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Western U.S. Region Irish Dancers
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As much as you enjoy the actual dancing, have any of you ever had the big sigh of relief when your child ponders the thought of stopping ID, for whatever reason? That is me right now. Decision is not final now, but the wheels are definitely turning. I love the dancing itself, but the expense and politics really take the fun out of it a lot of the time. -- Mom, 06:41:38 05/20/08 Tue [33]
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- Yes. I have. And for the same reasons plus more. For me it only got worse. I hid it from my dancer though so she could still enjoy what she loved. Just remember everything happens for a reason. Now we're free...outside the box looking in and it sure looks different. Freedom is a wonderful thing, don't fear it--there is life outside of id. (NT) -- living again, 06:50:35 05/20/08 Tue
  - But you are still reading the message boards ;-) (NT) -- as do a lot of others, 06:53:30 05/20/08 Tue
    - True. It's a habit. I'm on the computer at work. One more thing, I'm still addicted to looking at dresses on D/A. They look so different to me now and it's hard for me to believe how much money we spent. (NT) -- me, 07:10:51 05/20/08 Tue
      - oh...Thank God, I'm not alone!!!!!! (NT) -- retired dance mom, 18:12:27 05/20/08 Tue
        
        Yeah, it's definitely habitual, got to gradually wean off and then after awhile you lose interest until something specific brings you by to check in on it. But there's definitely an expiry date for EVERYONE, your turn is coming. (NT) -- ., 15:38:51 05/25/08 Sun
        
        I did this with Girl Scouts. I'd stay checking their boards as I could answer questions, loved hearing the latest "just in case" we re-joined. 2 years later, I only chat w/ the other reg's via e-mail now. But, ID? My DD just made prelim -- I have learning to do! (NT) -- former GS leader for 7? years, 12:03:40 05/27/08 Tue
- leaving ID -- NO REGRETS, 07:14:44 05/20/08 Tue
- As with any of life's phases, you enjoy it while it lasts, but then it's time to move on. We've been in ID for nearly 9 years (4 kids, 3 grown, one left). It's been a much different experience than we expected, but we wouldn't trade the life experiences--or friendships--for anything. Definitely very broke, but kids have learned...(inside) -- Dance Mom's muses, 08:15:38 05/20/08 Tue
  - Glad you enjoyed / are enjoying it. Yes, this too shall pass, a lot of good lessons in there, good memories. -- MAID to new prelim DD, 12:08:19 05/27/08 Tue
  - Dance Mom's Muses -- ll, 18:40:55 05/27/08 Tue
- We recently left ID after many years and have no second thoughts or regrets. It was a huge part of our lives (inside) -- Life is good :), 10:34:10 05/20/08 Tue
- OH My Gosh.... did I get up and write this e-mail in my sleep??? This is me EXACTLY. (NT) -- you have company, 11:13:41 05/20/08 Tue
- I think so many of us have to evaluate what we're doing these days because of how bad the economy is. Gas prices have loads to do with it in our case. (NT) -- re-thinking what we're actually doing, 12:46:41 05/20/08 Tue
- We are living the very best of both worlds. My DDs are no longer w/ their ID school but they are still dancing and competing in another dance form with a sweet teacher. They are able to perform ID a lot w/ other IDers that have left the school. They have lovely performance dresses, no wigs and have fun dancing at retirement homes, fairs and are even paid to dance with professional bands when they have local engagements. Happy kids, mom and especially, happy dad. (NT) -- no regrets in leaving the ID school, 14:25:49 05/20/08 Tue
  - Wow... you have given me food for thought. I wonder if we could find (or even create) something like that for my dd. (NT) -- good idea, 15:19:10 05/20/08 Tue
  - Congrats on the healthy transition. One question for you... -- Not critical, just curious, 20:18:29 05/20/08 Tue
    - Their current dance teacher does not teach ID nor do they compete in ID, they compete in a different dance form. The ID that my daughters performs for the public occasionaly w/ friends for shows, is their own. (NT) -- - retired family, 09:03:56 05/21/08 Wed
- DD is just finishing her 1st yr at college (local) and continues to dance for the exercise and pure enjoyment that she has always gotten from ID. The desire to compete consistently in the feis circuit has slowed considerably because of college,work and other interests. I will always treasure the confidence this dance-sport has given my DD as well as the travel and closeness we have shared over the last 8+ years. We are both better people for it and the wonderful families we have met and grown close to. (NT) -- Slowly phasing out ID, 14:50:52 05/20/08 Tue
- Wow...all I can say is how sad for all of you. We love Irish Dance! My oldest has been in for 7 years now and there are no signs of her wanting to quit. I guess it all depends on the experience you have with your dance school. Thankfully, ours has been very positive and we love our TCRG. She is the best. Don't really see too much in line with the politics...just maybe at majors with some judges...but thank goodness there is more than one judge. (NT) -- still love irish dancing after 7 years with 3 dancers. :), 18:45:21 05/20/08 Tue
  - We still love it too, but after 2 DDs and being in the game for 16 years I breathed a sigh of relief when youngest DD hung up her shoes to move on in life. I still miss the friends, the travelling and the comraderie though. Thankfully she still shuffles around the house so I listen to her beautiful tapping of a morning when she gets ready for work. (NT) -- It's a fun ride though, 19:33:22 05/20/08 Tue
  - I think it's funny you see leaving ID as "sad." It wasn't sad at all, just a natural progression onto other things which are all good. After 10+ years it's only been the last few that weren't so great and I agree with you that alot of it does depend on your school and the tcrg's you have. We've happily moved on and are enjoying (NT) -- new experiences--it's a big world out there!, 19:48:50 05/20/08 Tue
    - it's "sad" if you leave because you are unhappy with it, when you use to enjoy it. I wish my dd could just retire because she is ready to move on, but it is looking more like she will eventually just quit because we can't stand the "garbage" anymore. Will miss the dancing. (NT) -- ex-happy dance family, 20:34:04 05/20/08 Tue
      - It is sad to leave due to being unhappy with many things but I can't see we would've left if we'd still been happy. My daughter misses the dancing, a few friends and the social aspect but the rest...nah. I don't miss any of it, I have lots of regrets we stayed in as long as we did and spent the astronomical amounts of money, sacrificed family life for so long, plus more. A few positives. (more) -- --, 06:47:27 05/21/08 Wed
        
        I could've written that. One thing for me was the competition itself. The people I thought were my friends (had dd's in same age group) turned out to be much more competitive than I'd ever imagined and carelessly said inappropriate things to prove it. I found competition to bring out the worst in people. Now my daughter is doing other NON-competitive activities that are healthy for her and good. She's grown from the experience but also very happy to not have one thing control her whole life. (NT) -- left the cult, 07:04:08 05/21/08 Wed
- There are people in all stages here - those still enthused and loving it, and those phasing out. We are probably, regretfully, phasing out but have treasured our experience. What is most interesting about these posts, though, is so many posters who have left and are so glad - are still here reading the ID boards! (NT) -- funny, 04:30:41 05/21/08 Wed
  - I think that's ok...old habits die hard. In our case, we'll see the occasional news that we wouldn't know of otherwise they may prompt a congratulatory phone call, etc. In my case, it is bittersweet to be done but def. (NT) -- ..wouldn't want to return at this point, 05:38:16 05/21/08 Wed
- Our wheels started turning about a year ago. (inside) -- living life without ID, 08:20:06 05/21/08 Wed
  - This is exactly where we are...thought we would continue through high school, but a combo of increasing demands to remain competitive, must do ceilis, etc. have us bowing out a year early (NT) -- ...plus gas prices have helped hasten that decision!, 10:42:47 05/21/08 Wed
- Leaving ID -- ll, 15:56:35 05/22/08 Thu
  - Same here. What I enjoyed most was watching dd dance. The rest of it became cause for stress over time. It was dancer's choice to quit but felt like a huge weight off our (NT) -- shoulders. Don't miss it at all., 09:01:03 05/23/08 Fri
  - DD just told me this week that she is totally stressed over ID. She is going to take a break after Nationals...maybe forever. I too, love watching her dance. Am tired of TCs having so much influence over -- 7, 19:14:21 06/07/08 Sat
- Amen!!! -- ll, 18:34:15 05/27/08 Tue
Who was the photographer at the Grand Canyon Feis? Thanks! -- Looking forward to pics!, 20:57:29 06/02/08 Mon [5]
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Replies:
- Who was the photographer at the Grand Canyon Feis? Thanks! -- Julie Peck Hubbard, 22:05:52 06/02/08 Mon
  - Great! (NT) -- Can't wait!, 00:28:58 06/03/08 Tue
  - Waiting.......patiently..... (NT) -- Soon?, 13:48:47 06/06/08 Fri
    - They're up!! And they're nice! (NT) -- .., 14:08:39 06/07/08 Sat
Utah Feis - Can someone give me the contact information for this feis? There is no contact info on the syllabus or the feis website, and I have a couple of questions. -- Kim, 14:15:21 06/02/08 Mon [4]
We are planning to fly in, and I was wondering what time of day the champs will be dancing, as I was hoping to take a 6:55 pm flight out on Saturday. I was also wondering if there will be any transportation from the hotels to the feis or do I need to rent a car. I appreciate any information people can give.

