[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

• except the dancers going to Worlds (NT) -- ^, Fri, November 20, 01:44:44pm
• Re: Doe everyone switch dances now for nationals in july? (NT) -- dancer (yes and schools too...), Fri, November 20, 03:04:45pm
  • Re: Haven't heard of any school switches yet. Have you anything to tell? (NT) -- Just initials, Fri, November 20, 04:38:21pm
• do senior ladies switch to slip jig and treble jig then for NANs 2010 ? I dont mean to sound naive I would just like to know thank you :D (NT) -- curious 20+, Fri, November 20, 03:15:33pm
• Do worlds qualifiers have to the opposite set (as in a HP set if they are TJ dancers)? I'm not going but I'm just curious. (NT) -- thanks, Fri, November 20, 10:06:04pm
  • Yes they do. If you are curious about the dances, you can see them all on the clrg.ie website in the syllabus as well - there's lots of good info there. (NT) -- Augusta, Sat, November 21, 01:24:12am

• They did Slip Jig, Treble Jig and a Horpipe Set (NT) -- U11 Dances, Fri, November 20, 12:46:54pm
  • Thank you! (NT) -- OP, Sun, November 22, 03:32:45pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• This was posted a few days ago....below (NT) -- thanks, Thu, November 19, 04:12:39pm
• I'm asking honestly, despite the list of things mentioned in the detail of this post that judges look for and favour, what basics should be executed to warrant a high result? (NT) -- genuine, Thu, November 19, 05:10:11pm
  • I would have thought turn-out would be important, but from some results, apparently not so. (NT) -- :(, Fri, November 20, 10:35:26am
    • The same thing seems to go for straight legs and pointed toes. (NT) -- Unimpressed., Fri, November 20, 11:05:17am
• Dancers with confidence "come up big" in big competitions - hard to teach that - ability to rise to the occasion is huge (NT) -- !, Thu, November 19, 07:56:19pm
• As long as there is no accountability judges can do and say WHATEVER THEY WANT. There are some fantastic teachers and judges out there but there are also some who are less than ethical (NT) -- Don't give them all the power, Fri, November 20, 09:40:26am
  • what if they had steps that were "required" steps, and marked on those..then a "free-style" mark, based on style, technique, execution? Ya, I was a skating momma (NT) -- ., Fri, November 20, 09:51:42am
    • In theory yes, that sounds great but no matter what, there will still be a subjective factor in there and unfortunately sometimes politics as well. (NT) -- just the way it is, Fri, November 20, 10:42:43am
      • why is it this way???? Subjective I get, we all have our preference for style and the judges should be able to award marks based on their preference. but pleasee leave out the politics. at the end of the day it's the kids you are hurting not your rival schools. (NT) -- Each one of those kids that you mark unfairly have hopes and dreams that you are crushing for your own gain. That takes selfishness to a whole new level, Fri, November 20, 11:47:47am
        • More sour grapes. Would you care to name for us specifically which dancers didn't deserve their placements on the weekend? If you can prove "politics" please enlighten us - otherwise you're just denigrating the hard efforts of all the dancers. (NT) -- insinuations like yours are what hurt the kids more, Fri, November 20, 01:27:56pm
          • why would I name the dancers??? It is not there fault, win are lose they are both been used. (NT) -- fed up not sour grapes, Fri, November 20, 04:08:26pm
            • but if you can't give proof then it's just your opinion - who's to say you're not just upset because you didn't win when you thought you should? you make it sound like it's all politics and none of the dancers were deserving. (NT) -- what an insult., Fri, November 20, 06:37:39pm
    • Funny you should mention that - many U12 dancers did not include toe walks in their O routines and out placed dancers who did add the higher level of difficulty - just doesn't seem fair - champs and prelims could do a fantastic prizewinner routine if they wanted to play it safe - the judges did not give credit for the level of difficulty whether it was executed perfectly or not. (NT) -- ., Fri, November 20, 11:29:07am
      • What? The person who dances better on the day, should place better on the day. Period. No matter what tricks they do. I'd take impeccable rhythm and technique over sloppy tricks any day. (NT) -- .., Fri, November 20, 12:15:14pm
      • toe walks aren't even a traditional part of ID anyway. rhythm and timing and carriange should always trump tricks. (NT) -- toe walks are just filler, Fri, November 20, 01:30:56pm
        • You say toe walks are higher level of difficulty, not true for lots of dancers. For some dancers good timing & rhythm is harder to perfect and that is what is critical to good dancer. My daughter would love more toe walk less rhythm, its easier for her (NT) -- ., Fri, November 20, 01:39:22pm
          • I agree, my dd has good natural rhythm but I think may struggle with toe walks next year. Our TC's will know how to call it for her. (NT) -- I trust their judgement, Fri, November 20, 03:16:37pm
      • All of the top U12 dancers had toe walks, rhythm, etc. That U12 group are GREAT and have been doing very well. The top dancers in that comp were the top dancers in that age group (NT) -- .., Fri, November 20, 09:32:31pm
• Love the blog, all of it. Somany of the situation described are spot on. All of them I should say. (NT) -- ., Fri, November 20, 08:42:59pm
• Yes, back to the blog! I had my dd sit down and read it on her own. I can't say she got to the end or she wouldn't still be showing me steps she "wants" to learn! But I also know dancers need insight and encouragement from the judges - thank you for so much more than the little scribbles you have time for on the score sheets!! (NT) -- Grateful Mom, Fri, November 20, 11:58:59pm
  • Curious...when an AD gives a comment "nice style"...is that a compliment to the dancer, or to the dance school he/she attends? Never really understood that comment? (NT) -- ., Sat, November 21, 02:42:46pm
    • They're marking the dancer, not the dance school he/she attends. "nice style" means the dancer has a (NT) -- nice style, Sun, November 22, 12:49:49am
• Sorry--but the blog doesn't tell me anything new...just a lot of "blue sky" type of stuff possibly meant to inspire but no substance. (NT) -- oh well, Sat, November 21, 05:51:31pm
  • Perhaps the point of the Blog is not to create a new "blue sky" for the jaded older dancer who has been tossed from one confusing set of marks to another, but is to show that there really is no "way" to please anyone all the time. The point is to please yourself by feeling the dance. If you dance from inside your authentic self, forgetting whether or not that judge looks for "turn out" or "oh no...here come's so and so again and no matter what I do I'll be tanked"...forget they are there - tune to the dancer inside you, relax and touch the precision of your traning and let fly! (NT) -- :), Sun, November 22, 03:19:28pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• Ooops, hit send too early -- one more thing inside.. -- Ally and Nic, Thu, November 19, 10:40:45am

• Here is the website... (NT) -- www.zucabags.ca, Thu, November 19, 03:25:11pm
  • If you look at the zucabag.ca website the vendors are listed - I believe the one who comes to the feisanna is reeldancemoved - the one that says reel in it anyways - not a figureskating one (NT) -- she's very nice, Sat, November 21, 01:27:01am
• Figure Skating Boutique sells them (NT) -- West side of Yonge, just south of Steeles, Thu, November 19, 06:33:50pm
  • www.skatingboutique.com --- not the best website, but does give the pricing... (NT) -- don't know if it differs from the store., Thu, November 19, 06:44:40pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

• Re: No. Chanel stop dancing last year. (NT) -- Thanks for asking, Thu, November 19, 08:13:50am

• Kudos to the Morans for doing a great job (NT) -- and looking after some high-energy little people at the same time!, Wed, November 18, 05:02:52pm
  • Haven't heard of the Morans before. Where are they from? Are they new to tabulating or the Ecr? (NT) -- xx, Wed, November 18, 05:17:02pm
• They always do the tabulating. Their school is in Laval, Quebec. Awesome people. (NT) -- ECRMom, Wed, November 18, 05:50:06pm
  • Oh didn't know they were the same people; the marks looked different. (NT) -- -, Wed, November 18, 07:34:02pm
    • Yes I noticed you didn't get an overal score for each round this year. Still, they were very (NT) -- efficient., Sun, November 22, 07:28:49am
• Great family! To be exact the school is in Deux-Montagnes, Qc. (NT) -- Love our TC!, Thu, November 19, 08:30:20am

