Corinne Gallibois, 2012 North American Champion Ladies under 19A
and Michaela Hinds, 2012 North American Champion Girls under 17A
from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Eastern Canada
photo: Deirdre Gallibois

The Western U.S. region of Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western United States celebrated two North American champions with Ladies 20 & Over B champion Olivia Griffin and Girls under 15B champion Carley Reger.  Another Western U.S. region dancer, Amanda Probert, from Claddagh claimed the 
Girls under 15B title.

Olivia Griffin, 2012 North American Ladies 20 & Over B
and Carley Reger, 2012 North American Girls under 15B
from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western U.S.
Photo: Feis America LLC

New Englanders Caroline Mega and Emily Stewart, and four Mid-Americans Moira Kramp, Maria Murphy, Orla Mullane Godley and Sydney Niewiedzial topped the North American podium for the first time.  The Southern United States celebrated its North American champion Miya Stefanick for Girls under 13A.

Girls and Ladies' Solo Championships

Ladies 20 & Over A  Siobhan Casey: Doherty  Midlands  England/Wales
Ladies 20 & Over B  Olivia Griffin: Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western Region USA
Ladies u20  Gabriella Wood:  Petri Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Ladies u19A  Corinne Gallibois:  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor  Eastern Region Canada
Ladies u19B  Emily Stewart:  Scoil Rince Naomh Attracta  New England Region USA
Ladies u18A  Jessie Leach:  McGahan Lees  Southern Region  England
Ladies u18B  Caroline Mega:  Murray Academy  New England Region  USA
Girls u17A  Michaela Hinds:  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor  Eastern Region Canada
Girls u17B  Sarah Oldam:  Peter Smith Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u16A  Ellen Kennedy:  O'Connor  Connaught Region  Ireland
Girls u16B  Amanda Probert:  Claddagh  Western Region USA
Girls u15A  Fiona Dargan:  Rince na Tiarna  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u15B  Carley Reger:  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor  Western Region USA
Girls u14A  Moira Kramp:  Trinity  Mid-America Region USA
Girls u14B  Melanie Valdes:  Petri  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u13A  Miya Stefanick:  Maple  Southern Region USA
Girls u13B  Abigail Monaghan:  McGahan Lees  Southern Region England
Girls u12A  Rachel Cummins:  Linda Martyn  Connaught Region Ireland
Girls u12B  Orla Mullane-Godley:  Mullane Healy Godley  Mid-America  USA
Girls u11A  Farran Dougherty:  Broesler  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girils u11B  Sydney Niewiedzial:  Trinity  Mid-America Region USA
Girls u10A  Maria Murphy:  Mulhern  Mid-America Region USA
Girls u10B  Bridget Albrades:  Mulvihill-Lynch  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u9A    Sara Sam Zee Moi:  O'Rourke  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u9B    Erin McPolin:  Carey  Midlands  England/Wales
Girls u8      Shannon McHugh:  Duggan  Connaught Region Ireland


Congratulations to all the competitors, especially the champions!

Full results are available here.  Check back here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more North American Irish Dancing Championship recaps, photos, interviews and results!

2012 North American Irish Dancing Champion men's results VIDEO

Blaine Donovan from Celtic Steps in Colorado
2012 North American Irish Dancing Champion
Men over 20
Photo: Feis America LLC

Blaine Donovan clinched the 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championship in Chicago Tuesday after three strong rounds with a slate of outstanding competitors in the Men over 20 category.  Donovan, from Celtic Steps in Colorado, delighted the audience with impeccable execution and stunning choreography to secure his top spot on the podium.  With Jason Hays from McTeggart, Jonathon Srour from Broesler, Colin Barkell from Maple and Joe Harrison from O'Shea-Chaplin, Donovan is in outstanding company.

