Experience the Spirit of the Feis
At ADC Irish Dancers, our mission is to help every dancer explore their creativity, passion, and potential through Irish dance.
We recognize that goal setting can be extremely motivating for some dancers, similar to accomplishing belts in karate or setting and achieving a goal of running a marathon. Reaching goals and milestones builds confidence.
For dancers who want an extra challenge, take your skills to new heights through optional competitive Irish dance. Competing at a feis and/or completing grade exams can be a fun experience and a chance for making new friends, building self-confidence, and excelling while dancing to live music in a fun atmosphere.
Why Choose Us
Technique
We offer the highest standards in dance training.
Growth
We promote continuous personal goal setting and achievement.
Community
You will be part of a supportive and nurturing dance family where taking risks is encouraged.
Opportunity
We open doors for dancers to travel, perform, and embrace new dance experiences.
Experience the Spirit of Feis Irish Dance
A feis (pronounced “fesh”) is a traditional Irish arts and culture gathering that typically includes competitions in music, dance, and other cultural activities. Feiseanna (plural of feis) are competitive events where dancers perform and are judged on their skills.
These events are organized under the rules and guidelines set by An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, the governing body for competitive Irish dance. Feiseanna provide dancers with opportunities to compete at various levels and progress in their skills.
Go Solo. Go Team.
Go Win.
Dancers can compete individually in solo light and hard shoe dances, such as reels, jigs, and hornpipes. Special categories may also be offered for creativity and fun.
Additionally, dancers can join team events, dancing in pairs or larger groups in traditional ceili or figure dances. Teams compete in formats from 2-hand choreography to 8-hand dances, with all competitors placed in groups by age and skill.
Competition Levels
Grades
First Feis (Optional)
For first-time competitors. Dancers may only dance First Feis once in their dance career, not per dance. Only soft shoe is offered.
Beginner 1
Entry level with fast-speed dances in both light and hard shoe. This level is combined with Beginner 2 for competitions.
Fast speed dances include: Reel, Slip Jig (girls), Light Jig, Single Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and the St. Patrick’s Day traditional set.
Advanced Beginner
Advanced beginner level for dancers who have placed 1st of 5 in a dance at the Beginner 1 level.
Dances continue at fast speed.
Novice
Dancers who have placed 1st in a Beginner 2 dance move that dance up to Novice. This level is combined with Prizewinner for competitions.
Reel and Slip Jig change to slow speed to accommodate more intricate choreography. Hornpipe and Treble Jig dances are danced fast or slow.
Dancers may choose a new trad set or continue competing St. Patrick’s Day.
Prizewinner
Dancers who have won 1st place in Novice dances advance to Prizewinner.
Reel, Slip Jig, Treble Jig and Hornpipe are danced slow speed. Single Jig and Light Jig and can be “won out” by earning 1st place and no longer competed. A different trad set should be introduced.
Championship
Preliminary Championship
Dancers enter the Preliminary Championship after earning first place in all Prizewinner light and hard shoe dances.
At this level, competitors perform three longer and more challenging dances: light shoe styles like reel and jigs, hard shoe styles like Treble Jig or Hornpipe, and one modern set dance with original choreography.
Performances are judged by a panel of three judges instead of one.
Open Championship
Open Championship is the highest level in competitive Irish dance. To qualify, dancers must win multiple overall first-place titles (usually three) at the Preliminary level.
Open dancers perform a soft shoe, a hard shoe, and a modern set dance, but the competition is against the most skilled dancers, with higher expectations for technique, artistry, and execution.
Adults
Adult Grades
Beg 1/2 are often combined at the adult level. Advancement by youth rules or teacher approval.
Adult dancers are generally those who started after age 18 or return after 5+ years without top youth wins.
Adult Grades
Winning at Novice/PW or teacher approval qualifies a dancer for Adult Championship.
Advanced Adults
Dancers aged 18 and over who have placed in the top three of a youth preliminary championship or competed in Open Championship as a youth or older are eligible to compete in advanced adult championships and team events.
Additionally, adult dancers can take CLRG grade exams to track their progress in Irish dance.
Adult Champs
Competitions have three rounds: soft shoe, hard shoe, and traditional set.
Adult champs are for adults who competed through Nov/PW but did not place in youth championships.
Grade Exams
Grade Exams are non-competitive assessments that develop a dancer’s skills and knowledge across 12 levels plus an optional preliminary exam.
Completing all grades earns a diploma in Irish dancing and eligibility for the TCRG teaching qualification.
Competition Questions Answered
Our competition instructors bring years of experience as dancers and competitors, with Megan Fotheringham and Emily Beech leading classes while working toward their TCRG certification.
To support our dancers, we also partner with certified teachers from Scariff Locklear-Leonelli School, including Stephen Scariff (ADCRG, President of the Western U.S. Regional Council), Mia Leonelli (former Riverdance cast member and TCRG), and Jasmine Lohmeier (TCRG). This ensures our students receive expert training and guidance on the competition track.
Judges look for dancers who stay on time with the music, have strong and precise foot placement, and carry themselves with good posture and confidence. They also pay close attention to overall presentation; neat appearance, confidence on stage, and dancing with strength, grace, and control from start to finish.
Dancers must follow CLRG costume policies and dress codes, including proper shoes, neat hair, and no makeup for those under age 11.
Competitors must wear their assigned numbers, check in at least 30 minutes before competing, and follow age-group and team rules. Unauthorized photography or recording of dancers in motion is not allowed, except for beginners.
For transfers between schools, a six-month restyling period applies. These rules help ensure fairness, safety, and proper presentation at competitions.