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Replies:
- There's a link to the feis website on feisworx--the feis website has links to the sponsoring schools with contact info. (NT) -- --, 17:05:40 06/02/08 Mon
- Last year they did champs in the morning. It was great to be done so soon. The schedule has changed, putting figure on friday, so maybe they will finish earlier on Saturday! (NT) -- Here's Hopin, 09:53:47 06/05/08 Thu
- The feis website says it is starting with beginner solos, so it sounds like the opposite of last year's schedule where my Prelim was the first dancer of the day. Hopefully there will be a schedule out (NT) -- soon, 08:13:30 06/07/08 Sat
Need a dress for National's. Beautiful, bright orange Ann Ash for sale. Will be at Oregon State Championships this weekend and Kennelly Summer Feis next weekend if you would like to try it on. -- Seller, 15:34:46 06/06/08 Fri [3]
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Replies:
- Sorry, link is http://irishdancingexchange.com/item_detail.html?sku=IDX73356463770ES (NT) -- Seller, 15:35:51 06/06/08 Fri
  - That is a beautiful dress! (NT) -- WR Mom, 16:52:18 06/06/08 Fri
Dress for Sale: MF's red and yellow ruffled dress for sale -- $1800, just in time for nationals! email sewfitz@gmail.com, 10:19:17 06/06/08 Fri [8]
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Replies:
- Am I the only one who has no idea who "MF" is? I'm assuming it is not Michael Flatly (NT) -- JP, 12:04:40 06/06/08 Fri
  - I was picturing Michael in the dress. I guess those in the know know who MF is, and the rest of us don't. (NT) -- Ah well., 14:05:20 06/06/08 Fri
- No, you're not the only one. . . . (NT) -- WR Mom, 13:41:47 06/06/08 Fri
- Unfortunately, too small for Michael Flatley - and...is red really his color?? Anyway....dress will fit small 13 year old. 14" skirt, 30" bust, 28" at dropped waist, 22" sleeve length, 18" bodice length. (NT) -- mom, 15:35:16 06/06/08 Fri
- It's Maggie Fitzpatrick. Gorgeous dress btw. (NT) -- admirer, 16:15:53 06/06/08 Fri
  - What age group and level? Is there a photo anywhere? (NT) -- interested in a red dress, 16:29:46 06/06/08 Fri
    - U14 Open (U13 at Oireachtas last year) (NT) -- sd mom, 16:51:14 06/06/08 Fri
Has anyone attended the California Summer Feis? We are thinking of traveling from the East -- Is it hot? Outside or Inside feis?, 14:40:36 06/05/08 Thu [5]
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Replies:
- Outdoors and usually hot and sometimes humid. Grounds are a bit dusty. Smallish feis. Parking is on grass or up and down the big street that leads into it. Porta Potties and no changing areas. We like it ,but , it is not one to wear a brand new dress too. It is fun if you enjoy the outdoor ones. I liked it more when dd was younger and wearing a class dress and needing to move up in dances. We are going and still like it but.... -- a CA Mom, 16:04:21 06/05/08 Thu
- Compared to summer in the East, it will feel like a breeze (probably 80 degrees, but not humid). I like the feis but it is definitely not fancy. More like a big picnic. (NT) -- ., 16:34:52 06/05/08 Thu
- After the feis is over, it's a fairly short drive to Orange County's great beaches, like Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. But I agree with prev. poster about not making a special trip out just for this. We tend to hang out under the trees with other families from dd's school, eating from the ice chest and walking around the grounds. (NT) -- fun time, 18:33:05 06/05/08 Thu
- Dancing under trees, under tents. Pretty setting. One of the oldest feis locations, I dance there 30 yrs ago! People picnic, food is reasonable, lots of vendors at outside booths. One of the few old fashioned WR region feisanna left. Yes, there are portapotties, but they offer school rooms for changing. Not too dusty/dirty, it is hot, but not muggy and cool temps before noon. (NT) -- We love it., 11:10:29 06/06/08 Fri
Bernadette Flynn at Camp Rince Ceol -- CRC - Irish Dance Camp, 08:45:24 06/06/08 Fri [1]
CRC is PROUD to announce .....

BERNADETTE FLYNN TO INSTRUCT AT CAMP RINCE CEOL THIS SUMMER!

You've seen her on both LOTD and Feet of Flames videos, you have seen the promo pictures of her with Michael Flatley, NOW see and meet Flatley's original dance partner at CRC!

Bernadette is just one of the many amazing Instructors booked at CRC this year. Other Instructors include Michael Donnellan, Dearbhla Lennon, Jimmy Keegan, Geraldine Bergin, Damien O'Kane, Maeve Croke, Ryan McCaffrey, Jen Moriarity, Don McCarron & Tracy Smith.

To see our Instructor line-up with bios and pictures go to
www.irishdancecamp.com

We have already gone to a waitlist for session 1 and space is now limited in sessions 2 & 3. Register now for your child to experience the dancing opportunity of a lifetime!

www.irishdancecamp.com

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Nationals Ladies U20 Split -- wow!, 02:37:33 06/06/08 Fri [3]
So cool that the Ladies U20 is split this year at NAN's! Has that age group ever been split before? I guess it means that older girls are dancing longer! I think it's awesome!

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Replies:
- Where do I find the list and splits. (NT) -- Thanks, 05:59:09 06/06/08 Fri
- Or it could mean that there will be more o/s dancers, since the exchange rate is making it more affordable for them. Great dancers in both U19 and U20. (NT) -- best of luck to all dancers, 06:25:28 06/06/08 Fri
Trophies from Oireachtas/Comerford/Murphy feis? -- would make a great gift., 21:38:18 06/02/08 Mon [8]
the ones with the dancer/shoes/etc "sketched" on the inside. does anyone know where they can be purchased/ordered from? the engravings on them were class, such a great idea! so much better than those other gigantic things that sit around in my garage collecting dust.

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Replies:
- Tony Comerford is the one who supplies them. I agree they are great I hope he does more of them. (NT) -- Jj, 10:00:11 06/03/08 Tue
- Tony didn't have them at PacNW champs this year- we were dissapointed! They are soo pretty- I have one from last year! (NT) -- Darn!, 11:59:16 06/03/08 Tue
  - My daughter got one with hardshoes inside, as did many of her friends. PNW 2008, just a couple of weeks ago. She'd love more! (NT) -- ??, 17:27:53 06/03/08 Tue
  - My DD won one of the spinning glass ball trophies with the hardshoes etched inside - very memorable - and a nice change from the previous etched trophies Tony has done in the past. Anything like that (silver plates, glassware, etc) is always better than traditional plastic trophies however it's not the trophy, it's dancing well enough to win anything at all and being proud of yourself - that's the real trophy!! (NT) -- wr mom, 06:08:41 06/06/08 Fri
- They are very nice, but now they are "done". While I agree that they are very nice, the style needs to change. Otherwise, kids get clones without distinction between what event the awar was won. I hope this doesn't sound petty, but for certain the Oireachtas awards should not look like awards given at several other feises. They should be unique. Compliments to those trying to do something different. (NT) -- Thanks for understanding, 12:22:43 06/03/08 Tue
  - Here's an idea, check first what the trophies are going to be before you go to a competition and only attend if they suit your needs. By the way, the big plastic trophies at the Oireachtas in 2006 also looked "like awards given at several other feises [sic]." (NT) -- P.S. The word is feiseanna., 08:52:37 06/04/08 Wed
- I disagree. I don't think it matters whether awards look the same/better for different level events. Dancers know which ones were more of an acheivement and will remember the event. which remember it for the event it was. It is nice to see something new! Even teddy bears are fun for the younger ages. (more) -- thanks for variety, 20:38:24 06/03/08 Tue
Any beginner adult Irish Step class in San Jose area? -- Ann (Hopeful), 10:05:21 06/05/08 Thu [4]
If anyone knows of adult beginner Irish dance classes in the South Bay or Peninsula, preferrably near Campbell/San Jose, I would love to know about them. Thanks! Ann

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Replies:
- Check with the Kennelly school - I think there are classes in Los Gatos. They have a website. (NT) -- East Bay Dancer, 13:27:51 06/05/08 Thu
- Turco Rosemary School of Irish Dance, 1244 Sierra Ave, SanJose, CA 95126 (NT) -- (408) 279-9551, 15:38:00 06/05/08 Thu
- Greene Academy of Irish Dance. (NT) -- Right by Campbell but in San Jose, 22:08:39 06/05/08 Thu
Sending a dress -- dancing mom, 08:46:06 05/29/08 Thu [15]
I've just sold a dress and need to send it across the country. I've followed the suggestions on Dance Again for packing the dress up, but was unsure what the best shipping option to use. USPS? FedEx? UPS? I assume that I want tracking, insurance, and signature. Anything else?