Men over 20 Results:

Blaine Donovan Celtic Steps : Western Region, USA 1
Jason Hays McTeggart : Western Region, USA 2
Jonathon Srour * Broesler : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 3
Colin Barkell Maple : Southern Region, USA 4
Joe Harrison O'Shea-Chaplin : New England Region, USA 5
Joseph Michael Davis Davis : Midlands, England/Wales 6
Mitchell De Simone Broesler : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 7
Casey Costello Short : Eastern Region, Canada 8
Kevin Mills Aaron Crosbie : Southern Region, England 9
Phillip Mottershead Brady Academy : Western Canada 10
Matt Coughlin Harney : New England Region, USA 11
James Reese Tir Conaill : Western Region, USA 12
Scott Graham Graham : Eastern Region, Canada 13 


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Read more:


North American Irish Dancing Championships kick off in Chicago

International friendships in competitive Irish dance world

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Here is the Parade of Champions video from Tuesday's awards:

Michael Putman, from Dennehy in the Mid-America Region, won the 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championship for Men under 20.  In a competition with ten World Irish Dancing Championship medal holders, adjudicators had their work cut out for them in this competition.  Nick Paulson, who just won the North American Feis Commission Senior Belt, took Second Place with Brendan Mullane, Conor O'Brien and Ryan Broesler sharing the box.

Men under 20 Results:

Michael Putman  Dennehy : Mid America Region, USA 1
Nicholas Paulson  Broesler : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 2
Brendan Mullane  Mullane Healy Godley : Mid America USA 3
Conor O'Brien  O'Shea-Chaplin : New England Region, USA 4
Ryan Broesler Broesler : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 5
Ian Gott Irwin : Western Region, Canada 6
Peter Ryan Smith Houlihan : Mid Atlantic USA 7
Lorcan Balfe Butler-Fearon-O'Connor : Eastern Canada 8 Thomas Stewart Bell : Mid America Region, USA 9 Kelcey Steele McGing : Mid America Region, USA 10 Lucas Lawton Short : Eastern Region, Canada 11 Bryan Schneck Knock : Western Region, Canada 12 Ryan Murphy Gilleoghan : New England Region, USA 13 Martin Garfield-Levine McTeggart : Western Region, USA 14 Tim Ryan Broesler : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 15 Daniel Drew Peter Smith : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 16 Matthew Beckerle Clark : Mid America Region, USA 17  Brian Perry-Carrera from the Western United States division of Butler-Fearon-O'Connor, is the 2012 North American Irish Dancing Champion for Boys under 18.  Two of the Top 5 dancers, Ryan Barry and Alasdair Spencer, traveled from the United Kingdom to clinch the 3rd and 4th place spots.  World medal holder Fred Nguyen, from De Danaan in Western Canada, and Joey Roca from Glor na Daire in the Southern Region of the United States, rounded out the talented podium for this competition.

Brian Perry-Carrera
2012 Boys under 18 North American Irish Dancing Champion
Photo: Lauren Perry-Carrera

Boys under 18 Results:

108 Brian Perry-Carrera  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor : West 1
106 Fred Nguyen  De Danaan : Western Region, Canada 2
117 Ryan Barry McGahan Lees : Southern Region, England 3
130 Alasdair Spencer Matthews : Midlands England/Wales 4
105 Joey Roca Glor Na Daire : Southern Region, USA 5
107 Brian McLaughlin McGing : Mid America Region, USA 6
129 Ben Abelseth Blakey : Western Region, Canada 7 120 Rory Beglane Inishfree : Mid Atlantic Region, USA 8 118 Ryan Ostiller Butler-Fearon-O'Connor : West USA 9 115 Sam Davenport Rince Na H'Eireann : South, USA 10 122 Danny Doerksen Houston : Western Region, Canada 11 119 Billy Gracik Mullane Healy Godley : Mid America, USA 12 128 Thomas Lynch Reed : Western Region, USA 13 For full results, photos and updates follow Feis America LLC on Facebook or visit the North American Irish Dancing Championship Facebook page here.

4th of July patriotism in Chicago for North American Irish Dancing Championships PHOTOS

Farrell Granath from Pender-Keady Academy
of Irish Dance in Connecticut
proudly wears her Irish dancing costume
which honors America!

Irish dancers from Canada, Mexico and across the United States of America broke out the red, white and blue today to celebrate America's birthday alongside the 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships.

With costumes trending toward sparkles and sequins, the annual North American World Qualifying competition is an ideal time to showcase the United States of America's flag features.

Sean Patrick Dwyer and family ready for the Boys under 9 competition.

The Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America hosts the event which takes place every year over the 4th of July holiday, and this year the venue is smack in the middle of the United States in Chicago, Illinois.  A committee of dedicated irish dance teachers from Middle America have been working for more than a year to make sure that families of competitive dancers have every opportunity to enjoy Chicago outside of the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton hotels where the competitions and awards are held each day through Saturday, July 8th.

Regan Rankin dancers from the under 13 competition between rounds.

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Read more:

Irish dancer goes from "Feet of Flames" to professional photography

North American Irish Dancing Championships kick off in Chicago

For the love of competition - Irish dancing builds character

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Katherine Malloy shows off today's 'uniform' for Mulhern Irish dancers
complete with sparkly blue flats and a flag hairbow.

The sheer numbers of entrants in most of the female age groups require that the year be split into two groups, and birthdate determines which half of the group one is assigned to.  This results in two championships for most of the girls' age groups, where up to 150 or more Irish dancers may compete in a single group.  Dancers perform two rounds in each of the heavy and light shoe and about half are recalled to dance a third round.  After tabulation, awards are made which include a top percentage who is qualified to compete at the 2013 World Irish Dancing Championships which will be held in Boston.

Aidan Farrell and Bridget Murphy from McInerney in Massachusetts.

The 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships began Tuesday with solo competitions for some of the larger groups including Girls under 10 and Girls under 15.  Competitions are divided by gender and age; while some of the country's youngest Open Champion dancers are permitted to compete in the under 8 category and the oldest group is that of Men over 20 and Ladies over 20, most events are for a specific year of age, i.e. 9 years turning 10 during calendar year 2012.

Patriotic dancers and fans from Donny Golden in New York!

Tuesday's competitions saw solo events in the Girls under 10 and Girls under 15 categories, as well as Ladies under 19 and Ladies under 20 competitions.  Afternoon fans were delighted with the stamina and power of the older male Irish dancers with the Men under 20 and Men over 20 events.  World, national and regional champions, many of whom perform professionally with Riverdance or Lord of the Dance, or serve as a student Irish dance teacher, vied for the 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championship titles while visiting with friends from around the world sidestage

Happy 4th of July from these three belles from North Carolina!

 Wednesday's competitions delighted fans and Irish dance enthusiasts with the youngest boys' events - under 8, under 9 and under 10.  Two large female groups- Girls under 13 and Girls under 17 - also performed today with the Ladies over 20 category displaying finely-executed choreography, grace and power with most having 10-15 years or more of dance instruction.

Celtic Steps in Colorado family decked out for Independence Day!

Lindsey Ferguson from Bell with her family between rounds.

For more information on the competitions, photos and results, visit Feis America LLC on the official 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships Facebook page, and stay tuned here on IrishCentral's Irish Dance page for updates, photos and results.

Songs for the 23rd – 24th June Irish dancing competitions - VIDEOS

Aby PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Salt Lake City this weekend for the Utah State Feis or Manheim for the Celtic Fling Feis? Or maybe you’re off to Ohio for the Dayton Area Feis or Minnesota for the Twin Cities Feis. New Jersey for the Peter Smith Feis or Connecticut for the New Haven Feis? Or perhaps you’re gearing up for Nova Scotia’s Fundy Feis.

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage, preparing for the upcoming 2012 North American Irish Dance Championships in Chicago. Best of luck to all competitors and be sure to come back and share your results with us!

 “Sweet Home Chicago” – Blues Brothers
The perfect light tune to play during a nice, sunny drive to that summer feis.

 “Chicago” – Sufjan Stevens
Stretch to this and you’ll be set.
   

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 16th - 17th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

 Songs for the 8th - 10th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
 
Songs for the 26th - 28th May Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” – Fallout Boy
A great upbeat song to blast before dancing for a crowd.

“Chicago” – Mat Kearney
Play this on the way home from competition, dreaming happy thoughts about nationals.

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A competitive Irish dancer's confession: I struggle with timing

Irish dance ghillie iPod Touch cozy
by HoneyBeeBungalow

By Caitlin Buck Feis America LLC contributor

Remember in "The Lion King" how the hyenas flinch whenever someone nearby uttered Mufasa? I'm a competitive Irish dancer who started when I was 18. I have a flinch word too. Mine is... timing.

