How to Prepare for a Feis

Always

Go to class. If you absolutely can't go to class, like if you are sick, injured, or have a busload of homework, don't go, but if you're just lazy and don't feel like going - go. In class, you will work on your technique. ans learn new steps, which will only help you at your feis.

Take into account what your teacher says. If your teacher says you need to improve on something, try to think about it while you practice. Eventually, you will always do it, and it will just be a natural thing you do while you dance.

Practice. You will be amazed at how much easier class is if you practice. You should be practicing at least this much a day, every day: Beginner: 15 minutes Advanced beginner: 30 minutes Novice: 45 minutes to 1 hour Prizewinner: 2 hours Preliminary or open champ: 3 hours

Keep an eye out for local feiseanna. Talk with your parents and see how far they're willing to take you. If you see a feis your parents are willing to take you to-sign up!

A month before

Get serious about practicing. If you only practiced when you felt like it- discipline yourself. If you want to do well in your feis, you need to practice.

Check your inventory. Are your hard shoes getting small? Go buy new ones. Need a new solo dress? Find one. Now is the time to get those last-minute stuff.

A week before

Start airing out your dress. Take it out of the dress bag and closet and lay it outside.If your dress has panels, place it flat on a table and put books on the panels to make them flat and stiff. Make sure it is in a safe place,though.

Treat your body well. As the feis gets closer and closer, feed your body better and better. Try to limit sugars and fats, and get lots of protein and a limited amount of carbs so you'll have energy on feis day.

If you can, get your teacher to watch your dances and provide feedback. While you may not be able to improve everything your teacher says you need to improve, it will still help.

Do at least one "dress rehearsal." Grab your dress, wig, shoes, and do your dances. If you have a practice floor like the ones at the feis, use it. This will make it seem more realistic.

Watch for the stage schedule. Most feiseanna will post their stage schedules during the week before. Print it out and see how much time you have during competitions.

Day before

Gather everything together. Take the books off your dress and put it into its dress bag. Then, pack a feis bucket or bag with the items you'll need. Here are some many dancers bring to their competitions: sock glue soft shoes hard shoes something to attach your number to your dress: safety pins (not recommended),string, or a card holder. Makeup, if you're wearing it. Deodorant An mp3 player or iPod with practice music on it A first-aid kit A water bottle Healthy, energizing snacks Your dress or vest

Spend a lot of time practicing, but don't overdo it. Practice for about an hour at most, maybe more if you're in an upper level, but don't come home from school, practice, eat dinner, and go to sleep.

Relax. You may be tense for tomorrow, but truth is, you really need to wind down. Try taking a long, hot bath or shower, reading a book, or taking a nice walk around the block.

Go to sleep. Again, you may be so excited or tense you might find it hard to sleep, but you need it! It will charge your body, and if you are only half awake, you might find yourself forgetting your step or doing your hornpipe in the treble jig!

If you curl your hair, put curlers in before you go to sleep.

Day of

Wake up on time. If you have to leave for the feis at 6:30, give yourself adequate time to get ready, at least an 2 hours.

Eat some breakfast. Don't skip!! You need the energy! If you don't eat any breakfast, you'll get hungry and won't have enough energy, which will show in your dancing. Judges can tell when a dancer is tired, it looks like they don't have good stamina.

Get into some practice clothes. Try to show some school spirit, wear as much stuff from your dance school as you can! Put on a tank top or t-shirt and shorts. If it is cold out, grab a sweatshirt and sweatpants. If you're a girl, wear a sports bra.

Double-check your feis bag. Make sure you have everything, or make a checklist.

Head to the feis! Grab a buddy, book, or some video games to entertain yourself.

If you see someone from your school at the feis who you know, try practicing together. Give each other feedback, and cheer each other on.

If you get there early enough, or if you have time when stages are not running- dance on the stages. Get the feel of them and see what it will be like when you compete. Feel if they are slippery- if so, put gaffers tape or sandpaper on your hard shoes.

Review your stage schedule and check on stages often. Check on the feis website to see if any scheduling changes are made. Keep in mind, though, that they can run fast or slow.

Drink lots of water and eat your energy snacks. Stop eating half an hour before your first competition and use the bathroom, from then on, only take occasional, little sips of water. That way, your stomach won't be full, which will not be fun to dance with.

Get into your costume and wig maybe ten minutes before your first competition. I personally like to do the wig at home, to get rid of added stress. You don't want to stay in your costume too long, but you need to allow yourself adequate time to change.

When you're called, get up to your stage quickly. Try not to line up with someone from your school, as they may be doing the same steps as you.

Prove yourself. On stage, while you're waiting, think to yourself: I will win this dance! A good mindset works wonders. When your turn comes, smile, remember your technique, and have fun. Enjoy, and dance your best.