• Yes, there is a WS studio in Bramalea (NT) -- :), Wed, November 18, 02:23:17pm
  • Re: How many classes a week are there. Don't you have to go to Burlington if you are in Championships or doing the Oireachtas. (NT) -- Heard there lots of driving, Wed, November 18, 02:52:56pm
    • There are 2 classes each week in Brampton for WS. A few occasionally travel to Burlington for a Sunday class but it's optional. The Doyle sisters both qualified for worlds and they rarely come to Burlington. (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 03:08:21pm
• WS are on Bramalea Rd., one block N. of Steeles (NT) -- TrebleMom, Wed, November 18, 02:30:44pm
  • McGinley (NT) -- x, Wed, November 18, 02:42:17pm
• WS has Oireachtas classes (open to all O dancer regardless of level) on Tues, Wed. and Thurs. in Brampton. There is also a Saturday Orangeville class and possibly Monday there also. There are also many options in the Burlington studio and those classes are more "level-specific". (NT) -- :o), Wed, November 18, 03:05:42pm
  • Thanks, dd is in OC U12, would Bramalea location work for this level? Guess I should call :-) I was looking for as much info prior to calling though, so if anyone knows, please let me know. (NT) -- OP, Wed, November 18, 03:32:22pm
    • WS studio is closed until Monday 23rd, here is the class schedule: http://www.woodgateshamrock.com/Brampton_Schedule.jpg (NT) -- WS dancer, Wed, November 18, 03:53:25pm
      • Try email, it will be faster: woodgate@woodgateshamrock.com (NT) -- Mom of WS dd, Wed, November 18, 03:55:43pm
        • thanks!!! Just moved from the U.S., so I wasn't sure about where other schools are located. (NT) -- thanks! OP, Wed, November 18, 03:59:19pm
      • It would probably be fine, Paige Doyle is U11 and Jenn Doyle is U15, both qualified for worlds and attended Brampton classes (NT) -- I dance at WS, Wed, November 18, 03:59:16pm
• Re: what schools are in the brampton area besides BFOC? Is there a WS location in Brampton? -- jjj, Thu, November 19, 09:26:06am
  • How is this trashing BFOC? There is not one comment on here that "taunts" BFOC. If anyone is starting problems on this thread...it's YOU. (NT) -- stop being an instigator, Thu, November 19, 09:34:47am
  • I'm not trashing BFOC at all. In fact, my dd has danced & chatted with many BFOC dancers, hence is how I knew their location in Canada. I'm new to this region and want to give my dd an opportunity to decide on her own which school she would like to attend. It was actually a BFOC dancer that had mentioned to me about WS, and now I see there is yet another school as well. My intention is not to trash any school, I know very little of any of them. (NT) -- OP, Thu, November 19, 12:10:52pm
    • Re: I'm not trashing BFOC at all. In fact, my dd has danced & chatted with many BFOC dancers, hence is how I knew their location in Canada. I'm new to this region and want to give my dd an opportunity to decide on her own which school she would like to attend. It was actually a BFOC dancer that had mentioned to me about WS, and now I see there is yet another school as well. My intention is not to trash any school, I know very little of any of them. -- O.P., Thu, November 19, 12:19:34pm
      • Welcome to the region! Good luck in your search - They are all good schools so it's just a matter of finding the right "fit" for your dancer. Other than a few trigger happy posters, (NT) -- we are generally a friendly bunch., Thu, November 19, 01:23:05pm
  • I got the same feeling - there's something phony about this whole thread. (NT) -- LOL, Thu, November 19, 12:38:22pm
    • Oh good grief people anyone who's been around for a while knows that the Woodgates and the Grants and the Fearons are all related - only OTT newbies who don't know anything try to stir the pot. (NT) -- entertainment for the rest of us, Thu, November 19, 12:47:53pm
      • Re: Oh good grief people anyone who's been around for a while knows that the Woodgates and the Grants and the Fearons are all related - only OTT newbies who don't know anything try to stir the pot. -- ., Thu, November 19, 01:02:30pm
        • If you're the OP my post wasn't directed at you but at all the people who are claiming someone was trying to slam BFOC and that the original post was suspicious - the people trying to create nasty rivalries between the schools obviously don't realize they're all related. (NT) -- that's all., Thu, November 19, 04:02:35pm
    • Ok, if you think that, then you are clearly psychotic (NT) -- get some good drugs, Thu, November 19, 12:50:59pm
      • to clarify, the psychotic ones are the posters accusing the OP of being phoney or sinister somehow (NT) -- go away, Thu, November 19, 12:53:44pm
      • Hmm, I thought it was comical, didn't know that made me psychotic. Perhaps I should get some drugs as you suggest. Will they make me as miserable as yourself? (NT) -- :-), Thu, November 19, 01:00:52pm
• Re: McGinley has a location and championship dancers in Brampton. (NT) -- dancer, Thu, November 19, 10:21:41am
  • where is this location? (NT) -- interested, Thu, November 19, 10:35:10am
    • Re: where is this location? (NT) -- contact the teacher mcginleyacademy@live.com, Thu, November 19, 12:05:30pm
      • sent an email to mcginleygirls@ is this account inactive? (NT) -- newecr, Thu, November 19, 12:51:42pm
        • mcginleyacademy@live.com (NT) -- Roisin McGinley's email, Thu, November 19, 01:17:07pm

• Will anything be on Youtube?? (NT) -- ??, Mon, November 16, 03:08:55pm
• Is this on youtube? Did not get to the Oireachtas this year and would like to see it! Heard Roisin McGinley put together a really fun parade! (NT) -- wish i could've been there, Mon, November 16, 03:11:01pm
  • I just got home today - I hope to have it up by tomorrow night - under celticmini on youtube - I think I did a better job & got all the dancers at a good angle (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds & dd, Mon, November 16, 04:49:51pm
• What great chemistry between the two of them. From the parade number to their two hand - such pleasures to watch! (NT) -- Hope they're around for years to come, Wed, November 18, 02:02:02pm