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Replies:
- I used UPS and it went very well (NT) -- tracking, ins., and sig.; took a week, 08:48:47 05/29/08 Thu
- USPS is very reliable but won't offer tracking. FedEx or UPS will cost about the same so just do whichever is easier for you. (NT) -- me, 08:57:51 05/29/08 Thu
  - Thanks! (NT) -- OP, 09:02:07 05/29/08 Thu
- USPS does have tracking, you just need to use one of their delivery methods that use it. (NT) -- BTDT, 11:39:48 05/29/08 Thu
  - I thought it simply confirmed when it gets there. Does it also tell you where it is at any moment? Sent one Priority once and they said the delivery confirmation would confirm when it got there, nothing else. Am I missing something? (NT) -- me again, 15:21:29 05/29/08 Thu
    - Was able to track dress with USPS. Funny thing was, USPS said it had just left my city and I got an email from buyer saying she'd recieved it. Took about 2 days total for over 2000 miles. (NT) -- Satisfied with USPS, 17:58:11 05/29/08 Thu
- UPS -- JackieO, 12:33:12 05/29/08 Thu
- I use USPS Priority mail, Insured and signature confirmation. The tracking number is the sig. confirm. Takes 2-3 days from Calif to east coast. Never had a problem oh, and cost is $30ish (NT) -- dm, 14:03:17 05/29/08 Thu
- Once had a dress stuck in Kentucky for 5 days no explanation and it wasn't customs. Tracking doesn't always help. (NT) -- delivery confirmation is better, 16:00:17 05/29/08 Thu
- I have used both UPS and USPS shipping from So Cal to New York and everywhere in between. UPS gives you online tracking. USPS-make sure you get insurance and a return receipt with delivery confimation. Sent dresses to Idaho and Georgia with Priority mail. Took two days with no problems. (NT) -- Cher, 17:24:29 05/29/08 Thu
- I'm a fan of Fedex Ground shipping, though I've never shipped a dress with them. Very reasonable rates include tracking. Check rates online at fedex.com. (NT) -- wr mom, 17:39:47 05/29/08 Thu
  - Fedex ground will only insure up to $500, regular Fedex will only insure upto $1000 and they really check the packaging now (NT) -- mm, 08:43:21 05/30/08 Fri
- Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. I ended up going with USPS Express Mail. It ended up at about the same price as Priority once you added insurance. Overnight delivery. (NT) -- op, 14:29:53 05/30/08 Fri
- DHL is best! (NT) -- c, 21:11:44 06/05/08 Thu
Western Region Oireachtas--I have a couple of questions that I believe were asked and answered before, but I cannot locate my notes. 1. What hotel is the Oireachtas taking place at this year? 2. When will reservations for the hotel open up?. -- WR Mom, 15:34:16 06/04/08 Wed [7]
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Replies:
- The Arizona Grand Hotel with reservations taken starting August 1st. (NT) -- If memory serves..., 06:22:07 06/05/08 Thu
- I was on the web site yesterday. It says the water park is only open on Sat and Sun. We will only be there Sat. Wonder if it is worth it to stay there... (NT) -- opinions?, 08:58:16 06/05/08 Thu
  - Someone posted a while back that the committee was trying to work with the hotel to see if they would open it up longer because of how many kids were going to be there. Not sure what ever came of that. (NT) -- ..., 11:37:31 06/05/08 Thu
- The last time it was in Phoenix the pool part was open but the river part was closed. Kids had a blast in the pool. The hotel was nice but FOOD was an issue. The restraunts had 2-21/2 hour waits. They were overwhelmed by the number of eaters. We stayed 3nights last time and I would have a car or a cab to go get real meals when we could. Mall is not too far away by car and lots there to shop and to eat. (NT) -- FYI, 12:09:51 06/05/08 Thu
  - Phoenix is kind of a personal vehicle transportation kind of city... -- Aine, 15:49:59 06/05/08 Thu
    - I agree, wouldn't want to walk from hotel to mall, weather can be so unpredictable, traffic with kids...just not a good scenario. (NT) -- maybe hotel offers shuttle for out of towners, 16:54:03 06/05/08 Thu
Oireachtas teams. -- curious, 12:11:39 06/04/08 Wed [8]
Has your school started team practice for Oireachtas yet? Also curious as to how other schools put teams together. Is it based just by what age group a dancer falls into, or do other factors such as ability, experience, height come into play.

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Replies:
- Yes to all. Many factors go into a team's make-up. Of course, age is important because the rules dictate in that regard. But ability, experience, height, can play into the decision, as well as some other factors, such as dancer attitude (can't have a prima dona on a team). And, btw, ability doesn't necessarily mean champion level. We've mixed several "levels" together on one team & have done very well. (NT) -- --, 13:09:09 06/04/08 Wed
- It's all about height, even number of boys, birth year, showing up at all practices and getting along well with others. Then, ability comes in. (NT) -- good luck, 09:00:34 06/05/08 Thu
- And don't forget how much you kiss up to the TCRG? It is true! Very politcal at our high ranking teams school. (NT) -- dm, 11:14:39 06/05/08 Thu
  - In that case, I'd skip teams then! I have a boy so we feel pressured to do them since there are so few boys who can fill out a mixed team. (NT) -- enjoy no pressure, 12:14:33 06/05/08 Thu
  - Why on earth would anyone "kiss up" to a tcrg? To be on a team? Sheesh, everyone I know doesn't want to be doing teams! (NT) -- wl, 13:53:48 06/05/08 Thu
- Not sure I'll ever understand the "birth year" system - how many years apart can teams be? (NT) -- Thx!, 12:08:39 06/05/08 Thu
- Team members need to be close to the same level or at least practice as a team for several months. It is really noticeable when there are beginners mixed with champs. (NT) -- Tired of the "O" already., 14:20:45 06/05/08 Thu
2 Dresses For Sale at the Oregon State Championships -- e-mail, 10:09:47 06/05/08 Thu [2]
I will be bringing 2 Open Champ level dresses made by Michelle Lewis to the Oregon State Championships this weekend. They are both similar in size for 16 & Over dancers. Bust approx. 36", waist approx. 30". They fit a dancer 5'5"- 5'7". One is a Mint Green 5 panel, worn at Worlds and the other is a Purple/Green 3 panel. E-mail if you want info ahead of time. We will be getting into Portland Saturday afternoon.

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Replies:
- oops! forgot to include the e-mail address (NT) -- e-mail, 10:11:22 06/05/08 Thu
Is there going to be a wig vendor at Pike's Peak and if yes, who is it? -- Thanks for your help., 07:49:33 06/04/08 Wed [6]
I sent a note to the Feis committee two days ago and have not received a response. Was hoping someone else could tell me.

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Replies:
- Wigs @ PPF -- Andria, 08:32:31 06/04/08 Wed
- How about shoe vendors? (NT) -- need new ghillies!, 11:35:56 06/04/08 Wed
  - Wig vendor also sells shoes .. was hoping to pick up some Fays from her. (NT) -- Need hardshoes, 14:07:29 06/04/08 Wed
    - You might want to email Andria, as I think she is mainly selling Rutherfords now. Her email is above. (NT) -- --, 08:06:33 06/05/08 Thu
  - Irish Butterfly will be there. They carry Corrs, Celtic Choice, & others. (NT) -- No name, 08:11:29 06/05/08 Thu
1 Room available at Gaylord for the Nationals -- Karen, 18:35:12 06/04/08 Wed [1]
1 room available at Gaylord for the Nationals --
I have a room reserved from July 4 - July 8 that I will not be using. The reservation desk stated that the dates can change to accommodate an earlier arrival. It is a feis rate premium room that has a guarantee of two queen beds, a view of the inside gardens and a balcony. Paid $414.90 - $180.00 per night plus their fees, taxes, etc.. The reservation desk said that we can call to transfer the confirmation numbers to a new name and address for the swap without any problem. I did already for another room without any problems. (I'm in the Chicago area)

email Karen - klm127@comcast.net or call (708)912-4758

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Does anyone know when Arizona St. Championships will open up registration? We need to book flight and want to use our frequent flier miles. Thanks! -- no name, 17:29:27 06/04/08 Wed [1]
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Claddagh feis in August: anyone know which day champs dance? -- Thank you, 14:00:23 06/03/08 Tue [5]
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Replies:
- Usually on Saturday... (NT) -- -, 18:36:36 06/03/08 Tue
  - Can someone please tell me when the Gold Coast Feis usually opens for registration and which Feis registration service they use? (NT) -- Info really appreciated. Thanks, 13:19:18 06/04/08 Wed
    - In the past they have done it all themselves. You registar on their website or mail it in to them. (NT) -- m_mom, 15:39:31 06/04/08 Wed
      - I thought last year we registered on line. Could be wrong. (NT) -- ..., 15:43:59 06/04/08 Wed
Irish Fair Reminder -- Christine Byrne, 14:16:25 06/04/08 Wed [4]
REMINDER: FRIDAY is the last day to register for the Irish Fair without paying a late fee! So if you have not registered yet and are planning on attending this feis - please do so soon. You can purchase your discount fair tickets through feisworx or by emailing a request for a will call reservation to christine at byrnechris@aol.com or christine@aniaracademy.com. Thanks and we hope to see you all there!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Can someone tell me how many are registered for U15 Prelim? Trying to decide about going. (NT) -- thank you., 15:01:48 06/04/08 Wed
  - 4 paid/8 unpaid. The numbers will go up in the next day or so as always. Seems like everyone registers on the last day. Numbers even go up after deadlines due to late entries and mail in registration. (NT) -- For what it's worth, 15:24:50 06/04/08 Wed
- Anyone know how many are signed up for the u11 and u13 Open 2-hands? Trying to decide if we want to go both days. (NT) -- thx, 15:42:56 06/04/08 Wed
need name of Grand Canyon Feis novice adjudicators -- thanks!!, 15:09:46 06/02/08 Mon [25]
Is there anyone who was at the Grand Canyon Feis who knows the names of the adjudicators who judged the novice u9 and novice u11 solos? I usually write those things down for dd's record books before we leave but got distracted by the fantastic pool.

