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Meet IDM’s Newest Feature Writer:

Do you remember your first Irish Dance class? Would you believe I wasn't even three years old for my first class? My cousin had begun Irish Dancing and her mum looked after me while my parents worked and so I tagged along to the mesmerising classes. You can imagine how intrigued a toddler would be to

witness children leaping around in time to such ear tingling music. Of course, I don't remember but apparently, I was immediately hooked, and I wanted to be able to move as the ‘big girls’ did. Before anyone could stop me, I was trying to learn my 1,2,3’s.

I believe I first fell in love with the music. I adored how it made me feel, I begged my mum to play the reel over and over again. ‘Riverdance’ was available on videotape. I worshipped it and watched it any chance I could! I tried my best to dance along with the extraordinary dancers. My parents tell me that I danced everywhere, to the bathroom, to the bin, to bed, while brushing my teeth, basically any chance I could get.

The Most Exciting Feis of the Year!

The David Moore School's Feis at the Fleadh

August 11, 2019 dancers from all over the world will travel to Drogheda to compete at the Feis at the Fleadh. Located just 35 minutes from Dublin airport. FEIS OPEN to dancers WORLDWIDE - BEGINNER THRU OPEN CHAMPION plus ADULT competitions!

Audition Alert!

Christmas with The Celts has a position open for a pro Irish dancer who is also proficient on a musical instrument; either piano, Irish whistle, or fiddle; preferably a pianist.

Rehearsals begin Nov. 25 in Nashville and tour ends Dec. 23rd.

Put Your Best Foot Forward this Feis Season

By: Mary Catherine Youssi
As appeared in the May-June 2019 issue of IDM

A big feis season is approaching, and your success is all about your mindset. For many dancers, the May-September season presents a great opportunity to compete more, travel to feiseanna, and accomplish goals. Here’s how dancers can set themselves up for success in the coming months.

Make A Plan

Now is the time to look ahead at the next six months and decide which feiseanna you can attend. For dancers in all levels, it is important to compete and perform in front of judges. For grades-level dancers and prelim dancers, every competition is another chance to move up and get closer to Open Championship. Dancers who compete regularly tend to be less nervous on stage, and they receive great feedback from judges and spectators. If possible, try to attend several feiseanna each month, especially if you have competitions in your geographical area. If your family is able, sometimes it’s fun to travel to other places and see how you do. That’s also a great way to meet friends in different regions, states, or countries!

Summer 2019 Fun

Summer 2019 – HERE WE GO! Check out all your camp and show program options. Be sure to enroll early as many of the programs featured in our guide sell out quickly!

Each year there is a growing number of options for those interested in Irish Dancing to develop and hone their skills by attending a summer Irish Dance Camp or Show Program. So, which program is right for you?

The starting point for planning which program to attend this summer should center on what are you trying to accomplish. Are you training to be a professional show dancer? How old are you and what are you looking for in camp? Are you curious about what it is like to dance in a professional show or are you seeking ways to improve your technique and overall dancing? What type of activities do you like on your “off time” – are you an outdoor person or are you more interested in arts and crafts or music?