• Re: But everyone needs to pay their share of the O. Whether you bring someone or not, its pricey to rent the venue, hire the judges, etc. The entry fee alone doesn't cover all the expenses. (NT) -- Everyone pays their share, Wed, November 18, 02:17:21pm
  • That's why they need to stop calling it a 'family fee' and start calling it a 'venue fee' (NT) -- jm, Wed, November 18, 02:39:08pm
    • Agree. I too often travel alone. (NT) -- O16 dancer, Wed, November 18, 04:04:14pm
  • the fee makes sense if you're coming with a family to watch. however, i don't find it fair to pay 40$ to "watch" myself dance. (NT) -- your fair share and mine should be different if we're bringing different amounts of people., Wed, November 18, 07:50:52pm
• Re: One thing that I found very frustrating was the compulsory "family fee" that had to be paid with the Oireachtas entry and many feis entries as well. I am an older champ dancer who went to the Oireachtas without my family, and was still forced to pay 40$ extra so other families could get in without paying on the day. I realize that there are not many people my situation, and I don't have a solution to propose for said problem. It just hits the pockets a little deep trying to pay for all this by myself. -- ny, Wed, November 18, 05:06:30pm
  • a) What your TC charges you above the entry prices has nothing to do with the event itself and needs to be discussed privately with the TC, and b) how can we make it so that everything is fair to absolutely every single person all the time? (NT) -- answer that one, and you'll have found the meaning of life..., Wed, November 18, 05:17:03pm
    • Re: a) What your TC charges you above the entry prices has nothing to do with the event itself and needs to be discussed privately with the TC, and b) how can we make it so that everything is fair to absolutely every single person all the time? -- ., Wed, November 18, 10:13:36pm
      • The post said "is it really fair if your TC is already charging you above the prices for the entry fees?" Which implies that the TC was charging a fee over and above the entry fee. Which is a separate issue entirely. (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 11:49:54pm
        • if this is truly the case then a complain can be made to the executive - happened several years ago and the TC was penalized - took years to rebuild (NT) -- NOT allowed, Thu, November 19, 01:37:24am
• I think they should have a discounted fee for those that are in university or college. They have so many more expenses than the rest of of the dancers. (NT) -- So many of them come on there own. Give them a break. No I am not the mom of one of them., Wed, November 18, 07:06:44pm
• I'd be interested to know what it would cost if we just did it one fee, full stop. This is how much it costs to rent a venue, have judges, musicians, get results, a programme, and prizes for the winners. All inclusive. Even if it's a lot, at least I'd know up front, and not keep handing out money the way it feels sometimes. (NT) -- My dd has learned cpr, so I think I could handle the shock., Wed, November 18, 10:43:55pm
• See inside -- Very important, Thu, November 19, 09:39:44am
  • Re: See inside -- NIAB (another take), Thu, November 19, 10:17:36am
    • I wonder if a parent/teacher/dancer committee would be a good idea to hash out some ideas. Everyone's voice can be heard and then, perhaps, a reasonable, workable consensus can be achieved. (NT) -- BFD, Thu, November 19, 03:10:24pm
  • I don't think that a bracelet or any other sort of security system is going to make the kids safer. You are in a public place and need to be mindful of dangers. Too often kids run free at these events as parents assume all is well. How many lost "lost kid" announcements will it take for people to realize an accident is waiting to happen. (NT) -- don't shift responsiblitity of your kids to others., Thu, November 19, 12:38:56pm
    • What a completely irresponsible thing to say. I am not shifting any responsibility, I'm looking for ways to reduce possibilities. Thanks anyways. (NT) -- ., Thu, November 19, 12:57:45pm
      • Irresponsible is to assume someone is watching out for a child when parents aren't. I really don't see a practical solution to your concerns. Honestly. Not trying to be rude. The family fee is really a subsidy to make the event feasible. Old way was no safer. Areas with greatest risk is outside in hallways, on elevators, stairwells, escalators. Tell me you didn't see kids playing in these areas with no parents in sight. (NT) -- Am I missing something?, Thu, November 19, 06:31:58pm
        • I also saw alot of drunk kids and I mean kids under15 at the dinner dance, with no parent supervision. That is when things can really happen. (NT) -- Watch your kids!!, Thu, November 19, 07:23:05pm
          • I saw a lot of U16 dancers drinking WITH their parents at RESULTS. Parents are part of the problem! (NT) -- ecr, Thu, November 19, 11:33:05pm
            • How could they be drinking with their parents when they were up on the stage getting their awards? some of the senior dancers could pass for 16, maybe you're a bit confused. (NT) -- ., Fri, November 20, 03:30:28pm
              • the one that sticks out in my mind i know for a fact this one dancer was U16, she was obviously not drinking while on stage! but during the results of the competitions before hers (while waiting to get dressed to go sidestage) she was drinking (NT) -- ecr, Fri, November 20, 04:44:40pm
                • and so one single dancer becomes "a lot of U16 dancers drinking?" maybe you had too much to drink yourself and were (NT) -- seeing double?, Fri, November 20, 06:42:16pm
                  • i am just refering to one in particular, there were many - im not going to post initials or schools because the se are children who are underage - i in fact did not have a single drink all weekend as i was on antibiotics (NT) -- no drinks here, Fri, November 20, 09:25:29pm
                  • No there were more than one as my dancer said lots of dancers were drinking - so it's happening every year (NT) -- happy that my dancer said no again this year, Sat, November 21, 01:58:12pm
            • I think you're full of it and just like to bitch. I witnessed no underage drinking and was there all three days. (NT) -- f, Sun, November 22, 06:28:02am
              • HAH i think you're full of it. I've been going to the Oireachtas for 10 years now, and have been going to the dinner dances since I was 14. There has always been and will always be underage drinking. Unless they make the dinner dance 19+ there will be underage drinking. Oh, and FYI, there was tons of underage drinking this year. I saw girls in the U12 age group at the dinner dance with drinks presumably bought by older dancers. (NT) -- just sayin, Sun, November 22, 01:49:10pm
        • Re: Irresponsible is to assume someone is watching out for a child when parents aren't. I really don't see a practical solution to your concerns. Honestly. Not trying to be rude. The family fee is really a subsidy to make the event feasible. Old way was no safer. Areas with greatest risk is outside in hallways, on elevators, stairwells, escalators. Tell me you didn't see kids playing in these areas with no parents in sight. -- NIAB, Fri, November 20, 09:23:46am
          • all valid points but ... -- xx, Fri, November 20, 01:33:48pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

• Re: There was no change to the completion time of Sunday's events. We were actually 30 minutes early starting results so how does this impact your departure time. I think it was a great event that should continue. Many of these dancers will never be eligible to participate in the Oireachtas in anything other than a team. What a great experience for them. (NT) -- Sunday was a great day., Wed, November 18, 11:29:33am
  • mini feis awards took forever. ceili awards first next time? (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 11:41:50am
  • Our of curiosity, what time did the awards finish? (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 11:47:12am
    • Re: 1:30 (NT) -- Scheduled to start at 1:15., Wed, November 18, 11:50:12am
      • So the entire day was finished by 1:30, and people are complaining?! (NT) -- now THAT's funny!!, Wed, November 18, 11:59:22am
        • If ceili awards had been done first, yes, the day would have been done early. (NT) -- ', Wed, November 18, 12:01:51pm
          • Oh, honey -- 1:30 IS early!! Thanks be to the current oireachtas committee who has made the event so efficient that people complain when the final awards end at 1:30!! (NT) -- can't stop laughing..., Wed, November 18, 12:05:50pm
            • Re: I remember being there until 6:00 or 6:30. In Montreal many years ago I finally got on the road by 5:30. Other Oireachtasi don't finish on SUnday until after 8:00 and then they have parade of Champs. (NT) -- We have it pretty good., Wed, November 18, 12:38:31pm
              • Try 9:30 or 10:00 PM! Gosh, those were (NT) -- the days..., Wed, November 18, 12:47:45pm
                • I remember my daughter doing her set round after midnight several years ago and we always got home late Sunday after a full day of ceili. (NT) -- very well organized in recent years, Wed, November 18, 12:53:34pm
              • I'm positive 2003 in Montreal was the first year we ever finished ceili awards before 6pm. We were out of the hotel at 3pm (NT) -- Montreal Oireachtas schedule was great, Thu, November 19, 11:16:24am
• It is hard to say who should get priority, the ceilis or the mini feis? I know ceilis have been around longer, but eventually, the mini feis will have been around for a long time too. Then what happens? (NT) -- Thinking out-loud, Wed, November 18, 11:34:09am
• If the awards are being held together, what difference would that make? Just curious to your thinking. Also, just because something has always been a certain way doesn't mean things shouldn't evolve. I personally thought it was a great idea. (NT) -- No doubt for the next 2 yrs you will be closer., Wed, November 18, 11:35:11am
• Because we all know that absolutely none of the participants in the "mini feis" had to travel considerable distances too. (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 11:45:56am
  • Re: Thats not true at all. If you take the time to look at the entry you can see there were dancers from all the out of town schools. For some, it was a way to get them to come for teams. Add the trad set and they have their own event plus their teams. (NT) -- Loved it. Great to watch, Wed, November 18, 11:49:06am
    • Um, that was my point... (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 12:00:51pm
  • My daughter danced on Saturday. So we had been there since Friday. Had ceili awards been presented before the mini feis it would have shortened our day. I am assuming the mini feis people had not been there since Friday. (NT) -- OP, Wed, November 18, 11:50:07am
    • You can't assume that at all. A number of the mini feis people might have had siblings competing on Friday and Saturday as well. Some people had been there since Thursday. (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 12:02:45pm
      • Re: Many of our Trad Set dancers were their since Friday, not watching siblings and not involved in teams. They were simply there to see the event and hope to be of a standard in a year that will get to do solos. Association needed to supliment the income of the event so rather than charge soloists more, they brought in the trad sets. Who will complain next year when the entry goes up to $75.00. Trad Sets brought in a strong revenue for their entry, door fee and advers. They are also the ones buying second hand costumes (NT) -- Win Win all around, Wed, November 18, 12:41:10pm
    • We had a number of mini feis participants who arrived Friday. who are you to decide who gets priority?? Suck it up - you should be happy that your daughter even participated in the "O" as there are plenty out there who will never have that opportunity. (NT) -- Honestly, I guess some people just are not happy unless they are complaining about something. it was still finished much earlier then previous years., Wed, November 18, 01:14:02pm
• Re: I have to tell you.....this was the outcry when Four Hands were added many years ago. Same whining, different event. The Traditional Sets will grow and become a big part of the O just like Mid West, Mid Atlantic and other regions. (NT) -- Great to get more involved., Wed, November 18, 12:43:10pm
  • These kids are not at O level. They will be someday, but sorry, I do not think this event should be held at the O. This is a world qualifying event and should remain as such. (NT) -- Let me have it, Wed, November 18, 12:54:25pm
    • Ok, you asked for it, you get it. I strongly disagree with your comment that they are not "O" level. I watched many young trad. set dancers up there who did a phenominal job and was actually thinking, some of these kids should have been allowed to compete in the solo comps. You sound like a major whiney, sucky, spoiled, snotty, overly pampered snob. Get over yourself. (NT) -- happy??? now go away, Wed, November 18, 01:20:04pm
      • Then next year, their TC should register them for solos.. (NT) -- zzzzzz, Wed, November 18, 01:25:16pm
        • Then you'll just complain the the solo comps went too longer because the groups were too big. (NT) -- because you are a chronic complainer, Wed, November 18, 04:38:31pm
      • Yup thought with their BND that they should of been dancing solos (NT) -- l, Thu, November 19, 08:57:27am
• Re: There was only one notable school that didn't participate in the Mini Feis and they were local. (NT) -- Well Supported event., Wed, November 18, 12:44:13pm
• OMG, our 1st experience my dd danced team only and we got out of there at approx 1100 PM! (NT) -- You are so lucky!, Wed, November 18, 12:53:56pm
• People please stop the moaning. We were there from Thursday night until Sunday. The awards on Sunday did not take that long. Besides how nice was it for those trad set kids to have so many people cheering them on. If the team awards were first they would not of had the full crowd! Can we not just say Thank you to the commitee and end the complaining! (NT) -- Three cheers for the O commitee!, Wed, November 18, 01:03:26pm
• Where do you think our future dancers will come from? If they can't compete on a big stage such as this, they won't be encouraged to go further with Irish dancing (NT) -- my son didn't recall but was excited to be there, Wed, November 18, 02:31:29pm
  • I think that's the point. They are FUTURE championship dancers. They will get there to a world qualifying event when they are ready. Why the rush already?? (NT) -- my goodness, Wed, November 18, 02:42:41pm
    • Just for the thrill of it, plain and simple. We were there from Thursday night and didn't mind having the little 'O' on team day at all, it was adorable. Lighten up, life's too short. (NT) -- :-), Wed, November 18, 03:13:21pm
      • I agree. My dd's retired, but I would LOVE to spend the whole weekend there.Missing it (NT) -- sadly, Thu, November 19, 12:10:59am
• and why would ceilli trump mini feis? Just as important. (NT) -- hello, Thu, November 19, 08:16:12am
• Re: While I do not agree with the idea of the "mini feis" held at the "O", I do realize that this event will most probably continue with each subsequent O. I only ask that in consideration of those travelling considerable distance that this event be held following the ceili event. -- Ottawa Mom (WAS negative on the idea), Thu, November 19, 08:34:22am
  • Those dancing on the last day, ceili, and now the wee 'O', should consider staying that night as well if they have a long drive ahead. We've all been in this situation, wherever we live, as the location changes. Leaving in the morning is less stressful and probably safer. Just a (NT) -- thought..., Thu, November 19, 08:59:51am
• For many of the students competing, this is their first time at the Oireachtas for solo (not ceili). I think it would be upsetting to the dancers if they were to receive their award with an empty hall of people to cheer them on. If trad sets were done first, they would have a whole auditorium of people to cheer them on. (NT) -- Trad Set first, Ceili after, Thu, November 19, 12:38:07pm
  • If what they want is applause, and to be treated like the champs, then let them get there first. Work your way to champs, then receive the glory. I thought it was a silly thing to do. People should earn there way to the top. Yes, they were good, but all the hoopla was a bit much. (NT) -- my opinion, Fri, November 20, 08:47:20am
    • Why do we all take this sooo seriously? I love Irish Dancing and I competed solos this year so I guess I am a champ but in the long run this is just a fun activity for me. It's not like those trad set kids are taking away world qualifying spots, and even if they were...good on them. (NT) -- Right?, Fri, November 20, 02:01:31pm
    • Everyone knows they aren't champs (yet), so yeah, it's a little bit of an indulgence. If you watched it though, you had to know that this meant so much to those dancers. Don't be a sourpuss, let the kids have a little fun. (NT) -- Made me smile..., Fri, November 20, 07:23:25pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• Sent you a message Ryan. (NT) -- Steph - RincePix, Wed, November 18, 11:08:30am
• Yes, that order is correct. (NT) -- in the audience, Wed, November 18, 11:13:05am

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• was supposed to be inside (NT) -- didn't work, Tue, November 17, 07:23:42pm
• Yikes -- Is Unionville and Scarborough out for another year? And where is Newmarket? (NT) -- wondering, Tue, November 17, 07:58:43pm
  • Is there one missing in May? Also isn't the Montreal & capital feis supposed to be the same weekend? (NT) -- confused, Tue, November 17, 08:16:06pm
• Scarborough Feis is May 8th, 2010 (NT) -- --, Tue, November 17, 09:30:02pm
• is it the right date for montreal and capital Feis in May? habitually they are the same week-end... someone have more info about it??? (NT) -- dancer, Tue, November 17, 10:02:40pm
  • Each feis had a full page ad in the Oireachtas program and they were right beside each other. (NT) -- -, Wed, November 18, 09:45:52am
  • In the Oireachtas program, ad said feis would be May 22 (NT) -- so I guess wrong date on the feis list., Wed, November 18, 09:46:24am
• No news on Cornwall??? (NT) -- really hope they still have a feis!, Wed, November 18, 09:48:30am
  • Their website says see you next year, however, it could be a very old post. I hope it's true though, it was a fantastic feis. -- Link inside, Wed, November 18, 09:52:41am
• For those in Southwestern Ontario there is a feis in Strongsville, OH the same day as Mary Woodgate, much closer drive (NT) -- take your choice, Wed, November 18, 09:49:53am
  • Ohio is closer?? (NT) -- need a map, Wed, November 18, 03:35:02pm
    • Amost all Ohio feises are closer to Windsor than Toronto feises (eg. Cleveland just 2 1/2 hrs away) (NT) -- ^, Wed, November 18, 04:18:15pm
      • Didn't realise that, interesting. Windsor is a very long drive for us in southern Ontario. (NT) -- cheers, Wed, November 18, 04:41:08pm
        • GTA is a long drive for us in Windsor but ds likes GTA feises better than mid-west so we'll do the trek to GTA when I can get them there - he already said he wants to do MW and not the OH feis.. (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds & dd, Wed, November 18, 08:29:39pm
        • Windsor is a really long drive for us from Eastern Ontario, even GTA is a long drive (NT) -- lots of road trips, Thu, November 19, 09:40:33pm
• The host school has closed. Hard for them to have the feis. Lets hope some one else can do it. (NT) -- ECR Mom, Wed, November 18, 01:24:24pm
  • What host school? What post are you responding to? (NT) -- confused, Wed, November 18, 02:37:39pm
    • The Cornwall feis, I would assume. the school that hosted it last year has closed. (NT) -- U19er, Wed, November 18, 02:42:20pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• Give them a break...the POC was probably done around 10 or 11 at night. These are young kids and probably exhausted. They were having fun, not competing. (NT) -- mom of non-recaller, Tue, November 17, 07:02:28pm
• Ok wow, was this necessary? They can obviously point their toes. Give the kids a break, as the above poster mentionned, the parade of champs was done at around 11 p.m. For those that danced on Saturday, it's a long day of dancing. (NT) -- geesh, Tue, November 17, 07:06:15pm
  • sorry, I agree with the old champ. If they can obviously point their toes then they should be. Wow, it's an honour to be the champ, so why not put on your best showing. (NT) -- jmho, Tue, November 17, 07:10:47pm
    • As a mom of a champ I know they were tired - almost 3 hours of practicing after a long day, no time for a proper dinner & only had snacks (NT) -- champ mom, Tue, November 17, 07:18:43pm
      • exactly! I've been in that position and as much as I obviously wanted to point my toes and stay up high after a three hour practice and the stress of the day, it can be tiring. (NT) -- some people always find something to criticize, Tue, November 17, 11:03:43pm
        • But I hope you had fun on your night because that is all the POC is about! Shining as the champs1 (NT) -- mom again, Tue, November 17, 11:35:31pm
          • Oh I most definitely did! (NT) -- :), Wed, November 18, 09:34:48am
      • Now that you mention it, I'm wondering whether the organizing committee might consider providing some sort of dinner for the Champs while they prepare for the performance. It's an honour to be part of the parade, but they've also gotta eat something! (NT) -- would be a nice gesture, Wed, November 18, 11:41:15am
        • Isn't that what parent's are for? (NT) -- I always had some snacks on hand, Wed, November 18, 12:05:09pm
          • Snacks aren't dinner. It's a long night, and the champs have earned a bit of food. (NT) -- not too much to ask, Wed, November 18, 12:10:01pm
            • My kid and others have survived the "ordeal" in the past. (NT) -- They won a dance competition. they aren't demigods, lol!, Wed, November 18, 12:17:04pm
              • no, but they're still kids and need to eat. maybe they'd be able to get up higher on their toes if they had more energy, and then nasty people wouldn't be complaining that their dancing wasn't good enough for champs (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 12:44:25pm
                • so bring them some food, let them enjoy the night and ignore the comments (NT) -- simple, Wed, November 18, 12:48:16pm
            • what IS frustrating, however, is paying $65 for a ticket to the dinner dance and then not getting to eat, or even partake in the night for very long. by the time we got to the dinner dance after having changed out of our costumes, there was only about an hour left. a little frustrating to pay that much for a ticket, get no dinner and barely any dancing. the parade was SO much fun, but it would be great to enjoy the dinner dance as well. (NT) -- champ, Wed, November 18, 01:41:25pm
          • yeah had lots of snacks available to my champ but a proper dinner of some sort would have been nice - thanks to the BFOC's who did give them some snacks - but some planning needs to go into it. (NT) -- champ mom, Wed, November 18, 02:42:59pm
• kids from Saturday comps went straight to a practice hall after awards and were basically there until 11 at night when they danced...most were up from 6am so I guess the short answer is 'bugger off' (NT) -- or get up and show us your own arch, Tue, November 17, 07:28:27pm
• It's not a big deal during the parade of champs, they're having fun and they're exhausted. Saw quite a few high placing dancers who didn't point their toes though. Champs as well. (NT) -- A., Tue, November 17, 07:43:39pm
• Hey old chump, you're now a ragged old lump, who's hubby will no longer hump, time for you to retire to the dump. Back off the kids. Long day, no dinner, show was for fun. Take your vericose veins and go away (NT) -- Parent of one of the champs., Tue, November 17, 09:04:09pm
  • Gosh! That's a little crass. Let's hope these champs don't look to their parents to learn a bit of graciousness (NT) -- wow!, Wed, November 18, 11:47:01am
    • No kidding. That was totally crass. Sure, the OP's comment is lame but "champ parent" has shown even less class with a line like that. I feel sorry for your "champ". How 'bout trying to be a role model? (NT) -- some parents are pathetic, Wed, November 18, 02:20:17pm
• Re: POINT YOUR TOES..... -- former dancer (Not the same points), Tue, November 17, 09:29:06pm
  • Sure thing. How are your bloody knuckles?? Go back to your cave and pray the tyranasaurus rex does not find you. (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 12:12:33am
  • I agree with you. I think it's part of the beauty of the dance. As ID seems to be becoming more like football on the stage, we have lost some of the grace and beauty of the dance. (NT) -- okay, bash away, Wed, November 18, 09:24:14am
  • I agree, it seems to be optional these days. Still see a few high up on their toes and pointed toes thoughout but it seems like many do well without paying attention to those details. (NT) -- I think it looks much nicer with pointed toes & not flat footed, Wed, November 18, 11:01:33am
• What's annoying are "know it all" posters like the OP who clearly has no clue what a Parade of Champions is compared to the actual competition. How ridiculous ... (NT) -- OP you are ignorant, Tue, November 17, 11:22:46pm
• If I was on that stage with all of the adrenalin and people screaming at me ... I wouldn't be thinking about pointing my toes (NT) -- just saying..., Wed, November 18, 08:05:37am
• haha i completely agree. having not attended this oireachtas due to injury, watching videos of the parade and seeing the champ from my age group was really disappointing. (NT) -- dancer, Wed, November 18, 01:44:51pm
  • Now THAT is sour grapes. (NT) -- sounds like you need a good long rest. hope you feel beter., Wed, November 18, 02:15:10pm
• what's annoying is dancers like that who dont point their toes or are flat footed or even half completely straight feet are the ones who do so well. why is that? their feet look horrible! what has the judging come to?! (NT) -- annoying, Sat, November 21, 01:29:57am

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• I also enjoyed some of the other posts on this blog which I had never read before. The parts about effort and dedication are truly inspiring! (NT) -- mom, Wed, November 18, 10:28:40am
• Wow! Well worth the read as a parent and I plan to show this to my daughter. (NT) -- It covers so many aspects of dance such as injuries, jealousy, practise, so on and so on., Wed, November 18, 02:04:33pm

• http://www.irishdancecanada.com/ this site used to have them all listed but that page seems to be gone (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds & dd, Tue, November 17, 06:31:08pm
• Just found this site. http://www.irishdancingcanada.com/on.htm (NT) -- Info. here, Wed, November 18, 04:35:42pm

• I dont feel the need to stay really close to the venue. After all, it's not like you going to be there everyday-the day of and maybe one other time, like the day before to check out the stages, practice areas, etc. Unless you have a lot of friends dancing, you only have to travel to the venue a couple of times. -- Irishmama, Tue, November 17, 12:38:44pm
• Premier Inn...George Square (NT) -- x, Tue, November 17, 12:53:45pm
  • Completely agree. Easy walk to the venue and for UK standards, quite reasonably priced. (NT) -- :), Tue, November 17, 02:26:50pm
  • We had two singles here. (NT) -- Comfortable, Tue, November 17, 06:04:45pm
  • Thrilled to hear this! I booked this hotel a few days ago after much research (NT) -- looks like I made the right choice, Wed, November 18, 08:47:56pm
• Millennium Hotel about a 5 minute walk from venue but a bit more expensive (NT) -- rooms available, Tue, November 17, 02:52:48pm
• Do any of the hotels have more than one bed? Not easy to find something suitable. (NT) -- xxxx, Tue, November 17, 04:22:36pm
  • Jurys has family rooms. (NT) -- Irishmama, Tue, November 17, 06:07:49pm
  • Rooms over there really are too small for families - you might need to get 2 rooms (NT) -- gets expensive, Wed, November 18, 09:00:49am
    • Three of us stayed in the family rooms at Jurys in Belfast two yrs ago. It was just fine, not spacious, but plenty big for three. I believe that Jurys can accomodate up to four in a room, you might want to check their website. MUCH smaller room at Holiday Inn in Dublin. (NT) -- Irishmama, Wed, November 18, 04:44:21pm
• You may also try self-catering or B&Bs... (NT) -- both are cheaper than a hotel, Wed, November 18, 09:28:03am

• From Goggin-Carroll board -- :), Tue, November 17, 11:30:45am
• Will we ever have another World Champion in the ECR? (NT) -- strong region, Tue, November 17, 02:14:27pm
  • of course there will be more World Champs from ECR. Very talented region from both big and small schools!!! ERC rocks!!!! no matter what school...after the O, I feel we are all one big happy region...everyone was soo happy for everyone, no matter where they were from (NT) -- was nice to see, Tue, November 17, 02:32:03pm
    • ooops, or did you mean, a World Championship "held" in ERC? sorry, I think I confused the post (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 02:33:30pm
      • No, not the venue. A dancer to win. We have had 2 in the last 10 years and both from the same school. Wondering if it will ever be possible for another school?? (NT) -- thinking out loud, Tue, November 17, 04:51:03pm
        • Yes absolutely, and there have been at least 3 in the last 10 years - i think you are forgetting Ciran Plummer (NT) -- ecr, Tue, November 17, 04:54:46pm
          • 2002 & 2003 - Ciaran Plummer, 2002 & 2003 - Kathy Irvine, 2009 - Michaela Hinds (NT) -- irish mommy, Tue, November 17, 06:44:17pm
            • My guess is the next one will be Liam Grant. (NT) -- but many others have the potential, Tue, November 17, 11:48:14pm
• Both Corrine Gallibois and Erinn Brown both have the potential! ECR has had many world champs in the past and will have many more in the future :) (NT) -- Talented region!, Wed, November 18, 10:41:24pm
  • Also E Penner has the potential! (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 10:43:53pm

