Foley Academy dancers participate in competitions as soloists and together on teams. There are several types of competitions that dancers attend, which include local competitions, as well as the regional, national, and world championships. Below is a general overview of the different types of competitions that Foley Academy dancers attend:
Local Competitions:
Feis
A Feis is a local competition that enables Solo dancers of any level to compete and have the opportunity to advance to the next level. Teams may also register to compete in Ceili dances.
Major Competitions:
Southern Region Oireachtas (Regionals)
The Southern Region Oireachtas is a regional competition that occurs during the first weekend in December each year. This is the regional qualifier for the National Championships and World Championships. The following locations have been confirmed:
- 2021: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
- 2022: TBD (Texas?)
North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC – Nationals)
The North American Irish Dance Championships is a National competition that occurs during the first week of July each year. In order to attend Nationals, dancers must qualify at the Southern Region Oireachtas or actively compete in the Open Championship level. In addition, dancers can qualify for the World Championships at Nationals. The following locations have been confirmed:
- 2021: Phoenix, Arizona
Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne (World Championships)
Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne is the World Championship competition that occurs the week before Easter each year. In order to attend the World Championships, dancers must qualify at Regionals or Nationals. The CLRG has confirmed the following locations: