What you need to know about Bluegrass Ceili Academy’s performance and competition teams
Bluegrass Ceili Academy, in partnership with Artworks at the Carver School and Dance Attack Dance Company, sponsors dance competition/performance teams for youth and adults. The teams will perform at local events and compete at local and regional Irish dance competitions.
Competitions
Our teams compete at local and regional competitions called a “feis” (pronounced FESH). We have competed in Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus.
The Mid-America Region Oireachtas (pronounced oh-ROCK-tuss) is our regional championship and is held the weekend right after Thanksgiving each year. Team competitions are usually on the Saturday of the event.
Performances
With all the hard work our Bluegrass Ceili Academy team dancers will do, we’re planning to show off our competition material at the winter and spring recitals, the Lexington St. Patrick’s Festival and other local performance opportunities as they arise. We may have extra practices before these events to ensure we’re ready.
Costumes
We work with you to keep costumes affordable. For beginner costumes, dancers can expect to purchase a black mock turtleneck leotard, black dance tights and Irish dance shoes (approx. $40 new). Bluegrass Ceili Academy will provide a jumper or skirt and shawl to complete the costume. For competition, a team dress will be provided.
Competition Team Membership
Team selections are by invitation of the instructor. Eligible dancers have taken at least one year of Irish dance. Our goal is to try to get all dancers who are interested in competing on a team. However, we may not be able to do so due to age grouping, ability to remember the choreography, etc.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Irish dance competition teams, please email Megan Moloney at info@bluegrassceili.com.