[Edit]

Replies:
- If you buy the online results from Feisworx, they also include the name of the judge. To me, it is $5 well spent. Since the judges rotate, it may be hard to pinpoint who was judging your child. (NT) -- Just a thought., 15:37:57 06/02/08 Mon
  - I know about buying results. I just need the names for recordbook. (NT) -- thanks-op, 15:50:44 06/02/08 Mon
    - the judges didn't rotate in that room, but don't have names (NT) -- x, 15:51:34 06/02/08 Mon
      - Record book? You keep track of the judges, dances, and places in Novice competitions??? OMG (NT) -- Wowza, 20:27:05 06/02/08 Mon
        
        what is the problem? It is fun to look back -- ., 21:42:32 06/02/08 Mon
        We keep them, too. Save report cards and test scores, too! (NT) -- Why not?, 00:32:18 06/03/08 Tue
        We do it, too. Dd is in champs now. Is there an issue we're not aware of? (NT) -- ., 07:11:58 06/03/08 Tue
        For some of us, Novice is long term. Record keeping is just another way to pass the time. (NT) -- Mom of pigeon toed girl, 07:15:48 06/03/08 Tue
        I don't get your point... I would say keeping track of results and stuff was MORE important to my dd when she was in Novice. Some people like to "keep records" just for the fun of looking back at them... I don't get why anyone thinks it's so strange? (NT) -- xx, 08:47:08 06/03/08 Tue
        
        Yes, we have been in novice a LONG time, -- ., 09:47:12 06/03/08 Tue
        
        well good luck to you... my dd (now an O.C.) also spent a LOOOOONG time in Novice. Stick at it, and you will get to put that 1rst in your record book, and it will be SWEET! Enjoy the ride! (NT) -- xx, 13:48:46 06/03/08 Tue
        
        Thanks. We are. Now if only I could get that u11 adj. name... (NT) -- op, 18:04:52 06/03/08 Tue
        
        Paul Mayer (NT) -- u11 nov/PW, 02:08:56 06/04/08 Wed
        
        thanks! (NT) -- ., 14:01:39 06/04/08 Wed
- Try emailing the feis secretary? (NT) -- ., 15:58:52 06/02/08 Mon
- My dd was in the U9 competitions but I can't remember if it was Bernard Hynes or one of the others. I remember them rotating. But I think for a while for the U9 it was Bernard Hynes. Usually I buy her results but did not this time. (NT) -- good luck., 16:35:33 06/02/08 Mon
  - Anybody know the U11 judge then? Was it Mayer or Maple? -- thanks, 17:46:20 06/02/08 Mon
    - I know P.Kennelly judged the u10's, but don't know the U11's. (NT) -- ., 17:47:38 06/02/08 Mon
    - look inside for u 9 and u 11 -- xxx, 05:21:27 06/04/08 Wed
  - You can "buy" the results after the fact -- Lambrettaman, 19:06:36 06/03/08 Tue
- I would think Paul Mayer for U11 (NT) -- feisworx would have it - contact them, 07:29:43 06/03/08 Tue
  - feisworx never answers those kinds of emails -- help, 07:36:47 06/03/08 Tue
- check the syllubus they usually list the judges and musicians (NT) -- on their web page?, 08:06:46 06/03/08 Tue
- I was running that stage and it was Laura Masters and Bernard Hynes. (NT) -- :-), 11:56:25 06/03/08 Tue
Hi - any chance there will be a schedule for the Oregon State championships feis posted soon? Am stressed a bit about getting in and out of downtown Portland during their extremelly busy Rose Festival weekend and getting on the freeway. Thanks!! -- mom, 19:37:15 05/31/08 Sat [13]
[Edit]

Replies:
- It's up on feisworx! (NT) -- JT, 23:25:02 05/31/08 Sat
  - Um--where? I just looked & don't see it posted? Just their syllabus, AD list, etc. No final schedule that I can see. (NT) -- --, 06:42:39 06/01/08 Sun
    - They asked me to remove it since they are tweaking some times. (NT) -- Joe Sottnik (FeisWorx), 09:10:12 06/01/08 Sun
      - I knew I wasn't crazy! Read it yesterday it's gone today! (NT) -- JT, 11:21:25 06/01/08 Sun
  - Nope, I don't see it either -- looked all over, 09:14:40 06/01/08 Sun
- Ok - Quick - it's back up again! (NT) -- JT, 11:59:07 06/01/08 Sun
- Yup it's there - hope organizers will do something about the very slippery marley in the champ room this year - too many falls from moisture buildup - feis persons reading here - can you let us know if anything has been addressed on this? Thanks for your help..... (NT) -- don't want to see any dancer slip and fall -, 10:51:07 06/02/08 Mon
  - I am new to this feis. Can you give me some background on what happened last year? (NT) -- thank you, 12:03:04 06/02/08 Mon
    - Marley in championship room hadn't been cleaned or swept thoroughly causing a number of dancers to slip and/or fall - which can be both scary and a bit dangerous. Don't want to cause any trouble for them but wondered if they had addressed the problem since the marley would likely have been stored for a year accumulating some humidity, dust etc. Not just my DD slipped, her competitors did too and I want them all to be safe. Thanks. (NT) -- :-), 12:43:11 06/02/08 Mon
      - Gotcha. Thanks for sharing. Good reminder for all feis folks to doublecheck marley. It has the reputation of never causing a slip but it can happen. (NT) -- Thank you from above poster, 19:56:16 06/02/08 Mon
      - We have always had the floor swept and mopped throughout the weekend, but will take even more care to insure that there are less slips. Sometimes, the falls cannot be helped as many of you know. We have always been about Safety first, but this is a sport and some dancers will fall regardless, however we will have the floor swept and mopped more throughout the weekend to insure that we have taken extra precaution. (NT) -- Feis committee, 09:18:51 06/04/08 Wed
        
        Thanks very much feis committee! On behalf of my DD & others who slipped last year, I really appreciate your efforts - see you this weekend! (NT) -- :-), 10:28:38 06/04/08 Wed
Left in ballroom at Grand Canyon: Champion brand tennis shoes, black w/ lt blue stripes and black mesh and laces, size 6. Please reply if found. -- Thank you!, 13:24:12 06/03/08 Tue [1]
[Edit]
Dress available at Grand Canyon AND Portland. (details inside) -- Perfect for Nov/PW 4'5" tall, 18:33:05 05/29/08 Thu [3]
Made by Best Dressed.
Link to photo: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=33kueew&s=3

Would fit a slim-to-average dancer between 4'3" and 4'7" (approximately).

Asking $300 or best offer; I do not want to bring it back home on the airplane!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Really cute - what is the main fabric? Will be looking at it at the OSCF this Saturday. (NT) -- Definitely interested, 17:41:30 05/31/08 Sat
- Main fabric is light blue glitterdot. We'll be in Portland Fri eve through Sun and will have dress out. (NT) -- Will consider all offers!, 13:16:37 06/03/08 Tue
Thanks to Rosemary Brown and organisers of the Grand Canyon State Feis. We appreciated having international judges and loved the hotel, trophies, and very friendly helpers all weekend. Podium, trophies and sashes were lovely for top placers, as well as having a photographer there. thank you! -- feis mum, 07:45:34 06/02/08 Mon [8]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Are there any pictures up? I don't see anything on line. (NT) -- SoCalmama, 08:18:09 06/02/08 Mon
- Yes, it was a very nicely run feis. Thanks for announcing results in a timely manner! (NT) -- ., 21:43:36 06/02/08 Mon
- Grand Canyon Feis photos -- Julie Peck Hubbard, 22:09:21 06/02/08 Mon
- Enjoyed the feis. Great volunteers! Hotel was nice. Was kinda hoping for Tucson-type trophies, though. And sashes for the prelims not just opens. We'll be back next year! (NT) -- wr mom, 00:36:36 06/03/08 Tue
- Awards timing conflicted with dancing -- dance mom, 08:58:49 06/03/08 Tue
  - By the time they got to awards, things were running somewhat late. Thank goodness they didn't delay it any further. I'm not complaining, just pointing out that I appreciate it when they try to keep things moving. On a one day feis schedule, there isn't any time to waste. We had a long drive home Sun. night and my younger dd danced last. (NT) -- Nice feis., 09:28:47 06/03/08 Tue
- Great job everyone! Great day! Great venue! Great volunteers! GREAT!! We will certainly be back for the "2nd annual" (NT) -- Happy Family!!, 12:11:49 06/03/08 Tue
Feis Dad contest -- BD, 08:20:16 06/01/08 Sun [3]
I'm having a little contest on my brand new blog! Do you have, or know of, a dad who is a proud Feis Dad? Nominate them to win one of our Feis Dad t-shirts! Contest ends June 6th so that I'll have time to get the t-shirts to the winners by Father's Day. Just leave a comment under the post (on my blog) with a short statement/paragraph on why your guy deserves to win. Don't forget your email address so I can contact the winners. Details here:

http://bluedamselfly.wordpress.com

[Edit]

Replies:
- OK, we were gonna post for the free shirt, but how can we compete with the guy who had a heart attack? (NT) -- just lookin for a free shirt, 19:26:43 06/01/08 Sun
- awwww I got all misty eyed reading all the comments- there are some great dads out there (NT) -- Thanks to them all, 11:01:04 06/03/08 Tue
Anyone here from the Kennelly June feis who can answer a question? (more) -- wrmom, 18:27:56 06/02/08 Mon [3]
I see from feisworx that at least some combined ages will be split. Can you tell me which ones? My daughter's combined novice comps are big enough to split and I am wondering if they will be (or maybe they already have and the numbers I see reflect the split nos???)