I had done high kick and jazz on my high school dance team so I was used to learning routines to 8 counts. I did pretty well competing in Irish dance until I got into Novice. In Novice, the dances were no longer taught count-by-count like in Beginner. There was no jump 2,3,4,5,6,7 over-one 2 point hop back... There were just movements taught and the dancers had to assemble the movements to music themselves. I began to struggle with timing. BIG time.

"Listen.  Listen to the music."

A friend confessed that when she started Irish dancing at 15 she thought if she started with the music and ended when the music did she was golden. When we would step up to dance our teacher would meaningfully tap his ear. Listen. Listen to the music. But something would happen after the 5,6, and here you go! It is like my brain would disconnect with the music much like a train might disconnect with railroad ties. Not having counts or words cues to stay with the music, I inadvertently focused solely on my steps.

"Slow down!!"
"Speed up!"
"You were behind from the beginning."
"You were 2 bars ahead the whole time."

Timing. Timing. Timing. My marks were always the same. Timing. Nothing else... but that one word. If it said turn out, flexibility, higher jumps, move more in the steps - those are all understandable corrections. The word timing does NOT pinpoint a problem that is easily fixed. It does not explain when or where a dancer gets off time or whether the problem lies in that they aren’t fully completing a step or if they are adding unnecessary steps. It is in short... not helpful.

Mikela Milozzi trying on hard shoes.
Photo: Bodhran Irish Dancers

So many dancers seem to have the gift of musicality. Like being born with blue eyes, they were born to put steps to music easy as breathing.

Timing. I would go home and put music on and listen as hard as possible. I would perform the dance with my hands and within my head visualize the steps. And I could see it. Then I would dance and be able to hear myself getting behind or speeding ahead. I loved Irish dancing, but I was beginning to feel like the world’s most rotten dancer.

It seems eons ago that one of my teachers said, “When you get this timing issue taken care of you’re going to do really well.” The thing was I had flexibility from being on a high kick team, I could almost kick my face, I could get height on my jumps, I had grace, I could perform... I just couldn’t seem to dance on time with the music to save my life. Seriously it was bad. I had Irish dancers half my height coming up to me with advice.

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Read more:

Irish dancers cross-train with ballet for flexibility and poise

Healthy snacks for competitive Irish dancers

Niall O'Leary adult Irish dancer, musician and teacher

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What helped in my hard shoe above all else was having private lessons with another Irish dancer. She had struggled with timing too and thus knew better how to help. She instructed me to say "but-ter-fly" over and over in my head while dancing hornpipe. I found that saying "Christ-mas-tree" over and over helped me stay with the beat in treble jig. Thanks to her help I made it into Preliminary Championships. Listening to the music while falling asleep has also proven helpful.

I still don’t have great timing, but Irish dancing is something I love to do and at 23 I'm not ready to give it up yet!



Are you an Irish dancer of any age or level struggling with one particular issue? Share in the comment box below and let’s get a discussion started. If there’s one thing we are ALL good at, it’s helping out our Irish dance friends!

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Songs for the 16th – 17th June Irish dancing competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

 Heading to California this weekend for Feis at the Fair or Illinois for the Mullane Healy Godley Feis? How about British Columbia for the Beautiful British Columbia Feis or Kentucky for the Louisville Feis? Virgina for the Old Dominion Feis or Missouri for the Ozark Mountains Feis? Or perhaps you’re going to New York for the McDonald-Domick-Lonergan Feis or Massachusetts for the Greater Boston Teacher Feis.

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!  

“Good Day, Sunshine” – The Beatles
Nothing like a bright start to the day with this chipper tune.  

“Summer in the City” - The Lovin' Spoonful
You’ll want to dance all night after listening to this.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 8th - 10th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
Songs for the 26th - 28th May Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
Songs for the 12th - 13th May Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Summer Mood” – Best Coast
Stretch and chill out with this jam.
   

“The Adventure” – Angels and Airwaves
 No matter how you do, feising is all about enjoying the adventure.

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance and has been selected by the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America to provide live commentary and results at the 2012 North American National Irish Dancing Championships!