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Jul 21, 2023 · Irish Dance is a traditional dance form originating from Ireland. It is characterized by quick and precise footwork, intricate movements, and tight upper-body placement. Irish Dance can be performed solo, in groups, or as part of a larger production.
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Oct 20, 2011 · The Language of Irish dance for beginners and non-Irish dancers. Common words and phrases to learn as you dip your toes into the wild world of Irish dance!
Oireachtas – (pronounced “O-ROCK-tus”) an Irish word that means gathering, but within the context of Irish dance generally refers to the Regional Championships. Southern Region Oireachtas (SRO) – the regional championship competition in which eligible dancers from Teelin School of Irish Dance compete; this event is a qualifier for other ...
- Feis
- Oireachtas
- Ceili
- Féile
- Ghillies
- Rince
- Damhsa
- Teasgicoir Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha
- Ard Diploma Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha
- Additional Terms You Should Know
Pronounced "fesh"
Not 'fice' like so many un-in-the-know parents say, yes, including me, initially. I always thought the feis was just an Irish dance competition, but it can be so much more. Besides solo and group dance competitions, a feis can also have baking, craft, instrumental, vocal and Gaelic language competitions. The plural is feisanna, pronounced "fesh-an-na".
Spelling Tip
We all know I before E, except after C, BUT, I before S if you are spelling FEIS!
Pronounced "oh-ROCK-tus"
An Oireachtas is a feis on steroids. As a new feis dad, I thought there was an(singular) Oireachtas but came to find there are many. Oireachtas is the term used for Regional Championships in Irish Dance and can be used for National and World Championships. Side Note:Oireachtas is also a governmental term used in Ireland.
Spelling Tip
This is one word that is not spelled anywhere near what you think it would be, so I created a little memory aid that is also a little motivator: OIREACHTAS - Oh I REACH To A Star
Pronounced "KAY-lee"
This is a multi-use term I became familiar with prior to my association with Irish Dance. I heard 'ceili in the kitchen' used by a popular band, and it referred to the gathering of people, playing music, singing and dancing. In Irish Dance however, a ceili can be thought of as a group dance done in performances or in competition.
Pronounced "FAY-lay" or "FAY-luh"
This is a term I did not hear until we had been involved in Irish Dance for a number of years, but I seem to hear it more often now, so I either missed it early on, or it is more prevalent now. A féile is a like a feis, but has only dance competitions, not the crafts, baking etc... like a feis may have.
Pronounced "GIL-lees"
This is the soft shoe the female dancers wear. You know, the one with the 9 foot long laces.
Pronounced "rin-ka"
Rince is the Irish word for dance, and up until researching this article, I pronounced it "rinse". See, still learning.
Pronounced T.C.R.G.
The Teasgicoir Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha (TCRG) is a certified dance instructor.
Pronounced A.D.C.R.G.
The Ard Diploma Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha is a Certified Adjudicator or Judge of Irish dance.
There are other terms I have come across that, while not necessarily dance related, may come in handy in your involvement in Irish Dance or culture.
Our comprehensive glossary will help you familiarize yourself with some of the most common Irish dance terms, to help you on your journey.
Irish dance is the physical interpretation and aural accompaniment to traditional Irish music. It is an umbrella term: representative of many forms of traditional and vernacular dances associated with the island of Ireland. Each form has its own unique practice and history.
Irish dance still embraces much of the Gaelic language. The list below includes commonly used terms and their definitions. Ceili - pronounced KAY-lee. An irish dance party with group and pairs dancing. Feis - pronounced fesh. An Irish dance competition. Feiseanna - pronounced FESH-ah-na.
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