• oh not at all - very sick today (NT) -- sick here, Tue, November 17, 10:32:32am
  • Not the flu or h1n1 - just out of control asthma (NT) -- 1st reponder, Tue, November 17, 10:49:02am
    • Dr Oz says eating an apple before exercise helps with breathing. (NT) -- My dd tried it and said it did! Can't hurt to try., Tue, November 17, 11:50:14am
      • just woke up with it this am & not sick otherwise (NT) -- but will try it, Tue, November 17, 01:27:01pm
• No obvious flu running around our big dance school since the Oireachtas. (NT) -- in GTA, Tue, November 17, 10:40:15am
• everyone healthy but been to physio (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 10:48:40am
• came home to a sore throat on Monday, now feeling like i have sinus issues. (NT) -- xx, Tue, November 17, 02:47:38pm
• Foot swelled up like a balloon after the weekend. Rest and physio time. (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 06:09:10pm
• Yes now that the stress is gone and the flu for my DD but enjoying the week off. (NT) -- Heard her dancing downstairs last night though. She can't wait to get back., Wed, November 18, 02:08:05pm

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• Rose's speech at the dinner dance! (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 09:20:31am
• I loved watching the 4th place dancer in U16! (NT) -- So exciting, Tue, November 17, 09:57:49am
• Watching dd dance her best ever and aaaallllmost recalling this time. Very proud... (NT) -- :o), Tue, November 17, 10:01:12am
• Spending the weekend with both my kidlets & watching them both dance! (NT) -- ecr mom to a ds & dd, Tue, November 17, 11:05:57am
• Re: What was your FAVOURITE moment of the Oireachtas? -- NT, Tue, November 17, 12:01:00pm
• Seeing my daughter on the podium for the first time! What a thrill! (NT) -- xx, Tue, November 17, 12:34:33pm
• being able to watch all the exceptional dancing. I couldn't watch everyone of course, but Laura Pastor, Sarah Paterson, Katie Holbrook and Elspeth McMurray in particular blew me away!!! (NT) -- observer, Tue, November 17, 01:41:58pm
  • It was Megan Kilmartins set for me! WOW! Just love watching her!And so sweet! (NT) -- missed her other rounds....Corrigan mom., Tue, November 17, 03:01:14pm
  • I have never seen anyone do soft shoe like Sarah P - her lift overs blow me away!!!! (NT) -- beautiful dancer!, Wed, November 18, 10:48:20pm
• Seeing all the dancers at the dinner dance letting their "wigs" down and having fun...it was great to see all the strong bonds between the different dancers and different schools....ECR ROCKS! (NT) -- dancing mama, Tue, November 17, 02:25:41pm
• Watching Erin Brown dance! (NT) -- lovely!, Tue, November 17, 03:28:48pm
• Re: Watching Connor O'Brien. He is absolutely adorable and very good. I was told he is only 6 years old (dances under 7) so he will be back in under 8 next year. (NT) -- Great in his ceili too, Tue, November 17, 04:17:51pm
• Watching all the little u8s! Soooooo adorable. And watching Allison Coull's slip jig, wow! what a graceful dancer, epitomized slip jig for me. (NT) -- Mom of an U11, Tue, November 17, 05:25:29pm
• Watching my eldest beaming as she danced. And meeting up with friends from old schools and the boards, meeting new people. (NT) -- Denise, Tue, November 17, 05:37:05pm
  • From my space between the curtains I saw your eldest beaming too! My favourite wa seeing one of our girls dance alone for her first round...so melodic! (NT) -- Tara, Tue, November 17, 08:56:25pm
    • Melodic??? (NT) -- a, Wed, November 18, 09:05:20am
• Patrick Grant's cartwheel in Parade of Champs (NT) -- 2nd show, Wed, November 18, 09:18:31am
• Re: What was your FAVOURITE moment of the Oireachtas? -- Injured but proud, Wed, November 18, 11:45:01am

[ Post a Reply to this Message ][Edit]

Replies:

• Can we start caling Stuart "WATERBOY"? (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 08:21:40pm
  • I'm sure I'm missing the joke, but Stuart is much more than that, especially at an event like the O where he does the work of 3 people and allows me to focus on what I do best. (NT) -- Steph - RincePix, Mon, November 16, 11:51:10pm
    • Assuming since he has to do the 'water' marks (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 07:37:28am
      • Are there pic's of u10 toe points from friday? (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 09:12:21am
        • They were there! As were U11, which are now missing. Obviously there are some issues with the server. Very frustrating!! Please allow us to sort it out for you. (NT) -- Steph - RincePix, Tue, November 17, 01:46:54pm
      • Ahhh...see, I'm so tired I clearly have no sense of humour left! (NT) -- Steph - RincePix, Tue, November 17, 01:48:05pm
• Just asking but were there any 18-20 toe point pics? (NT) -- Thanks., Tue, November 17, 10:42:07am
• All the photos mentioned were there last night before bed. There appears to be an Imageevent gremlin (kidding, just an imageevent issue). U12 awards also disappeared and they've been there since sat am. We'll reload the affected files and double check everything today. (NT) -- Steph - RincePix, Tue, November 17, 01:00:03pm
• Steph, take your time. The sky will not fall if you don't get all ga-zillion pics up today...We must all be patient! We will see our dd/ds point their toe eventually!! :o) (NT) -- You rock Steph!!!, Tue, November 17, 04:47:47pm
  • Everyone's been very undertanding. It's been a nightmare on our end. We've lodged a complaint with the hosting company, but pics have constantly been ftp'ed to the wrong folder, pics disappearing....some we've uploaded 3 times. However, I think we are finally moving forward. All Trad Set are now up (and everything else that was missing earlier today). -- Steph - RincePix, Tue, November 17, 09:26:24pm
    • apparently i spoke too soon about the sets! just a moment (NT) -- Steph - RincePix, Tue, November 17, 09:31:35pm

• congratulations emily! you are one of the most humble and sweetest girls i have ever met - wish you all the best (NT) -- ecr, Mon, November 16, 10:01:13am
• Previous record was also held by Jennine McConellogue, if I'm not mistaken. She also won the O ten times. (NT) -- Congrats Emily and BFOC!, Mon, November 16, 10:48:29am
• Congrats Emily who is also a the most graceful winner I have ever seen. (NT) -- Congrat to all the teacher also., Mon, November 16, 11:04:44am
• Re: Congrats to Emily Penner on breaking an ECR Oireachtas record this past weekend by winning her 11th Oireachtas title! Previous record was held by Sinead McCafferty who won it 10 times. Emily, you are an inspiration & an amazing dancer! -- ecr mom, Mon, November 16, 11:17:12am
  • Re: Wow! thanks for randomly hijacking Emily's message. What does that have to do with anything about emily's 11th win (NT) -- Go post on their school's board, Mon, November 16, 11:38:29am
    • Honestly, everyone is always curious as to the previous records and in any sport they are always mentioned. (NT) -- always, Mon, November 16, 01:14:38pm
    • Emily is such a gracious person, that I'm sure she won't mind sharing her thread with others. (NT) -- you could borrow a page out of her book..., Mon, November 16, 02:54:05pm
• Anyone have an idea of what male dancer holds the record for ECRO wins? (NT) -- Congratulations to Ms. Penner!, Mon, November 16, 01:59:39pm
  • Mike Keane must have several but I am not sure of the record (NT) -- Anyone?, Mon, November 16, 02:14:28pm
    • Mike Keane has 7 wins. (NT) -- such talented men in the ECR - both past and present!, Mon, November 16, 03:12:43pm
  • I believe Ciaran Plummer holds the record with 9 wins. (NT) -- Congrats to all!, Mon, November 16, 02:24:46pm
    • Brian Grant=10 times Cdn Champ (NT) -- from previous bio, Mon, November 16, 03:18:04pm
• Re: Congrats to Emily Penner on breaking an ECR Oireachtas record this past weekend by winning her 11th Oireachtas title! Previous record was held by Sinead McCafferty who won it 10 times. Emily, you are an inspiration & an amazing dancer! -- In the know, Mon, November 16, 05:10:52pm
  • Well he got more wins than me..lol Congrats Pat... (NT) -- lol, Mon, November 16, 06:47:11pm
• Re: Congrats to Emily Penner on breaking an ECR Oireachtas record this past weekend by winning her 11th Oireachtas title! Previous record was held by Sinead McCafferty who won it 10 times. Emily, you are an inspiration & an amazing dancer! -- In the know, Mon, November 16, 08:05:44pm
  • trips? sorry not quite understanding your post... (NT) -- ..., Mon, November 16, 09:53:57pm
• You know what I love about Emily P is the way she looks so genuinely surprised and humbled by her win - no airs no pretense - it's lovely. (NT) -- GC mom, Mon, November 16, 10:52:04pm
  • ep is definitely a class act - humble, gracious, and respectful of her peers on stage. we should all take a page from her book! (NT) -- congrats girl!, Tue, November 17, 04:50:03pm
    • This is so nice to hear. Don't know EP, or any World Champs, but I've always wondered if these dancers become jaded and spoiled by their success, expecting to win, or being poor sports when they don't. EP sounds like great role model for others, especially the young ones aspiring to be like her. (NT) -- not from ECR, Wed, November 18, 10:35:37am