Thanks! We are excited about the fesi!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Sorry -- typo, should be feis! (NT) -- of course!, 18:29:19 06/02/08 Mon
- I heard they're splittling at 26 regs, but I'm not sure when they'll split (NT) -- ., 09:57:15 06/03/08 Tue
An ipod mini was found at the GC Feis - -- please contact through the website - thanks, 07:27:38 06/03/08 Tue [1]
[Edit]
Kathy Stahl... are you out there. Trying to get in touch with you. Email me. -- Anne, NJ, 06:36:46 06/03/08 Tue [1]
[Edit]
Great first solo for a 6-8 year old-"Dragonfly" dress at Oregon State Champs this weekend! -- mom, 06:29:52 06/03/08 Tue [1]
This dress will be available at Oregonstate champs this weekend! "Dragonfly themes for a 6-8 year old! Overall measurements- front 22"- back 24" shoulders 11"-sleeves 17" waist to hem 12 1/4" -neck to waist 10"... for pictures see the add on dance.net!

[Edit]
Has anyone ever heard of a dress maker named Marina Zhivetin? Have you ever dealt with her? I am considering buying a dress from her but I don't know anything about her. Any help you can give -- is appreciated, 18:54:04 05/29/08 Thu [14]
[Edit]

Replies:
- http://irishbymarina.com/ Southern California dressmaker known for well made, affordably priced dresses. (NT) -- excellent tailoring, 19:21:47 05/29/08 Thu
- she did an excellent job on alterations for my daughter's dress. She is from Russia and is wonderful seamstress. I would definitely buy a dress from her. They are beautiful. She will also help you design a solo dress. (NT) -- plus she is local in Corona., 19:48:53 05/29/08 Thu
- Does she have a dancer? Never heard of that last name. (NT) -- curious, 20:37:39 05/29/08 Thu
  - Her daughter does not irish dance, but she is an excellent tailor. (NT) -- me, 17:01:51 05/30/08 Fri
- We have one of her dresses and it has been a very good investment - good style that is lasting and able to have it altered easily. (NT) -- She is very nice., 21:37:50 05/29/08 Thu
- Thank you! Now that I have heard from so many on the MBs, seen her website, found her on the Corona Chamber of Commerce, I feel great about making this reasonably priced purchase. (NT) -- OP, 04:57:27 05/30/08 Fri
- Marina is a great dressmaker and awesome person. We own one of hers and she was wonderful to work with. Judge for yourself.... Call her up and go meet with her. (NT) -- Another MOM, 07:39:17 05/30/08 Fri
- Does anyone have a ballpark amount for one of her dresses? (NT) -- Thanks!, 11:49:56 05/30/08 Fri
  - Check out her website...I think she has approx. costs posted there. (NT) -- :), 09:22:38 06/01/08 Sun
- shemakes school dresses as well, they cost $600.00. (NT) -- OR, 13:50:56 05/30/08 Fri
- I'm not so sure about the fit -- ., 14:11:43 05/30/08 Fri
  - She is a trained tailor so I am sure she can do what you request of her. (NT) -- all you have to do is ask, 14:30:39 05/30/08 Fri
  - Depends on the shape of the girl. Some girls are built with waist and chest the same, some with a smaller waist. You can't tell by looking at a dress hanging up. (NT) -- No name, 17:32:12 06/02/08 Mon
Feis at the Fair -- Feis Committee, 12:54:49 06/02/08 Mon [1]
Feis at the Fair 2008 - Last day to enter without a late fee is this Friday, June 6th. Please note that Discount Irish Fair tickets are now available at Feisworx or you can email Christine Byrne christine@aniaracademy.com to be added to "Will Call List" to pick up tickets at the Fair. Discount tickets are available for $10 - regular price at the gate is $18, so be sure to order your discount tickets in advance for family and friends of dancers. Dancers do not require a ticket. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free.

[Edit]
I just wanted to send a thank you to Maureen Golden. She's one of our favorite judges and I've always found her placements to be very fair as regards my dd. You guys in the WR are lucky to have her. -- txma, 07:41:43 05/29/08 Thu [4]
[Edit]

Replies:
- That sure seems random. (NT) -- Doesn't it?, 18:03:27 05/30/08 Fri
- Yes, Maureen is Golden and a wonderful person. (NT) -- one of my fav's too, 19:39:46 05/30/08 Fri
  - Not random at all. My dd danced in Memphis she judged. My dd didn't place if that is what you are alluding to but we appreciated the placement Ms. Golden gave dd because she didn't have a good day and it was a shot in the arm. DD had asthma attack and Ms. Golden was kind to her, that's all. We just wanted to send thanks to her since I wasn't sure which school (if any) she teaches at. (NT) -- noulteriormotive, 09:58:26 06/02/08 Mon
Brand new OTR for age 16+. -- e-mail, 09:36:46 06/02/08 Mon [1]
Purple and gold velvet and sewn sequin, 2-piece, 4-panel. Photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10508760@N07/sets/72157605267221059/ Measurements of dress itself, laid flat: chest 35, waist 30, dropped waist 34, sleeve 24. Lots of room for alterations. $1400. Please e-mail for full measurements and with any questions. Thanks.

[Edit]
Looking for a room at Gaylord for Nationals. Thurs , Fri, Sat . Please email me at eyeballsroche@aol.com. phone #516-520-2943 Thanks -- Irene R, 21:46:23 05/28/08 Wed [3]
[Edit]

Replies:
- bumppit (NT) -- IR, 09:03:06 05/29/08 Thu
- room at nationals -- alice Fish, 23:20:58 06/01/08 Sun
Was there a feis this weekend? If there was are the results posted anywhere? -- Thanks, 14:46:41 06/01/08 Sun [3]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Grand Canyon Feis (Scottsdale, AZ) is today (wish we could've gone). Results are being posted on Feisworx. I have to say I like the "real time" posting they're now doing. (Okay, call me nosy, but who isn't) (NT) -- A wr mom, 15:46:22 06/01/08 Sun
  - lol...I'm with you, sista! Everyone takes a peek; even those who condemn it, I bet. I think most people just like to see how the other dancers from their school and their comp. did. (NT) -- interesting stuff!, 16:06:06 06/01/08 Sun
California Spring Feis - the awards photos will be available at www.dtmphotos.com in about two weeks. -- Kimberly-Feis Chair, 22:33:41 05/28/08 Wed [7]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Thank you for that update (NT) -- Can't wait to see them, 02:01:46 05/30/08 Fri
  - The podium photos are up! : ) (NT) -- feismom, 08:55:47 05/30/08 Fri
- California Spring Feis -- Podium Pictures, 09:39:38 05/30/08 Fri
- California Spring Feis Podium Pictures http://www.dtmphotos.com/DTM%20Photos%20Feis%20Galleries/526367 (NT) -- Prices Reduced 10% for the first 30 days, FYI, 09:53:26 05/30/08 Fri
- Just placed my order, but nothing about 10% discount. (NT) -- How do you get it?, 22:06:58 05/31/08 Sat
  - Why don't you email Derek at dtmphotos and ask? He is a really nice guy. (NT) -- .., 08:59:19 06/01/08 Sun
Utah Feis -- >, 06:39:14 06/01/08 Sun [1]
Much to my horror I realize the Utah Feis is closed as it has reached it's cap. We are on a waiting list. I'm not sure how this works having never had such a problem before. So, could I appeal to anyone who is registered but has not paid to decide if they are going or not. If not, you can cancel the registration and perhaps someone like me might get to dance!!! thanks.

