North American Nationals, 2015

Before I get too far into this post, the important thing to know about this year's nationals was that I really did enjoy myself. I enjoyed seeing friends I don't see all that often. I enjoyed watching world-class dancers. I enjoyed the small bit of exploring I did of the charming Providence. I just fear that a lot of this post is going to be talking about the not-so-good parts, so I wanted to state that first and foremost.

Dancing day came around and I was very calm as far as major dance competitions go. Usually I get myself so worked up about 'this is the chance to get that world qualification, so you better do your best,' but not that day. Senior ladies ended up scheduled for July 4th this year, and so my dress received a lot of compliments, and the occasional question about if I ordered a patriotic dress specifically for the day.

I was towards the beginning of the hornpipe round, which was very nice to get it done and over with and not have to wait around for two hours! The downside to that was that my hornpipe really wasn't the best. I over-taped my shoes because I psyched myself out from hearing about how slick the floors were, so my shoes felt sticky. There were screens on either side of the stage broadcasting the dancing to the back of the hall could see, and as I turned to the side on my second and third steps, I could see myself on a one second delay, which threw me off. But I smiled the whole time through!

There was a five hour wait between rounds for me, so after warming up again, I did dance what I felt like was a great reel. I was very proud of how that round felt, and knew that the rest was in the judges hands for the day.

I didn't recall, but that was really okay.

I of course waited around the dancing hall until the awards were given out, and immediately went to purchase the results for my competition upon the completion of the senior lady awards. I was extremely disappointed to find that I ended up tied for 83rd place with many others because we were awarded 0 Irish points. I knew that my hornpipe wasn't it best, but I would have thought my reel at least would have gotten me something. 

So I basically got last place. For the third competition in a row this year.

I think part of the issue is the steps I got in January this year are of a completely new style that I've ever done before. I am especially struggling with the hornpipe and the set. Despite six months of drills, the hornpipe still feels awkward and gets very little sound. Everyone who is an open champ at my school has these same steps, and I'm realizing more and more that Irish dance steps are not one size fits all. I will be asking my TC to see if I can do something that I can pull off consistently, so I can achieve that long-time world qualification goal at Oireachtas.

I thought part of the reasoning for this string of last place was my feis look being too progressive. You know, the no wig, pixie cut, with red or blue bangs to match my dress. I get lots of complements on my hair choice from other feis goers, but through that may have been a factor in my recent last places. After wearing a gorgeous full wig and seeing no improvement, I don't think that's it.

In other news, I leave in a few hours to take part in the inaugural Riverdance Summer Academy in Dublin. There will be WiFi, so I hope to post on Rince go Bragh from Ireland, and possibly from my vacation in London, too! I will for sure be updating the Rince go Bragh Facebook page while I'm there, so make sure you have liked that page to keep up with this fantastic opportunity!

Goals: Have the best time with Riverdance!

Days till Os: 146

Pre-Nationals Rambles

Tomorrow I am leaving for Providence to dance at nationals! I am very excited for this weekend, and like the last time attended nationals, I'm taking this major with a no-stress attitude. Recall or no, it's going to be a spectacular experience.

This year, the senior ladies are dancing on July 4th. I am very excited about this because my dress is so patriotic! July 4th is also the day of Steve Rodgers' birthday in Marvel canon, so the fangirl in me is excited to wear the Captain America dress on Captain America's birthday.

Fangirling aside, my goals for the weekend are to first and foremost have fun. That's the overall goal for the year, so of course it's up first on my list. Secondly, I'd love to meet up all with dance friends I've made who live far away because I see them so rarely! Lastly, I want to feel joy while dancing. I plan to have the biggest smile on my face during all my rounds this year! I am ready for some killer action shots.

There is so much that I have overcome in the past year's time. During nationals last year, I literally could not walk since I was only a few weeks post-op. I am looking forward to showing the world what one year of very determined recovery time from a surgery looks like.

As always, you can keep up with my weekend's adventures on so many different social media sites:

[facebook]  [twitter]  [instagram]  [tumblr]

Here's a 'way back Wednesday' for you from Nationals in 2013!
I will be bringing the full wig back this weekend.

Good luck to all, and if you see me, say hi!

Goals: Have fun this weekend!
Days till NANs: 3

Mini Update: Oireachtas 2k14

Feis Culkin

• I'll start with the fact that I'm pretty sure that most everyone who placed in the top 50% of the competition are not senior lady dancers. The 18& over open competition was full of tough competitors from the younger age groups.
• I placed in my hard shoe round which was a shock to me since I think that it felt weaker than my slip jig that day. I was excited to get a Hershey bar!
• I ended up placing 12th out of 17. What was most frustrating to me was that two judged agreed on their ranking of me, while one placed me second to last. I am quickly becoming tired of scoring inconsistencies and how they can seriously make or break a dancer's overall placement.
• Also, the Washington Post had an article about this feis on their website recently.

