Level Guidelines/ Leveling-Up
What are the levels? How do I know if my dancer moves up?
There are the minimum requirements for determining competition levels. As a member of the IDTANA of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Johnston abides by the requirments stated by
The “Competition Year” is January – December, so remember to keep track of your dancer’s results for each calendar year so you can compare them with the rules. HERE is an example of a simple feis tracker to help keep all your dancer’s results in one place.
Grade Levels (Also simply called “Grades”)
Dancers compete in soft shoe and hard shoe solo dances.
Traditional Soft Shoe Dances- Reel, Light Jig, and Slip Jig
Traditional Hard Shoe Dances- Treble Jig, and Hornpipe
***As dancers advance in hard shoe, the speed of their music will change from Fast to Slow
As a dancer progresses through the levels they may be invited to compete in other dances that may include- Traditional Set, Non-Traditional Set, Hop Jig, and Treble Reel. However, only the traditional soft shoe and hard shoe placements will count toward their advancements.
| Beginner | Advanced Beginner | Novice | Prizewinner |
| A beginner is a competitor who has not taken Irish dancing lessons from a registered teacher prior to September 1st of previous year. Dancer must move into Advanced Beginner the following year. NO SOLO COSTUMES ALLOWED, Skirt and blouse or school costumes ONLY. | An Advanced Beginner is a dancer who has taken lessons from a registered teacher for more than 1 year. An Advanced Beginner who wins a 1st ,2nd or 3rd place will advance to the Novice category in that particular dance the next year. NO SOLO COSTUMES ALLOWED, Skirt and blouse or school costumes ONLY. | A Novice is a dancer who has previously won a 1st , 2nd or 3rd in Advanced Beginner. A novice who wins a 1st place will advance to the Prizewinner category in that particular dance the next year. SOLO COSTUMES ALLOWED at the discretion and with the guidance of the school instructors. | A prizewinner is a dancer who has previously won a 1st in Novice in a particular dance. A dancer must place 1st in one light shoe dance; Reel or Slip jig(girls only) one heavy shoe dance; Treble jig or Hornpipe and consistently place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in other dances in Prizewinner to qualify for Preliminary Championship. |
Preliminary and Open Champion Levels (Also called “Prelim” and “Open” Champ)
At Championship levels, the competition format changes. Each feis will consist of one competition with two rounds; a soft shoe round and a hard shoe round. Depending on age your dancer will either dance their Reel and Hornpipe, or their Slip Jig and Treble Jig. When your dancer is ready for this level we will help you know which dances they will be competing in. Dancers will also begin to learn their “set dance,” a personalized hard-shoe dance that is performed as a solo at some competitions and at Majors
“Feis-ing” Tips
Where do I register for a feis? What will I need to know?
For the websites listed you will have to create an account, and list your dancer’s information before you can register. Once you set-up the account registering for a feis gets easier!
You will create an account, add your dancer’s date of birth. Then, select “Johnston School of Irish Dance” from the drop down menu of schools.
Once you have an account, you will be able to select the feis you wish to register for. The website will ask you to select your dancer(s) registering. Then, it will bring you to the registration page, allowing you to register your dancer for all the competitions they will participate in- many feisanna include music and art competitions as well as the solo competitions.
Now is when you will need to know your dancer’s level, competitions, and music speed. If you don’t know that information STOP- Check with Anne, Patty, or Abby.
Feisweb: feisweb.com
Quickfeis: quickfeis.com – both used a lot for many feisanna in our region
Feisworx: feisworx.com (not as often in our Region)
Can I feis in other regions (Ex. Mid-America? Southern?)
We are members of the Mid-Atlantic Region. If you’re traveling and would like to take the opportunity to compete in another region, you will need to check with your instructors before you register.
What is a CLRG Platform Feis? Can I dance at an open platform feis?
CLRG stands for An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, and it is the ruling body for Irish Dance. At this time, Johnston dancers may only compete at “CLRG Sanctioned” or “CLRG Platform” feisanna.
What should I bring?
The “Essentials”–
Do or Die!
No feis is happening without these items! If you must run out the door, then at least grab these things.
- Shoes- hard shoes and soft shoes
- Poodle socks
- Competition costume
Girls- School Dress, Solo Dress, Leotard & Skirt
Boys- Pants, Button-up shirt, Vest - Drinks & Snacks
- Printed Number Card
- Stage schedule- printed or digital
The “New Dress Smell”–
Attention to detail wins the day!
You are ready for that feis and any unexpected surprises. Now is the time to accessorize. You’re packing the glitz, glitter, and glow that has become synonymous with Irish Dance.
- Sock glue
- Extra Competition Costume
- Wig
- Fake Tanner
- Black & White Electrical Tape
- Buckles
- Shoe polish
- Hair “Donuts”
The “Boy Scout”–
Prepared for ALL the things!
Congrats! You’ve already packed up the essentials, and now you’re ready to prepare for the minor (or major) mishaps that come your way.
- Safety pins
- Extra socks
- Hair spray
- Hair ties
- Bobby Pins
- Clear Nail polish
- Band-aids
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen
- Extra Shoe laces
- Extra jewels
- E6000 Glue
The “Old Pro”–
Making this look easy!
Your supplies are packed, the emergency kit is organized, and your (probably personalized) garment bag waits by the door. You don’t even have to think about it anymore- the supplies practically climb into the car for your “feis-perience.”
- Camping Chairs
- Outdoor Canopy
- Picnic Blanket
- Snacks
- Playing cards
- Books
When should I…
Get a solo dress/vest?
Novice is the first level solo costumes are allowed. Check with your instructors before purchasing a dress!
Get a wig?
Novice is really when things start to get “fancier”. However, you can always check with our illustrious teachers to see if they have recommendations about a style!
Tan my daughter’s legs?
Prizewinner is when you get to add the self-tanning regime to your pre-feis adventures!
Tape the hard shoes on?
Prizewinner is a busy level with all the “extra” you can do! Anne recommends taping the hard shoes on (When you can) because it helps to make the toes look more pointed.
How do I read the schedule? And when will I get it?
The stage schedule will typically not be available until the week of the feis. You can’t finalize the schedule until you know how many dancers will be attending. Schedules generally consist of lists of “competition numbers” listed under a stage number.
Once the stage schedule does appear, you will need to check your dancer’s registration to see what competitions they are registered under.
Once you find your dancer’s competition numbers, find them on them on the stage schedule and highlight them.
Most feisanna give a start time, and that is it. So, leave yourself plenty of time to arrive and prepare before your dancer’s competitions. This is why the snacks and water are important!!!
Johnston School of Irish Dance 