[Edit]
Off Topic - What is the dollar amount range for a high school graduate who is not a close relative? -- Out of touch and don't want to mess up., 13:18:10 05/28/08 Wed [16]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Oops - I may need to clarify that I am inquiring about a graduation gift amount? (NT) -- OP, 13:19:40 05/28/08 Wed
- I've only done $25. That's probably pretty cheapskate in some people's opinions today but no matter the amount, I've never rec'd any acknowledement or thanks so now I just don't bother. (NT) -- is what it is, 13:29:59 05/28/08 Wed
- A nice card is all that is necessary. If you want to include $20 or so, that is nice, but a card should be enough. (NT) -- Mom of teens., 13:55:29 05/28/08 Wed
- If they are going away for college, put a $25 gift card to Bed,Bath and Beyond. (NT) -- mom of 2 grads last year, 14:03:31 05/28/08 Wed
- A bottle of Dom !!!! (NT) -- Show some class!!!!!, 16:15:51 05/28/08 Wed
  - How about no Dom... (NT) -- that'll show true class for the age, 16:58:45 05/28/08 Wed
  - for a high school grad? (NT) -- hmm, think not, 09:06:56 05/29/08 Thu
- I'd give something like a card, and maybe a $25 gift card to someplace - Starbucks, Target etc. (NT) -- ..., 18:02:51 05/28/08 Wed
- I'd say $20-$25 if that works for your budget. If not a nice card is (NT) -- just fine., 19:01:30 05/28/08 Wed
- I just graduated from college... -- writing thank you notes, 23:05:31 05/28/08 Wed
  - VERY WELL SAID! Obviously, a very well balanced, mature young person here. Best of luck to you in your future endeavours!! (NT) -- Impressed!, 08:15:09 05/29/08 Thu
  - You are a person of good character. (NT) -- congrats, 14:49:07 05/29/08 Thu
- I agree with the above poster! Not everyone - even relatives - can afford to give $$ so a nice card with heartfelt congratulations is still a gift! My daughter graduated over the weekend and she is writing thank you notes to everyone who gave her either a card, gift or $$ to thank them for thinking of her. This was her own idea and I am very proud of her for recognizing the cards as being of equal value and sentiment. (NT) -- wr mom, 13:23:00 05/29/08 Thu
  - Perhaps we've lost some of our pomp & circumstance because I believe that relatives should give more than a card to a high school/college graduate. If the student is a relative, you knew they were graduating, so it didn't come by surprise. No need to go broke, but I think that with kids going off to college, even $10. is a nice gesture. To just send a card saying "great job" seems to be more of an "acquaintance" type thing. Sometimes I think those on the westcoast are more layed back, therefore some of the formalities have faded away. Gifts for accomplishments such as high school & college graduation should be celebrated. Now, kindergarden and 8th grade graduations are debatable (NT) -- because there's no real independent step after those grades, 00:07:46 06/01/08 Sun
    - OP stated that the graduate was not a close relative. Could be a more distant relative, or not related at all. (NT) -- agree any gift is nice gesture, 05:57:27 06/01/08 Sun
Anyone know what the dance is for the Charity Special at the Grand Cyn Feis? -- Thanks, 15:53:58 05/30/08 Fri [3]
[Edit]

Replies:
- One step of the reel. (NT) -- sdmom, 22:09:03 05/30/08 Fri
- Good luck to all the dancers and workers at the Grand Canyon Feis. Wish we could be there! (NT) -- a WR mom, 22:15:03 05/31/08 Sat
I'm going through ID withdrawls! My daughter is only 2 months into her 6 mo ban and I'm dying to plan for something! Can anyone tell me if the Phoenix Feis in October will be handled by Feisworx again this year? We'd like to go to that one as her first feis back. Thanks for the info! -- I need a fix!, 23:16:34 05/30/08 Fri [2]
[Edit]

Replies:
- I think so. The Oktoberfest feis on Oct 3/4 is listed under upcoming feiseanna (NT) -- ., 20:58:20 05/31/08 Sat
To Kim Duggan, Sandra O'Toole and all of the committee heads of the Murphy School's first annual California Spring Feis. Thank You so much for your many endless hours of work to making this feis an amazing success. We've had nothing but rave reviews from all of the children, parents and teachers alike. Your committement and enthusiasm developed a fantastic spirit for a wonderful weekend. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! Thank you to all the the school's that participated without your support it wouldn't have been such a success. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! -- Mary Jo, Trish, Ellen and Paddy, 12:23:58 05/27/08 Tue [10]
[Edit]

Replies:
- This was the best feis ever! We were there both days, and were so impressed with the venue, stages, awards etc... Thank you so much! (NT) -- feismom, 13:11:20 05/27/08 Tue
  - An excellent Feis! Loved the location, big rooms, everything. (NT) -- Please have another next year!, 14:50:11 05/27/08 Tue
- Great feis -- music was great, nice awards, kids had a great time! (NT) -- We'll be back next year, 15:41:30 05/27/08 Tue
- I loved the Feis. The one thing I am on the fence about, with any Feis that does this, is the awards in a separate room. I feel like the kids work hard, the competition can be fierce, and then in a busy vendor room, or off to the sdie, they really don't get alot of recognition for their success. Does anyone else feels this way. I loved the Murphy Feis, don't get me wrong. I just wonder if anyone else prefers to have them announced in the room they danced where the audience remembers them and the comp. (NT) -- 2 Cents Worth, 11:26:00 05/28/08 Wed
  - I definitely preferred it in a separate room with the cool podiums and sashes. Plus the photographer was able to get shots of the awards this time - I can't wait to see those. And, if I remember correctly (although I may be wrong, so don't shoot me), I believe that other local feiseanna are no longer announcing the trophy specials for grades dancers, just posting them. This way all the little ones get to go up and get recognized as well. Great job Murphy School! (NT) -- Just me, 13:27:34 05/28/08 Wed
- I like the awards in the dance room personally. I particullarly like the way the Seattle Comerford feis did them on the hour or as close to that as a natural break came in the competitions going on. I believe some of the California feis have done the same-- at the top of the hour. It is so nice to know so you can go to the restroom, get a bite to eat or watch another competition in another room and not miss the awards. The podium is easy enough to move and the applause from those in the room is nice for the dancers of every age. (NT) -- my 2 cents, 12:53:31 05/29/08 Thu
  - Wow Medals and trophies were Fantastic so different from other feis's (NT) -- JJ, 14:39:02 05/29/08 Thu
    - What were they? (NT) -- Couldn't go :(, 09:14:42 05/30/08 Fri
- Thank you for adding not one, but TWO adult specials to your school's first feis! Had a wonderful time, and this was the first feis where ADULTS were on the podium for their results (NT) -- That rocked!, 02:11:08 05/30/08 Fri
Oregon State Championships - will they split any competitions? DD has 27 so far in PW comp. Have they in the past? -- Thanks, 14:05:18 05/25/08 Sun [6]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Was wondering that too- 30 registered in PW reel, although not all have paid yet. (NT) -- **, 15:31:10 05/25/08 Sun
- What about combining ages on dances with fewer than 5 dancers? -- opposite issue, 16:31:55 05/26/08 Mon
- My dd is in that age group as well - they alway have big groups, I don't remember them being split at any other competition (at least when they where up to 30)... (NT) -- Mom, 13:54:47 05/27/08 Tue
  - Actually, that feis has split competitions in the past when they reached 25--my understanding that it was (if not still) a WR rule. This will be the 1st time in many years that we won't be there, unfortunately. Best of luck to the dancers! (NT) -- --, 08:17:57 05/29/08 Thu
- They just combined a bunch of age groups-check it out! MAybe split? Can't see that much my dd is U8 check it out! Thanx feis committee! (NT) -- mom, 06:16:03 05/30/08 Fri
2008 Gold Coast Feis -- Colleen Steed, 18:42:51 05/22/08 Thu [4]
I would like to let all of you know that we are finishing up our syllabus for the 2008 Comortas an Chosta Oir - The Gold Coast Competition hosted by the Claddagh School of Irish Dancing. Our event will be held Aug 8 - 10, 2008 at the Westlake Village Hyatt. As soon I have a final syllabus, I will put it on our web site www.claddaghdance.com/feis

[Edit]

Replies:
- Please, please, please DON'T put the adult competitions on Friday. It's too hard to get there on a Friday afternoon, plus with kids dancing on a different day, it all adds to the expense. My kids will dance this feis for sure (we've always enjoyed it in the past), but as an adult dancer, I'd rather not skip it, but with Friday comps, I have to. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. After the Connejo Valley feis discussions, I was hopeful that Fridays would be cut since feis numbers are down everywhere. (NT) -- WR mom/dancer, 14:24:58 05/23/08 Fri
- Please don't change the schedule for the adults. The Friday evening schedule is why some of us have been going to this feis. (NT) -- Looking forward to this feis., 17:22:50 05/26/08 Mon
- As another adult dancer, either day will work for me, but what I really want (please, pretty please?) is one Adult Special. Please note that this is becoming the "norm" for WR feiseanna (NT) -- Some offer two adult trophy specials &/or champ specials, 02:16:26 05/30/08 Fri
Why are there three feis in the WR on the same weekend in July? Would be nice if they could spread them out a little. -- wondering, 13:56:45 05/28/08 Wed [20]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Are you serious? Which ones? (NT) -- outta loop, 16:16:29 05/28/08 Wed
- Keep in mind the WR is very large. I'm sure people in No. Cal don't want to come down to AZ as well as people from AZ not wanting to travel up north. (NT) -- ..., 18:51:25 05/28/08 Wed
  - We travel to all the WR, we have to. Only one local feis for us. We would have done 2 of the 3. (NT) -- Move one to April, 07:04:47 05/29/08 Thu
- 3 Feiseanna same w/e in July -- Feis Mom, 19:23:39 05/28/08 Wed
  - Are you serious? They're 1200+ miles apart?! (NT) -- No name, 19:45:24 05/28/08 Wed
    - We would have done two of the three if dates were spread out. (NT) -- ., 22:05:00 05/28/08 Wed
      - Ditto. We would have done both the CA feis. (NT) -- Too bad..., 22:20:19 05/28/08 Wed
      - Same here. Too bad. We would have done two, as well (NT) -- .... (.....), 23:18:06 05/28/08 Wed
      - One more family weighs in. We also would do both CA feises. (NT) -- planners, are you listening?, 06:39:30 05/29/08 Thu
      - Would have loved to do Santa Clara and the Bros of St. Patrick. (NT) -- :} (What a shame), 13:45:18 05/29/08 Thu
- Silicon Valley & Dance for Life have been on the same weekend for years & it hasn't been a problem. I know of a couple of dancers who have done both (dance one day, fly down and dance the next). WR is huge--unlike the eastern seaboard--and not everyone can travel the 900+ mile travel distance. Good to have choices. (NT) -- IMHO, 08:13:14 05/29/08 Thu
  - That is true. But two are in CA. Many dancers would travel to both. Last year these feis were on different weekends (and I belive they were originally scheduled this year for different weekends). (NT) -- Would have done both, 08:40:01 05/29/08 Thu
    - Didn't it used to be the Wild West Feis in April? Who used to do the feis at Brothers of St. Patrick at the end of July? (NT) -- Fond memories, 08:59:19 05/29/08 Thu
    - Schedules for SV & SC feisanna are complimentary--meaning opposite of each other. With a bit of effort, would still be possible to do both. (NT) -- --, 10:52:11 05/29/08 Thu
      - Not possible if you have dancers at different ages/levels. Also, would air travel would be (NT) -- necessary., 12:31:07 05/29/08 Thu
        
