***NEW for 2009 - Traditional Set Dance Competitions***

Following the success of the Mini-Feis concept at other regional Oireachtasi, our region has voted to conduct a “Mini-Feis” on the Sunday morning of the Oireachtas to allow Advanced Beginner, Novice and Open Prizewinner dancers who are otherwise not participating in solo events at the Oireachtas to compete in a traditional set competition. Originally (two steps of) a reel were to be included, but after discussion, it was agreed to try just traditional sets for 2009 and consider, based on success and timing, including reels for 2010.

Benefits of this concept include: exposing more dancers to the prestigious championship event, making the trip more worthwhile for those who are usually team-only dancers, encouraging more dancers to go for teams since they can do a solo dance too, promoting the traditional side of Irish dance and having something to work toward once the feis season ends.

Dancers can choose from the seven traditional set dances in our syllabus: St. Patrick's Day, The Blackbird, Job of Journeywork, Garden of Daisies, Three Sea Captains, King of the Fairies and Jockey to the Fair.

Competitors would be entitled to wear the costume of their choice.

Competition age groups to be under 7, under 9, under 11, under 13, under 15 and 15 and over, to be split at the discretion of the Oireachtas Committee. That the rate of entry would be $20.00 per entrant, plus the family admission.

Being the first year, we have no idea how large or small these competitions will be. All teachers have been asked to provide an esitmate of entries or a notice that they do not intend to participate so we can plan better. Perhaps we have too many age groups? Perhaps we need one year to let people see what it's all about? Perhaps it's not necessary?

Team events will begin once the traditional set dance competitions are complete, allowing time for dancers to change outfits.

We realise that many schools travel from afar and look forward to getting on the highway after team events. We are working on a schedule that will minimize any such delay.