Date Posted:18:37:40 10/04/09 Sun Author: NN Subject: Hard to believe that there are no feisanna in Western Canada until May! This makes it even tougher for parents in this region. Just wondering if any other schools are thinking of hosting a feis. There are two large schools in the region who have yet to step up to the plate.
[>
Re: Hard to believe that there are no feisanna in Western Canada until May! This makes it even tougher for parents in this region. Just wondering if any other schools are thinking of hosting a feis. There are two large schools in the region who have yet to step up to the plate. -- next weekend in calgary also British Columbia in December and at least 1 every month January- June, 21:50:27 10/04/09 Sun [1]
[> [> [>
I should clarify - I meant there are no BC feisanna until May. This means that BC parents have to travel to either Alberta or Washington for a feis and this just isn't an option for many parents. -- OP, 06:34:32 10/05/09 Mon [1]
[> [> [> [> [>
I really don't see how those issues are related. If Dedanaan is moving to a Spring feis they likely felt it was too much to host 2 in the same year ! ie Dec and May just too much work while other schools host nothing ! -- **, 14:00:23 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [>
DeDannans camp was so controversial this year, but I guess they went ahead because it benefits them. -- ,, 21:18:16 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [>
perhaps attendance is low at that time of year and lets face it its a busy time of year and many volunteers would likely have other committments. perhaps a larger school should take the dec date as they would have a greater pool of volunteers ?? -- **, 09:40:37 10/07/09 Wed [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
why couldnt the Victoria school make the date work before DeD took it last year ? why arent you asking why o'connor is not holding up to their date on Oct 18 ?? -- **, 23:27:50 10/07/09 Wed [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
Good question, but I think that school is in transition with O' Brien aren't they? and isn't O'Connor more in Europe than Canada these days? disappointed that both of these schools are blowing off the committment. Much more important than the camps. -- ., 12:45:38 10/08/09 Thu [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
I am not from DeD but here is where I have a problem with your post... DeD is not blowing off a commitment they are just going for a different date. O'Connor Feis is completely gone and wouldnt a merger bring a stronger volunteer force for your Feis. to me camps and Feis are different. the camp was open to everyone if they choose to go (dont go there on affiliation and many schools have workshops and guest teachers etc) and the later feis date affects their dancers too remember ? not just our DDs -- when is your schools feis ?, 13:21:41 10/08/09 Thu [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
Yes but their new date conflicts with an existing feis and we need the Dec Feis. Don't get it. -- ., 15:23:45 10/08/09 Thu [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
sorry who do the conflict with in the lower mainland. read down below if you are worried about penk, they change their dates to run more like a pre-worlds feis, this year Penk is going pre- nans just dont get why you are all over DeD? -- **, 07:17:32 10/09/09 Fri [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
ps if you need the Dec Feis approach your school and volunteer to run it ?? -- we needed the Oct. before the O too !, 07:19:10 10/09/09 Fri [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
You're obviously from DeDanann. WHy don't you just clarify why the feis was changed and it's the end of all this. I'm not saying anything about O'C because of last weeks broughaha -- ,, 22:43:58 10/09/09 Fri [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
actually I am from a different school sorry to burst your bubble. we have a feis, date never changes. -- **, 08:34:58 10/10/09 Sat [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
Tony's last head count was in the 600 range for entries at his last Vancouver Chirstmas feis. Lucky if you get 350 these days.... popularity is dwindling in Vancouver and revenue. -- ..., 22:18:20 10/10/09 Sat [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
SO TRUE. And Tony himself was a big draw. But let's face it, the RD days are well and gone. -- ., 15:39:59 10/11/09 Sun [1]
[>
Re: Hard to believe that there are no feisanna in Western Canada until May! This makes it even tougher for parents in this region. Just wondering if any other schools are thinking of hosting a feis. There are two large schools in the region who have yet to step up to the plate. -- DM, 09:21:26 10/05/09 Mon [1]
Let's all encourage our schools to either continue hosting an existing feis, or to step forward and host a feis for the first time! Yes, it's a huge amount of work, but it's also immensely rewarding. Come on, B.C., let's keep the Irish Dance flame going!!