        Not saying it was possible for all dancers--but IS possible for some. And it's a drivable distance--leave by 5:00 p.m., get there by 11:00 or so. I don't have a dog in the fight--not from your area. Just making a suggestion for those who might be interested. (NT) -- --, 13:20:06 05/29/08 Thu
        
        Well.....we are hard core, but not THAT hard core! ;-) (NT) -- but it is theoretically possible, 14:55:04 05/29/08 Thu
        
        Absolutely, There are some limits to the craziness, I hope (NT) -- ! (???), 21:28:13 05/29/08 Thu
        
        Not sure why some think this is crazy--not any crazier than anything else in the world of competitive Irish dance--or anything else competitive for that matter. Makes sense to me, if you can do it. If a dancer is working hard to achieve a certain goal, and can hit 2 feisanna in the same weekend, why not? Thanks for pointing out the possibility. (NT) -- :-), 22:13:55 05/29/08 Thu
Mass for the Grand canyo Feis- Will we have Mass Sat. night at the hotel or does anyone know of one nearby, daughter dances Sunday morning. -- Mary, 07:46:56 05/29/08 Thu [6]
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Replies:
- We were hoping, too. It was very popular at Tucson Feis. If not, check masstimes.org (NT) -- hth, 08:49:00 05/29/08 Thu
- The closest parish is probably St. Maria Goretti. Mass is on Saturday at 5. Here's the parish website: http://www.diocesephoenix.org/parish/saintMariaGoretti.htm (NT) -- me, 10:13:20 05/29/08 Thu
- The other option might be Our Lady of Perpetual Help---530pm, Saturday. 7655 E. Main St. Scottsdale www.olphaz.com (NT) -- Just trying to help!, 19:51:24 05/29/08 Thu
- Are there any masses around 4:00 or 4:30 on Saturday nite? We are going to a party and was hoping to go earlier. (NT) -- thanks., 19:51:43 05/29/08 Thu
  - I was looking on Masstimes.org and saw a 4:30 Saturday at Blessed Sacrament. (480) 948-8370 11300 N. 64th St. in North Scottsdale. Looks like 5 mi or so from the feis hotel (NT) -- hth, 21:06:51 05/29/08 Thu
California Springs Feis-We had a great time, nicely organized. Our daughter didin't place but would definitely return, hope it will be repeated next year. -- ann, 17:12:15 05/26/08 Mon [16]
[Edit]

Replies:
- I liked the fact that it started a bit later. More relaxing for the first groups! (NT) -- thanks, 17:44:26 05/26/08 Mon
- Nice venue with well-priced food service and plenty of bathrooms. Holiday Inn was very accomodating when my dd inquired about a practice room for her and her friends. Nice raffle, too. Thanks to the committee for a nice day. (NT) -- We will be back next year, 18:27:10 05/26/08 Mon
- California Spring Feis -- It was a blast, 19:39:56 05/26/08 Mon
- Wonderful feis -- we will definitely be back next year. Any chance of not having to walk so far for the treble reels next time? :) (NT) -- WR Irish dance parent, 21:56:45 05/26/08 Mon
- Very Fun Feis!!! crystal awards, and sashes .... what more can a little girl ask for. Thanks Murphy and Commerford. (NT) -- m_mom, 22:02:16 05/26/08 Mon
  - Was this a Comerford feis??? (NT) -- I thought it was Murphy?, 22:50:49 05/26/08 Mon
    - It was run by the Murphy School. Tony Comerford did help with the awards, I believe I remember him doing the announcements. (NT) -- WR Irish dance parent, 10:28:27 05/27/08 Tue
      - Tony is doing workshops for Murphy and apparently helped them with their first Feis. (NT) -- XX, 11:27:09 05/28/08 Wed
- Great feis and a lot of fun .Great medals and awards. Presentations were wonderful for all the various categories .The Murphy team did a great job. (NT) -- jj, 22:58:35 05/26/08 Mon
- MURPHY FEIS -- T.B., 15:16:57 05/27/08 Tue
  - Great feis.Trophies were wonderful.We were in Seattle the week before and they too had great Trophies and gorgeous medals (NT) -- mm, 14:40:59 05/29/08 Thu
- I loved the Murphy Feis. This is not an attack on them, just a question. I much prefer the champs and even specials to be announced on stage. Winning some of these champs is such a huge accomplishment. By moving into the "Vendor Room" or "Side Room" or "Janitor Closet" it some how takes away the glory and minimizes the achievement. I much prefer they take the time and do them on stage, like Mid-Day and End of Day. Anyone else agree? (NT) -- Give the kids their recognition!!!, 11:47:41 05/28/08 Wed
How do you find out if someone qualified for Nationals from the WR "O"? If there were 50 recalls for example...how many of those qualified for Nationals...Is there a list? -- ?, 18:29:14 05/09/08 Fri [31]
[Edit]

Replies:
- At one point in time they splurged and gave each dancer a certificate saying they did it! (NT) -- olden days, 18:53:04 05/09/08 Fri
- The formula is top ten plus 25% of the total. Example: 100 competitors = 10 + 25 = 35 will Q for NANs. I am not sure if World Medalists add extra places. Here is a link to the syllabus: http://www.idtane.com/pdf/2008_Syl.pdf. (NT) -- hope she qualifies!, 19:22:30 05/09/08 Fri
  - Is that true for the boys as well? What if there are only 10 in their comp? (NT) -- mom of dancing son, 07:56:05 05/12/08 Mon
    - I know that the younger boys with 10 or less in their competitions all got NAN's certificates. "Top ten plus..." (NT) -- Hth, 10:32:23 05/12/08 Mon
- So..... number 50 out of 100 would not have qualified for Nationals? (NT) -- Hmmmmm, 19:28:22 05/09/08 Fri
  - If they were in Open, they would automatically qualify. All OCs can attend, even if they did not recall at O. (NT) -- OK?, 19:57:41 05/09/08 Fri
  - #50 out of 100 would most likely be at the bottom of the recalls. Usually 50% are recalled. But as was said #50 may be an open champ and therefore be qualified. (NT) -- Recall is still good., 00:01:40 05/10/08 Sat
- How do you find out if someone qualified for Nationals from the WR "O"? -- think they are all going?, 20:55:26 05/09/08 Fri
- Recalled year before at NAN, in Open Champ or within formula at O only ways to qualify (NT) -- me, 21:06:05 05/09/08 Fri
- They made a mistake last year at the O and gave out Nationals Certificate to all the girls who recalled in U12,U13, U14 - they finally noticed in U14 and took the papers away from some of the girls. One of the girls was a friend of my daughter. They didn't catch it in the U12, U13s and I know one girl from our school who is going because she got a paper. (NT) -- SoCalMama, 05:31:07 05/10/08 Sat
  - I remember that. It didn't make any sense to me at the time. So...the mistake girls get to go too? (NT) -- v, 07:51:23 05/10/08 Sat
  - Yes, I recall that every U12 that made the recall got the NANs certificate. (NT) -- Was there, 08:00:20 05/10/08 Sat
  - Your TC has to enter her, and the entries were due on May 1st. I believe the registrar verifies the eligibility. It's hard to think that a paper given in error would qualify the dancer. Hope this all works out for all concerned. (NT) -- best of luck to all dancers, 08:58:12 05/10/08 Sat
    - Will they be verified based on the formula? Were the certificates that were given out personalized and recorded somewhere? We also know people going based on the erroneous certificate. Also, wouldn't you think other regions would be upset that we're sending those who didn't qualify according to the rules? (NT) -- Bad situation, 12:23:37 05/10/08 Sat
      - I don't think the certificate is by any means your ticket in. Your TC still needs to enter you and they should not be sending people that they don't think will do well. I would be willing to bet that no one actually verifies qualification. It is too time consuming. Besides a teacher can move a dancer up at their discretion to open champ. Then they would qualify. (NT) -- teachers won't send unqualified., 17:29:34 05/10/08 Sat
        
