Mr. Salsich's Class
Third Grade Explorations in Learning
“Light On My Feet” – Irish Step Dancing, a guest post by Piper (part 1)
When I think of Irish Dance, I think of work. There is more to the dance then putting on a wig, make up and dancing on a stage. Irish dance is competitive and it is teamwork.
Me at a competition this year
I began to take Irish dance lessons when I was 4 years old. It was fun then because I was only a pre-beginner. Now, dance means dedication. I practice every day, sometimes for hours, because the steps are very difficult and I have to be on time to the music.
Me at my second “feis”, or competition.
There are different levels in dance. Pre-beginner and beginner levels are the first levels and are the easiest for most people. Advanced Beginner is the next level. You learn more steps in this level.
Me as an advanced beginner
Novice Level is next. This level is truly when the adventure begins if you are competing.
Me holding my awards as a novice
After Novice, it is Prizewinner, Preliminary Champion and Open Champion. Many never reach the Open Champion level because the steps are so difficult and the competition level of dancers is very high.
To go from level to level, I have to compete at a Feis (pronounced “fesh”). A feis is a dance competition and I dance in front of judges. These judges look to see how good I am at each dance. The judges would look to see if I have cross feet, arms by my side, head straight, tip toes, dance on time to the music and not miss any steps.
We aren’t allowed to video tape during the real performances, so instead here is a video of me performing a heavy jig in my classroom:
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In part 2 of this post I will share some of my most memorable experiences at competitions, and explain more about the different types of competitions.
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January 15th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Hello Piper,
I really enjoyed your first post on Irish Dancing. You are definitely dedicated! We enjoy watching you and your fellow dancers at Sheeaun Academy dance. You all have such wonderful talent. I am most impressed with how quickly you pick up the steps and can dance to the beat of the music. I am excited to read Part 2. We are extremely proud of you.
-Piper’s Mom
January 15th, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Dear Piper,
Thank you for sharing your dancing with us. With Irish dancing it’s interesting how still the arms are compared to the legs and feet.
Irish dancing is also quite popular here in some parts of New Zealand, although there are no teachers in the area where I live.
Some of the costumes I’ve seen are elaborate and beautiful. The dress you are wearing in your first picture is a lovely example. Will you have to wear a wig at all?
I’m looking forward to reading Part 2!
Warm wishes,
Mrs Mckenzie from B4 in New Zealand
January 15th, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Dear Piper,
That is very impressive! I know how hard Irish dancing is and just how dedicated you have to be, as my niece does Irish dancing too. I wonder why you chose Irish dancing and if your family has Irish roots perhaps? Have you ever visited Ireland? If you look at a map of Ireland, you will see that my name is the same as an Irish county, and that is where my husband’s family comes from.
I look forward to the next part of your post. What level have you reached now?
Regards,
Mrs Monaghan
A Room with a View, UK
January 15th, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Dear Piper,
I loved the video. You dance as fast as lightning. In dance class, I admire your dancing skills. I also love dancing with you.
Sincerely,
Nora
January 15th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Dear Piper,
That is a great blog about Irish dancing! I have always wanted to learn but when I was growing up there wasn’t a teacher near me. You and Nora are very lucky to have such wonderful, talented teachers. Keep up the hard work because it is so fun to watch you dance!
Sincerely,
Nora’s mom
January 15th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Piper,
Its the School Holidays here in New Zealand at the moment but I have three students who would LOVE this post, they are all learning dance, ballet and tap and are dance crazy. I will share this post with them when they return from our Summer School holidays.
As a teacher I really liked the video that you put with the post, it was great to read about Irish dancing but to see it made it more special. A wonderful complete post.
Mr Webb and Room Five,
Melville Intermediate School, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Dear Piper,
I love your post about Irish Dancing! You did fantastic!! Now I would like to try Irish step dancing!
Your dancing is great you can move around the room so fast I can’t even keep track of your feet! You’re a fantastic dancer and a great friend!
Your Friend,
Sandy
January 16th, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Dear Piper,
You are awesome and amazing at Irish Step Dancing and you are also a really amazing friend!
Your friend,
Lindsey!
January 16th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Dear Piper,
I think you are the greatest dancer that I have ever seen. How many awards do you have? Do you have a dream of becoming a champion at Irish step dance?
Your friend
Maddie
January 18th, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Dear Maddie,
I have so many awards I can’t even count them. Everybody has a dream of becoming a champion, especially me! Would you like to do irish dance?
Your friend,
Piper
January 16th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
Dear Piper,
I am so impressed with your blog about your Irish dance. We are all so proud of your accomplishments and we love to watch you compete. It brings tears to my eyes when I watch you dance!!
Auntie Cat
January 18th, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Dear Piper,
I was excited to read about your Irish Dance experiences. When I was growing up my sister and I “lived” for Irish Dancing. We grew up in the big city of Toronto and had lots of opportunities to compete and present our dancing skills.
We were very sad when my family moved out to the west coast of Canada and there wasn’t an opportunity to continue with our lessons.
Since then, I am always looking for shows or performances that include Irish Dance.
I look forward to reading your next post. It may even inspire me to get out my shoes and do a little step dance in my class – but maybe I will wait until my class goes home for the day.
~Ms. Bulger
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:22 am
Hi Piper!
I’m Sophia, I was in Mr. Salsich’s class last year, but I wish I was in his class again! I loved your Irish step Dancing! I thought to myself, “How could she remember all of those moves?” You must have practiced a lot!
From,
Sophia