[> [>
Re: Hard to believe that there are no feisanna in Western Canada until May! This makes it even tougher for parents in this region. Just wondering if any other schools are thinking of hosting a feis. There are two large schools in the region who have yet to step up to the plate. -- DM, 10:40:39 10/05/09 Mon [1]
Let's actively encourage our schools to either continue hosting an existing feis, or to step forward and host a feis for the first time! Yes, it's a huge amount of work, but it's also immensely rewarding. Come on, B.C., let's keep the Irish Dance flame going!!
[> [>
Let's all encourage our schools to either continue hosting an existing feis, or to step forward and host a feis for the first time! Yes, it's a huge amount of work, but it's also immensely rewarding. Come on, B.C., let's keep the Irish Dance flame going!! -- ___, 10:42:50 10/05/09 Mon [1]
[>
Let's all encourage our schools to either continue hosting an existing feis, or to step forward and host a feis for the first time! Yes, it's a huge amount of work, but it's also immensely rewarding. Come on, B.C., let's keep the Irish Dance flame going! -- D, 10:44:36 10/05/09 Mon [1]
[> [>
Wow! so we are looking at either airfare, long drives, or very limited feis opportunities in the current dance year. This won't be good for dance in our region. -- NN, 19:49:32 10/05/09 Mon [1]
[> [> [>
I was planning to cut back on the number of feis' this year to save money, but not quite this much! -- I could get used to this..., 23:12:16 10/05/09 Mon [1]
[> [> [> [>
will you save money or will you be frantic in spring as the Feis dates are packed in........ -- **, 06:33:20 10/06/09 Tue [1]
I heard it looks like Emerald City (seattle) april. then Victoria last weekend of April, Dedaanan and Penk in May also Comerford and then June is Portland (long drive if you can bear it) and Stewart ! so nothing and then WHAM !! oh and Dance for Life (seattle) in July !!
[> [> [> [> [>
Loved it back in the day when Comerford's Christmas Feis was in December. BEST Feis of the year. GLAD Stewart keeps the same date, LOVE THAT. And WHAT????>>> is DeDanaan doing nosing in on Penk's May territory???? what is wrong with them?? -- ., 12:00:23 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [>
Comeford still has a Christmas feis in Dec. as for Penks may date we have been dancing a couple of years and found the Penk date has changed each year. Last year was April I think the year before that was January, it could be that Dedanaan is moving away from Christmas as thats a busy time of year. Other organisers of course are stuck planning around the Olympics and paralympics as venues are booked up ....not great for us. too bad we have nothing in BC for this fall.... -- **, 12:40:37 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [>
Although the Olympics pose a challenge, there was a window of opportunity in the fall for a pre-O feis and there are also gaps in March and April. I just don't understand why there are only three schools hosting feisanna in an area that has two other large schools. Yes - it's a ton of work but Irish Dance will continue to decline if people have to travel far and wide for a feis. Time to think long term folks . . . -- No name, 13:31:04 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [>
By the way, Comerford's Christmas Feis is indeed still in December but it's in Palm Springs which doesn't address the issue of lack of feisanna in BC. Would love to go to it but not sure the budget will permit. -- Saving pennies, 13:33:35 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
OH I KNOW Comerford still holds their Christmas Feis in Cali. Schools were queing up to grab that spot when Tony left and DeD got it. NOW they're ditching it and grabbing Penk's spot. WHY??? that's a perfect time for a feis and kids LOVE the Christmas Feis (as long as they go with the Christmas theme though, otherwise it won't be a hit). Well, hope Penk grabs that spot (or better yet, another school step up to the plate). I don't understand how DeD's switch was approved. -- ., 15:32:08 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [>
first year we went to the dec feis it was supposed to be run by a Victoria school...it was almost cancelled and DeD. stepped up to help them out and it still ran. then last year they did it on their own. why bash them when at least they have a feis. -- **, 08:06:25 10/07/09 Wed [1]
[>
Book a cheap flight to Chicago, and come to the Nov 7 Chicago Autumn Feis! Register on efeis! Hope to see you in Chicago! -- Feis Committee, 23:33:34 10/05/09 Mon [1]
Chicago Autumn Feis - Great competition - Over 60 schools represented - Register on efeis! PC sets! Chicago is a great city to visit too!