• The problem is, for each dancer different judges' marks will be discounted. (NT) -- Anjd then everyone has a different combo of judges., Sun, November 15, 09:32:57pm
• In order to drop the low and the high mark, there has to be more than 3 judges (are there not 7 at Worlds?) Otherwise, results would be with only one mark per round! Unless you want to pay extra so the ECRO committee can afford more judges, the current way will have to do! (NT) -- Are you suggesting the results this weekend were incorrect?, Sun, November 15, 09:39:32pm
  • I can give a few specific examples but don't want to make it obvious which scores I'm talking about to single dancers out. Vaguely put, one example is a consistent top 3 dancer being given a mark by one judge that is barely in the recall range while another only recalls because of one mark in the top 5. Whacked. Irish points totally messes the final placement. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 09:11:05am
    • Irish points do not "mess" the final placement. Irish points clarify the final placement. Learn how the points system really works before criticizing it. "Whacked Irish points" cannot be used as an excuse for a dancer's poor placement. Weird marks happen at every single competition. Deal with it or (NT) -- move on., Mon, November 16, 01:01:08pm
      • Yes they happen at every competition. That's why it's time to change it. If you don't want it changed you must be on the receiving end of a high mark along with your 20 something placements from the other judges so of course you're happy with that. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 04:54:35pm
        • You obviously have no idea how the Irish points system actually works, otherwise you wouldn't make such comments. If you have a suggestion for a better marking system, please offer it up, but don't insult the people who have worked so hard over the decades to find a way of making sure the final marks are a true reflection of the judges' intentions. (NT) -- and please keep your unfounded personal insults out of the discussion, Mon, November 16, 05:17:40pm
  • You wouldn't drop the high and low from each round. You'd drop it from all rounds danced for overall placement. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 09:15:24am
• There was one definate error. A dancer who didn't compete received marks in one of the competitions... (NT) -- unreal, Sun, November 15, 11:44:24pm
  • Re: And it was reviewed and corrected. The only change was to two girls not in the recall who would have switched final placements. (NT) -- That's all it affected., Mon, November 16, 10:05:05am
• depending on the age group, there may be very little difference. My dd(now a wmh) qualified for worlds at her first O as a prizewinner. For some kids the basics just happen naturally and they do very well right from the start. The judges aren't judging the kids on their past history, they are judging what they see before them on the day. (NT) -- rg, Mon, November 16, 07:07:52am
  • as well as all the political stuff that goes with Irish dance. It is always a factor. If a kids parent is involved in judging, there will always be back scratching! Quite sad actually! I am sure it happened this weekend. (NT) -- :(, Mon, November 16, 08:08:13am
    • Wow, not sure how that relates to what I posted but we have no political or family ties (NT) -- just been at this for a long time and offering the benefit of our experience, Mon, November 16, 08:21:24am
      • I think what the person means is that there are a lot of other factors involved in the judging on the day. It should be how they dance on the day, but there are other considerations such as you place my kid well here, and when I come and judge your kid in other competitions I will place them well there. Unfortunately it is a reality of Irish Dancing and it is very sad. (NT) -- jk, Mon, November 16, 09:44:37am
        • Sorry to burst the bubble but I hardly think that would be a factor in anything other than a major title life Worlds and All Irelands. If it pleases you to put an unfortunate placement down to politics go ahead but I hardly think it really a factor for anyone but the top dancers at the majors. I can't imagine anyone going to the trouble for anything else. (NT) -- no one cares, Mon, November 16, 10:56:44am
          • Re: Sorry to burst the bubble but I hardly think that would be a factor in anything other than a major title life Worlds and All Irelands. If it pleases you to put an unfortunate placement down to politics go ahead but I hardly think it really a factor for anyone but the top dancers at the majors. I can't imagine anyone going to the trouble for anything else. (NT) -- *like* not life (typo), Mon, November 16, 10:58:17am
• I agree with OP, there were a couple of judges who's marks were waaaay out of wack with the rest. My dd rec'd very consistant marks except for one judge. Cost her a recall. Still very pleased with my dd and not angry at all and happy for other dancers, just think it is odd. (NT) -- :o), Mon, November 16, 08:24:08am
  • Thats so true. My dd had a 2nd, 4th and 17th in soft shoes and a 6th, 4th and 12th in hard shoe. Just 2 judges were a bit off? I think there might have been a few more off. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining at all, I am please with her dancing and results. (NT) -- Just odd., Mon, November 16, 08:31:11am
    • There were some way crazier than that. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 09:12:41am
      • Yes, much crazier...those aren't that crazy... (NT) -- sorry but true, Mon, November 16, 12:58:07pm
        • And that happens every single year. Almost every single dancer gets "crazy" marks at one point or another. Yes it can be frustrating, but last time I looked the sky was still above us. (NT) -- did you enjoy your weekend?, Mon, November 16, 01:03:51pm
          • No actually, it ruined a weekend. A lot of time, money and hard work go into this for everyone. It's time for the adjudicators to take it just as seriously. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 04:59:32pm
            • What a slap in the face for all the judges who sat through hours and hours of dancing over the course of the entire weekend. Do you have any idea how many dancers that is? How many entire competitions have you sat through, and what are your qualifications for saying which judge is more accurate or which one isn't taking it seriously? (NT) -- just because you don't agree with the results doesn't make them wrong, Mon, November 16, 05:22:02pm
              • If one says 2nd and one says 27th then ya, someone does need a slap in the face to wake up. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 05:36:42pm
                • And which one needs the slap in the face? Obviously not the one who says 2nd, right? Because the one who said 27th couldn't possibly be right... (NT) -- right?, Mon, November 16, 05:46:17pm
                  • Well, that would depend on which one was out of whack with the rest, wouldn't it? (NT) -- duh, Mon, November 16, 06:34:14pm
                  • definitely couldnt agree more! if a dancer got a 2,12 and 22 everyone automatically thinks its the 22 thats off MAYBE its the 2!!!!!! (NT) -- stop whining, Mon, November 16, 06:41:28pm
                    • How about a 2nd, 3rd and 27th and other rounds in top 10? Don't see what's wrong with dropping the high and low of all 9. (NT) -- ., Mon, November 16, 06:48:45pm
                      • so are the marks only dropped for the dancers in the recall? or after the first 2 rounds? would make a huge difference (NT) -- with subjective judging you just have to accept, Mon, November 16, 08:15:24pm
                      • Well, if I was a judge and -- if you're going to have nine judges, then all of their opinions should count., Mon, November 16, 09:22:56pm
                        • Then how about taking some of the subjective out and have mandatory deductions for elements? Skating used to be more subjective and it was changed. (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 12:13:14am
                          • Skating is still subjective. Any judged sport is -- from skating to diving to gymanstics to ski jumping. And all of them have "required elements" in their programs. Skating used to have a whole separate skills section (that was never televised). And the results were still subjective. Irish dance has required elements too -- carriage, timing, technique -- but the results are still subjective. (NT) -- there's no way around it, Tue, November 17, 10:31:10am
• Worse than that is in the U14 there were marks given by one judge to a girl that did not even dance. It was in the reel. She was given a recall placing! You want to talk about bizarre scoring!!! (NT) -- Time to contest the scoring system!, Mon, November 16, 10:18:33am
  • Re: As mentioned above, it was corrected and the only change in the result would have been to two girls who did not recall who would have switched positions in the final placings. That's it. (NT) -- It was corrected., Mon, November 16, 10:21:59am
    • That was not it. There were more mistakes made. (NT) -- :(, Mon, November 16, 10:54:29am
    • You cannot correct a mistake like that ...There was still a judge who gave marks to a dancer who did not dance...I have the sheet right in front of me as this was my DD comp.A mark was given to a dancer in the reel who did not attend. (NT) -- Not crazy!!, Mon, November 16, 11:39:34am
      • Re: And I have the file that all teachers received and have compared it to the sheet that was handed to the dancers. Its been corrected and the only change was to two dancers who were NOT in the recall. (NT) -- I can say it a million times but it was corrected!, Mon, November 16, 12:10:31pm
        • How can you correct the EXTRA mark given to a dancer who DID NOT dance?!!! (NT) -- Hello!, Mon, November 16, 12:21:50pm
          • Agreed. The whole lot of marks need to be reviewed. (NT) -- It can't be as easily fixed as you mentioned., Mon, November 16, 12:29:54pm
          • I think at this point you need to contact the executive committee with your concern and ask for a full audit of that age group (which they already did) and get your concern answered. You won't believe what you read here unless its gossip. Go to the source of the event and get it sorted out. (NT) -- Or Leave it alone, Mon, November 16, 12:30:01pm
      • There were a number of instances, including when I was on stage, where the announcer said the wrong numbers of the dancers on stage. It was announced that competitiors 122 and 123 were dancing, but it was really 122 and 101. If it wasn't pointed out, a judge may have written down the wrong competitor number. This is likely what happened in the case with the dancer who was marked but not present. The judges aren't as biased as SOME would like to think they are (NT) -- simple mistake blown WAY out of proportion. it was corrected, get over it already!, Mon, November 16, 05:04:51pm
        • You are correct. Ryan did make some errors, so not always the judges fault (NT) -- ecr mom, Mon, November 16, 06:52:51pm
          • You sure seem to have an axe to grind. (NT) -- ?????????????, Mon, November 16, 09:45:47pm
            • Actuallly, I don't. I was simply pointing out that it is not neccesarily the judges faults. A simple mistake could have been made by any number of people involved in the process, and it is no one's fault! Maybe all the dancers should just work a bit harder next year to make sure that they do not provide any excuses for any judge to give them a low mark! I didn't recall this year, but I will turn to practicing harder, not pointing fingers in order to make next year a better O for me! (NT) -- Dancer #122, Tue, November 17, 10:10:19am
          • I highly doubt that Ryan made the mistakes that you are talking about. Ryan is the announcer and not the tabulator. He is a man of great integrity who pays MUCH attention to detail. (NT) -- watch who you acuse please, Sat, November 21, 02:48:02pm
        • Ryan was never announcing this weekend other than for results but way to jump and assume it was him - easy mistake to make and there were many people responsible for announcing competitiors over the weekend (NT) -- cant you just relax, Mon, November 16, 08:17:22pm
          • Re: Ryan only announces results. He announces only what is given to him. He is very clear about the marshalling area and having to many dancers. He checks and double checks the amount of dancers and when a mistake is made, he clears it up quickly. (NT) -- Don't be blaming him, Tue, November 17, 08:58:59am
• about the dancer who didn't dance but got marks, what is the process to correct such a mistake? How do you figure out who's mark it should be? I'm asking seriously, not fuss please. (NT) -- thanks, Mon, November 16, 07:33:29pm
  • tabulators go to the judge whose marks are those in question and ask (NT) -- ecr, Mon, November 16, 08:18:23pm
    • Too bad it is too late to review. The rule is 1 hour to lodge a complaint. Not long enough to go through the marks and digest. (NT) -- too quiet ..., Wed, November 18, 08:07:32pm
• I think its time to go back to limited access to results. (NT) -- Very unfair to those who did not place near the top half to have that info available for all to see. They feel bad enough., Mon, November 16, 08:06:46pm
  • Re: Then they have no business being there. The is a qualifier for majors. At Majors you know every single competitors points. If you were 160th and everyone knows it. (NT) -- That's life, Mon, November 16, 09:00:50pm
    • I am guessing you are either a dancer or parent of a dancer in champ or prelim who has been in many majors and qualified for them. (NT) -- At the O many of these kids are in Novice or Open and are not used to dancing against champs. Teachers fault maybe or parents but still hard to be listed near or at the bottom for all to see., Mon, November 16, 11:35:10pm
      • It's called a competition for a reason - competitors are ranked. If that if uncomfortable for you then you should take a pass on the championships and stick with a feis. (NT) -- jmho, Tue, November 17, 07:51:23am
      • Re: Then take it up with your teacher for not preparing them properly. And my dd danced at the O in novice first and worked her way up. We knew full well she could be bottom of the competition. Her glory was in being invited to the event. (NT) -- Didn't matter to us., Tue, November 17, 09:01:12am
  • Well, as Dawn Penner said at the dinner dance, the biggest thing Rose has taught her dancers is that life's not fair. (NT) -- get used to it, Mon, November 16, 09:27:32pm
  • no matter how how the standard of dancing - someone always has to be last! (NT) -- ecr, Tue, November 17, 09:39:45am
    • Yes someone does have to be last but does it have to be posted? Have any of you been there as a Novice or Open dancer. (NT) -- You must not realize how it hurts to see it listed. At my dd's first O only top group and her were listed on the page she saw., Tue, November 17, 11:54:41am
      • Yes it does. This is a major competition. And to be honest, very few people are looking to gloat over who came last. Most people are only interested in looking at their own marks and complaining about how the judges scammed them. If nothing else, Irish dance (NT) -- toughens kids up, Tue, November 17, 02:09:26pm
• Okay, so I had an hour to kill this afternoon and I decided to do some number crunching using the marks from -- changing the system not worth the effort..., Tue, November 17, 04:09:03pm
  • 6th to a 9th in our comp would take out a world qualifier. That's big. (NT) -- ., Tue, November 17, 07:44:02pm
    • Yes, but obviously you've got a smaller group, so the number spread wouldn't be as high, and therefore there probably wouldn't be as much movement between placements. Even still, the highest and lowest marks tend to cancel each other out. (NT) -- ., Wed, November 18, 11:53:32am
• showing everyone's marks great! so what if your and dont want anyone to see...well then you shouldnt have danced because thats always possible. i think it would be an even greater idea if we could see everyone's results in regular competitions. lets say you dont place, its perfect to compare your marks to your fellow dancers and see where you really stand in the mix of them. (NT) -- so stop complaining!!!, Sat, November 21, 02:10:41am

