Feis

A Feis is an Irish Stepdancing competition...

Irish step dances are relatively modern, creations of the dancing masters prevalent in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries. "... almost all references to Irish dances in literature, down to the beginning of the eighteenth century, deal only with Round and Long dances, and ... there is a marked absence of any indication of the existence of the dancing-master until about the same time." The intricate steps were invented by the dancing masters, who elaborated on the simple steps of Round and Long dances.

(Round and Long dances are group dances, requiring a minimum of four dancers depending on the dance. Round dances are known in step dancing as figure dances, e.g., six-hand reel, eight-hand reel, four-hand jig.)

There are four basic Irish step dances (solos): reel, (light) jig, slip jig, and hornpipe. There are, of course, many many variations of reel, light jig, slip jig, and hornpipe steps. Each dancing school has its own versions of the steps.

Each school has several different costumes. There is one or more costumes for kids, depending on their level; many schools have one costume for beginners and another for dancers at the intermediate level. Junior and senior dancers (teens and adults who have reached a high level in competition) have different dresses. Adult dancers (adults who have not danced in at least five years) have yet another costume, which is more often a skirt and blouse or jacket than a dress.

When dancers reach a certain level in competition, they may receive a solo dress. The dress, usually made in Ireland or England, is velvet with satin linings and lots of colorful embroidery. The solo dress is a sign that a dancer has achieved a high-level of skill in Irish step dancing. It is worn during individual (solo) competitions; for team (figure dancing) competitions, the dancer wears the standard school costume for their level.

A commission in Ireland (An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha) provides rules and guidelines for teaching and for competition. Teachers and adjudicators must qualify for their positions and be registered with the commission.