[> [>
Thanks for the invite but alas, that's the same weekend as the WCR Oireachtas. Perhaps next year if it's not the same date. Best of luck with your feis. -- NN, 06:50:23 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[>
would be great to have more feis dates every year not just this "olympic" year it will hurt not to have Van Eire. would be great if the other schools step up and start holding a feis each year, perhaps though the only ones discussing this here are already from the schools that do host a feis, how do we as outsiders get the other schools to step up ? they could even co-chair a feis between schools .... -- ***, 14:20:40 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [>
Well, that's how Van Eire started. The smaller schools that didn't have the resources to host one on their own created that association. I don't see why they couldn't do what the Variety Club does and host a Spring AND Fall feis! now THAT might work, because they have the resources to pull it off. -- ., 15:36:28 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [>
Van Eire is actually a parent-run organization that is made up of representative from 8 Vancouver area schools. There aren't any teachers involved in the planning or running of this feis. It is really the ultimate example of a collaborative and cooperative effort between parents from different schools. -- Proud to be associated!, 18:04:52 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [>
EXACTLY, that's why they are the perfect association to run TWO feiseanna a year. Would be simple. Just plan for both at the same time. -- ,, 21:17:14 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[> [> [> [> [>
are you involved with Van Eire. I would never presume to expect it would be simple for them to run 2 a year as lets face it the volunteers have commitments to their own schools and may well help run their own schools feis as well.... -- ***, 09:44:09 10/07/09 Wed [1]
[> [> [> [> [> [>
plus, the volunteers have lives outside of dance that include work and families. I know that my employer wouldn't take too kindly to my focus being placed on a second feis. And I am involved in Van Eire so I do speak from experience. -- No Name, 10:36:15 10/07/09 Wed [1]
[> [>
I think that parents from non-feis schools who recognize the value of a local feis need to lobby their schools to do a feis. I have no doubt that they would be provided assistance or guidance from other more experienced schools if needed. Plus, even the non-feis schools have reps on Van Eire and many of them have experience in the work required for a feis. -- Money crunch, 18:08:35 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[>
Us Seattlites would love it too - there are only 3 in this area. Although we do get to Portland easier. And 2 of our smaller schools that might not be able to pull off a feis on their own, do work together to make sure one happens each year. -- Mom, 16:16:38 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[>
I wish we could count on feises at the same time every year. Like the one of Father's Day, first weekend in Dec etc etc. Should be one every two months at least. -- m,, 21:20:23 10/06/09 Tue [1]
[>
Re: Hard to believe that there are no feisanna in Western Canada until May! This makes it even tougher for parents in this region. Just wondering if any other schools are thinking of hosting a feis. There are two large schools in the region who have yet to step up to the plate. -- reelfeismom (concerned), 12:19:22 10/07/09 Wed [1]
Penk O'Donnell has secured a date of May 15/16, 2010 at the Hilton, Metrotown in Burnaby. Penk's feis has traditionally been before World's which tends to change dates each year. Hoping that 1 of the very few feis being hosted before Nationals will bring in good attendance. This is not a large school & we host a feis every year-would be nice to see the bigger schools who never host step up to keep this sport alive!!!
