What is Irish dance?
Popularized in 1994 by the world-famous show Riverdance, is notable for its rapid leg and foot movements, body and arms being kept largely stationary.
The solo stepdance is generally characterised by a controlled and rigid upper body, straight arms and back, and quick, precise movements of feet and legs. The solo dances can either be in “soft shoes” or “hard shoes”.
Soft shoes are often called ghillies or pumps. They are constructed of very soft kid leather – similar to ballet shoes in texture. Their laces crisscross across the top of the feet and are tied up either around the ankle or under the arch of the foot.
Hard shoes are often called heavy shoes or jig shoes. They are used to create the beautiful rhythmical percussions. They are made of black leather with fiberglass heels and taps on the tips of the shoes with a leather strap across the top of the foot.
What you will see
A feis is a Gaelic word for Irish Dance Competition. Spectators can expect to see a variety of levels of dance from first feis to championship.
Some of the dancers will be there for the first time and others will be at the world and national level on the championship stage. Dancers range in age from 4 years to adults. Dancers compete by age and level.
Irish dancers in modern Irish dancing costumes, wearing makeup and ringleted wigs. Each Irish dance school has its own distinctive full skirted dress, often featuring lace or an embroidered pattern copied from the medieval Irish Book of Kells.
Dancers attending will be from the Island, Washington and Vancouver.
Irish Dance at the Games
As we gather information about Irish Dance during the 2016 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, it will be posted.
If you want to participate or simply have questions about Irish Dance, you can contact us directly using this form.
Dancers can also register at www.feisworx.com.
Irish Feis Results
You can find the results from 2016 at www.feisworx.com