        "Besides a teacher can move a dancer up at their discretion to open champ." -- They can? Never knew., 17:49:31 05/10/08 Sat
        
        Yes you must move up with 2 prelim wins , but can move up without, TC can move you to OC, also if not placed 12or 3 in OC can go back to prelims (NT) -- been done seen it, 07:50:11 05/11/08 Sun
        
        Yes, but if you move at teacher discretion, you can't go back. We have a girl that has NEVER placed in a prelim, who is not National quality, who somehow got a recall and was given a certificate in error. So she gets to go to "National" practices, can't keep up, and other kids with consistent top 3, but needing 1 more first, placings are sitting back, and are better able to handle it...unfortunately its an injustice. (NT) -- Should be Restricted to OPEN dancers period!, 11:40:30 05/28/08 Wed
      - There was a kid that didn't even recall nor was she in Open Champs attend Nationals a few years ago. We were all shocked...and she was too old to be in the discretion of the teacher. Some teachers must not go by the rules and they apparently don't verify. (NT) -- anon, 22:28:58 05/10/08 Sat
    - I can't imagine that the registrar could rescind the certificate at this late date. Airfare and hotels are booked, extra lessons paid for, etc. It would/should have been handled months ago. (NT) -- Best of luck to the dancers, 10:30:25 05/12/08 Mon
      - The TC shouldn't have sent in the entry without verifying that the dancer would qualify if there is any question about eligibility. (NT) -- could be a messy situation, 17:19:07 05/12/08 Mon
        
        Dancers are going. Nothing was ever mentioned at our school. (NT) -- annon, 06:25:55 05/13/08 Tue
    - Yes, there were errors in certificate distribution. It is difficult for the teacher to be the bad cop and strip the child of her certificate at time of entry when it was given to her by the awards people. It is a demoralizing at best. It should never have happened. I think an official list should be mailed to teachers after to prevent this type of mishap. There were some large competitions that they all got them, and some smaller ones that barely any got them. It was clear something was amiss. (NT) -- Oppsies, 11:37:59 05/28/08 Wed
      - Maybe they shouldn't announce qualifiers at the O, if they can't get it right. Certificates could be sent to the school, qualifiers could be posted on WR site, lots of other options. Nationals doesn't announce WQ right away. O organizers should have stepped up and fixed this right away. Still, I couldn't imagine going knowing I didn't REALLY qualify. (NT) -- TC's know, 07:30:09 05/29/08 Thu
  - They messed up with the u11 awards also. 39 reacalled (78 danced) and all recalls were given NANs certs. From the formula it looks like 29 qualified. (NT) -- CO mom, 11:29:53 05/10/08 Sat
  - Don't you think the hosting school or whoever was responsible (TC?) should have fixed this mistake? It was so unfair to everyone concerned, and has caused bad feelings between dancers, too. They should have corrected it right away. We all knew the mistake by the end of the ceremony and it was discussed on here at length. (NT) -- Noone addressed it, 12:09:58 05/10/08 Sat
  - So they took the U14's mistaken certificates away, but not from the other age groups? That's harsh. (NT) -- Not fair., 12:14:32 05/10/08 Sat
  - I heard this happened at WQ level, too. One was given out by mistake and the WR gave dancer the okay to go to Worlds. (NT) -- ., 17:51:05 05/10/08 Sat
    - Our friend was given a WQ medal and then told it was a mistake. She didn't get the option to go, not that she would anyway. Things need to be handled the same way across the board. (NT) -- WR mom, 21:13:07 05/10/08 Sat
- In the U15 top 25, they ran out of certificates for nationals, so those girls didn't them even though they know have qualified, it's nice to have the "sheepskin" for your scrapbook. Guess they needed to get it more organized for awards. Oh well - she's going anyway and is still excited. (NT) -- wr mom, 11:49:09 05/10/08 Sat
Knowing the number of competitors before you register. -- just a thought., 13:39:51 05/23/08 Fri [12]
There are often posts on the boards by people asking how many are in their competitions. I know when you register for a competition on feisworx, you can find out the number of dancers in your competition only after you pay, and if you registered yourself. Efeis (and maybe feisinfo) show the number of registered competitors before you sign up. Is this something you'd like to see before registering for a feis and would it be worth asking feisworx if it's a feature they could add? I know I appreciate knowing the counts, not just of DD's competition, but of the ones before her - helps me to estimate her start time a little better.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Yes yes yes (NT) -- yes, 14:31:53 05/23/08 Fri
- I would like to know for my 18 & O open champ dancer prior to signing up because, if it is a small feis and we are traveling a distance to get there, it may not be worth it. The flip side to this is that if everyone is waiting for the same info then no one will sign up. (NT) -- WR Mum, 14:34:44 05/23/08 Fri
  - It would be helpful even if they waited till registration was closed. (NT) -- -('^')-, 15:21:39 05/23/08 Fri
    - I don't understand (not the poster above). Can you clarify? (NT) -- Thanks., 16:22:21 05/23/08 Fri
  - You can sign up but not pay and the numbers still show up on feisinfo. com Really helps knowing how many are there before the final commitment. (NT) -- :), 19:18:38 05/23/08 Fri
  - I agree completely. That's why I also like to see competitor lists - I know practically everyone in DDs group and usually can find out ahead of time if everyone going. The smaller groups are really tough to predict as it is! (NT) -- JMO, 08:22:57 05/28/08 Wed
- ...... -- ....... (...), 22:18:31 05/23/08 Fri
  - Having attended enough competitions that did not have enough dancers has made me very hesitant to commit to any feis that might take some extra effort and travel money. California Springs is getting me on a plane to the feis by stating on their syllabus that any competition with four entries or less will be combined (NT) -- ,,,, 22:20:42 05/23/08 Fri
    - Many do this, but stating it upfront is great info to have. More should consider stating this if it's their intent, whenever they can. (NT) -- & they want you to show up!, 11:46:27 05/27/08 Tue
- I agree. I do wish feisworx would post this info. before payment. Feisinfo does and it is one of my favorite things about using feisinfo. Feisworx people, would you please consider this additon to your great service? Thanks so much! nt (NT) -- WR mom, 13:20:42 05/27/08 Tue
  - Absolutely, Feisinfo has the right idea. How do we encourage Feisworx to do the same thing. (NT) -- ... (...), 23:15:23 05/28/08 Wed
Feis's near demming, new mexico, el paso, tuscon az??? planing a trip -- clevelander, 18:16:19 05/28/08 Wed [2]
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Replies:
- for AZ, one this weekend, then not until beginning of Aug. (NT) -- IDmom, 18:26:11 05/28/08 Wed
Relocating to Northern California - Need advice on Dance Schools. Any recommendations? If , so, what you like? -- Thanks for the Input!, 10:23:21 05/19/08 Mon [14]
[Edit]

Replies:
- Northern California a very BIG place. You need to be a little more specific. (NT) -- --, 10:30:58 05/19/08 Mon
- Be very specific, name the town not just the genreral area. There is traffic to consider when recomending a school and the drive time to get there from your new home. (NT) -- ., 10:49:21 05/19/08 Mon
- San Francisco Bay Area, more likely on the East Bay side of the Bay Bridge, Berkeley, Oakland area. (NT) -- Thank You!, 10:51:36 05/19/08 Mon
  - Check out: http://www.mcbrideirishdancers.com/ (NT) -- they are in the East Bay., 10:55:32 05/19/08 Mon
    - Agree. McBride is doing very well in results lately. Friends in school seem very happy. (NT) -- Good luck............, 11:07:58 05/19/08 Mon
  - McBride offers classes in Oakland ... -- WR mom, 11:07:54 05/19/08 Mon
    - Wow! You are right. They got 1st, 2nd and 3rd in One big comp in SF this weekend, 2nd and 3rd in a difficult open. Seems like things are going well for them. Always see the teachers with the dancers and families. Seem to have a positive approach to it all. (NT) -- Goof 4 Them!, 11:34:47 05/28/08 Wed
- What type of school are you looking for? One where the TC stops in that town for a few hours once a week, a school where there are many classes offered during the week, a big school, a little branch, what type of school do you think would be a good (NT) -- match for you or your dancer?, 10:52:54 05/19/08 Mon
  - One that has consistent teachers, multiple classes per week. Workshops are fine, but I would like them to have consistent teaching. (NT) -- Thanks for the Quick Reply Everyone, 11:09:14 05/19/08 Mon
    - Keenan Irish dance School is in the Norht Bay...north of San Franciso. (Santa Rosa, sonoma, Napa, Petaluma)Ms. Keenan teaches all of the classes herself. (NT) -- FYI, 12:42:23 05/19/08 Mon
    - try Healy. (NT) -- x, 15:29:03 05/19/08 Mon
    - Kennelly has classes at least twice a week in San Fran. See www.kennellyschool.com (NT) -- ., 15:43:15 05/19/08 Mon
- Please consider this.... -- qqq, 22:57:44 05/19/08 Mon

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