• It was a beautiful tribute and whether you hate BFOC or not there is no denying the incredible talent of Rose - hope you're around for another 30 years! (NT) -- ecr, Mon, November 16, 10:04:22am
  • they teach this at journalism school to sound sincere and hateful at the same time. BFOC is less "in your face then other schools". (NT) -- lob, Mon, November 16, 10:40:52am
  • Hate them or not?? What the hell is that? No one deserves this kind of nasty comment. (NT) -- disgusted, Mon, November 16, 10:49:04am
• Why would you hate them??? sad sad sad. monitor please delete this post. jealousy gets you no where. (NT) -- NOT a BFOC, Mon, November 16, 12:05:18pm
• I WROTE THE ORIGINAL REPLY - In absolutely no way did I mean to trash talk the dancers or teachers of the school. I have been involved in Irish Dancing many years and have read this board for awhile and have seen many posts where people have expressed (more) -- ecr, Mon, November 16, 01:06:44pm
  • Thanks for clearing that up! I'm relieved it's a mistake and sorry for jumping on your post, it just came off kinda strange. (NT) -- cheers, Mon, November 16, 01:59:55pm
• Rose is a great teacher just like all the others. You would know this if you actually took the time to get to know her. We love her with all our hearts, and to us she is the best teacher because she is our teacher. (NT) -- We love you Rosie!!, Mon, November 16, 06:59:31pm
• I had heard of Rose Fearon but had never seen her. She is a beautiful woman, obviously inside and out! (NT) -- I was expecting an older person for some reason. What's her secret? LOL, Wed, November 18, 02:15:18pm
  • Irish Dancing! (NT) -- LOL!, Wed, November 18, 02:21:01pm
  • I know she looks great, must be all the dancing and traveling back and forth. She looks great (NT) -- ecr mom, Thu, November 19, 07:49:16am