Irish Points vs Raw Scores
A recap of how Championship points are computed and used, just in time for the Oireachtas season!
by Jim Montague
The preliminary and championship events are the highest dance levels at a feis. As the dancer's skills have sharpened and competition becomes keener, it becomes necessary for the performances to be evaluated independently by three judges.
As in the lower competition levels (Beginner, Novice, and Prizewinner), each judge scores the dancer from 0 to 100 points (although you'll normally see a score somewhere between 70 and 95). These are known as the "raw" scores. The three "raw" scores earned by any one dancer mean nothing by themselves ‐‐ these scores must be restated so that they are in relation to the other competitors.
Get Your Ghoul On!
With summer a distant memory, and the harvest period having drawn to a close, Hallowe'en (All Hallows Eve) Oíche Shamhna was considered a turning point in the traditional calendar year. Cattle were brought from summer pastures to fields closer to the family homestead, and corn, apples, turnips and potatoes were all harvested and stored at this time, along with turf and wood needed as fuel for the cold nights ahead.
As the beginning of the dark season, Oíche Shamhna (literally ‘November Night’), or Hallowe’en, celebrated at sundown on the 31st of October, has long stood out in popular tradition as a time particularly associated with the spirits of the otherworld, and individuals out travelling the road at this time were considered liable to meet with the fairies, the dead or the púca (the mischievous phantom horse that would abduct wayfarers, taking them on terrifying rides across the countryside by night).
Podium Strength & Performance
Looking for an online program to supplement your in-class dance time? A program that will help you concentrate on getting you in the best shape to reach your goals? IDM intern, Elizabeth Carey, tried out Podium Strength and Performance for Irish Dancers for two weeks; here are some of her thoughts!
Try out Podium Strength and Performance for 3 days FREE here: https://www.podiumstrength.com and watch yourself rise to the top! Irish Dancing Magazine is packed full or fitness tips.