[> [>
Thanks PENK ...love the venue this year and dont mind a bit that your date changes ! thanks for all you do and as always I am sure the feis will be WONDERFUL ... -- not penk btw and yes my schools has a feis !, 12:33:58 10/07/09 Wed [1]
[>
Re: Hard to believe that there are no feisanna in Western Canada until May! This makes it even tougher for parents in this region. Just wondering if any other schools are thinking of hosting a feis. There are two large schools in the region who have yet to step up to the plate. -- DeDanaan IS having a feis in December!! Stop complaining!, 21:14:11 10/08/09 Thu [1]
[> [>
I am not one of the complainers can anyone from the school confirm this ? I need to beg for the day off ! -- thanks DeD (Dec feis or not....I know your school is trying to support ID in many ways), 07:21:23 10/09/09 Fri [1]
[> [>
I agree - the question of the original post was not intended to bash DeDanaan because they do hold a feis. The question is why aren't other area schools (NPIDA, Sionnaine) doing a feis. They are both big schools and perhaps it's time they took a turn at the work involved. -- NN, 07:56:25 10/09/09 Fri [1]
[>
There are a number of issues at play here.... Olympics in Feb = No Van Eire and no more access to gaming for a while. That with dwindling head counts makes it impossible to run a feis without MAJOR fundraising. I agree. 2 schools sharing would be way easier, just as we've seen merges in schools, we should see shared feis dates. Even with 25,000 in entry revenue, a feis normally costs 35 - 40 grand to run.... It's mostly math, not volunteer head count or even the work involved. Up go the entry fees!! -- me, 15:45:14 10/10/09 Sat [1]
[>
Tony's last head count was in the 600 range for entries at his last Vancouver Chirstmas feis. Lucky if you get 350 these days.... popularity is dwindling in Vancouver and in turn feis revenue. Feis expenses are even more since then... -- ., 22:23:18 10/10/09 Sat [1]
[> [>
But schools need to decide of they want to keep it from dying entirely. If there are fewer and fewer local feisanna, there will ultimately be fewer and fewer dancers. Some local schools have a policy that their competitive dancers are required to do ALL local feisanna but not all schools do this and the entries suffer as a result. I understand that you can't expect parents to bear the cost of travel but I don't understand when local schools don't fully support one another's feis. -- NN, 08:23:31 10/11/09 Sun [1]
[>
The reason you don't get 100% support from 100% of the competitive dancers is that some dancers aren't as serious as others. Some dabble in competitions, but enjoy performances, parades, in house events. To force these parents to go to all competitions will loose more dancers who pay for the odd competition, but pay their teachers monthly no matter if they are competitive or not. Both are legitimate types of Irish Dancing and to cut them out of your programs because they don't compete isn't a wise business decision. The serious ones always go regardless. -- ., 11:36:01 10/11/09 Sun [1]
[>
Re: Hard to believe.......Has anyone considered reducing Feis operating costs by using a large high school building for the weekend? Large gym/theatre competition spaces, vendors in the cafeteria, ample parking etc. for a fraction of the cost of 4 star hotel ballrooms. Common practice in England and might lead to more affordable feisianna for organizers & competitors. -- Feisdad, 19:54:08 10/18/09 Sun [1]
[> [>
This is not as simple an equation as it seems. As a feis organizer, I can tell you that often hotels work out to be less expense as the ballroom space cost is discounted considerably (ie 75% or more) if a room block is met. When comparing venue costs, we found that high schools etc were actually more expensive due to rental costs, late access for set up (ie after 7pm on Friday night) and the union requirement to have custodial staff on hand for the duration of the event. Often a hotel is actually a less expensive option as it attracts those from out-of-town thereby driving up entires and the final cost ends up lower. This may not be true for all regions but is for many major markets. -- NN, 20:01:55 10/18/09 Sun [1]
[>
I have to agree with the last post. High schools and rec centres can be more expensive. The lowest rate you can get at these venues is in the neighbourhood of $3500 for the weekend. I tried calculating a 1 day event, and that doesn't bring costs down too much either. If we are bringing in in the neighbourhood of $25000 in entires and the costs add upt to say 35 to 40 grand, you'd have to hire less judges and run longer, cut down on award costs, have parents pick up all judges and musicians, have in house catering by the parents for breakfast and lunches, and run a bunch of "specials" at each level, along with 50/50, silent auctions, and get as much advertising and sponsorship as possible. This along with splitting start up costs with another class. Then you might be talking until we get gaming back in 5 - 10 years, or whenever we pay off the Olympics which is a completely different, yet just as annoying subject!! -- ., 01:06:38 10/22/09 Thu [1]
ANY NEWS ON DEDANAN FEIS??? -- ??, 15:55:33 11/03/09 Tue [1]