Anyway, have a chocolate bar picture.

Goals (and things)

• My Oireachtas goal is (as it's been for the past four years) to be a world qualifier. I have not suffered through eight torn ligaments and a surgery to not finally meet my goal of qualifying at the Oireachtas.
• And things...  After the Oireachtas, I am planning on submitting my application to the Riverdance Trinity Academy International Summer School program. I'm hoping that having the chance to be a part of this week-long academy will give my dancing a new spark. I am feeling a slump in my dancing. It may be injury recovery, it may be Oireachtas stress, but regardless, I have not seriously put any effort in to show dancing, and I think it would be a great break from the competitive world.

Follow my adventures this weekend!

• As always, I will be all over social media this weekend with updates on my dancing and other Oireachtas adventures. Be sure to follow any (or all!) accounts for up to the minute details on my weekend.

[Twitter] [Facebook] [instagram] [tumblr]

Goals: Relax a bit, finish packing, and DFTBA

Days till Os: 3

The 2013 Oireachtas

I have been procrastinating this post.  It's true.  I am still not 100% okay with how my Oireachtas day turned out.  I know I don't usually use this blog to make my displeasure known, but I can't avoid writing about the Oireachtas because it it a part of my dance journey.  I made a promise to myself that is what this blog is for, and now that I have readers who care, I can't just pretend it didn't happen.

The long and short of it is I'm not a world qualifier.  Again.  And for the fourth time in a row, I was within mere places of qualifying.

When the announcer skipped over my number, I said "What?!" out loud.  I knew I had it, and couldn't believe it.  All day long, I was so looking forward to being called on stage before the placements were awarded.  I had danced my best.  I maintained my health all year long, and was achieving my goals outlined for the year.  Something within me was so confident that I would be up there, but that something was terribly wrong.

Awards was tough.  It took all of my willpower to hold myself together on stage.  Of course after being disappointed for the fourth year in a row, I found it very difficult to hide that emotion.  I am only human, though my solo dress makes it seem otherwise.  I received an on-stage pep talk from one of my TCs; it's the only moment of the day I wish I could remember in full detail.

I cried through a good part of the teams awards, finally able to pull it together by the time my 4-hand and figure choreography were called to hear our placements (8th and 2nd).  As I was pulling myself together, I was able to buy my scores, and in the end, it was my set.  My set of three years (and much careful polishing) dropped me by six placements.  I had it until then, and knowing what caused my disappointment is crushing, nearly as crushing as seeing dancers I had consistently placed above all season, beat me out at this one event.

As I was driving back to my house from the Oireachtas (they were local this year), the question on my mind was, “Why do I keep doing this if I constantly fall short of my goals?”  I had a very lively debate with myself.  I was so absorbed in figuring out the answer to this question as I was driving down the interstate that I missed the exit for my house.

Ultimately, I decided that when I dance, I know that everything is right in my world.  My life could be up in shambles, but when I am dancing, I know that everything will be okay.  Dance is my thing.  I keep dancing because when I dance, nothing else matters.  I will get myself that qualification one day.  It may be this fifth year of chasing the goal, it may be the next, but until then, I will enjoy every moment of this journey I have created for myself.

Goals: PT exercises every other day
Days till Os: 268

Mini Update

It's December.  I am an Irish dancer.  You know what that means...

Oireachtas Information

• Tomorrow is the big day!  It will be jam packed with much dancing (solos in the morning, teams in the afternoon), but I know it will be a blast in the end!
• I am feeling ready with my dancing.  I am going to put trust in my body and rely on all the hard work I have done in preparation for this event.  I am doing my best to stay stress free like I did for nationals this summer, but there are other factors at work for the Oireachtas that weren't there for nationals.  I did take the day off work to make sure that I am relaxed and focused.  I will do my best to continue to keep calm.
• As always, I will be trying my best to post updates throughout the day as time allows [follow @RinceGoBragh on twitter] [follow @sekubik on instagram]

Coyle Feis

• In a rare turn of events, I was unable to attend my usual November feis (Culkin), so I decided for extra competition practice that I would attend an out of region feis.  My goal was to place in the top half of the competition, but I fell short by just two places.  Since this feis happened a few weeks before the Mid Atlantic Oireachtas, I suppose it's to be expected.  I believe I was the highest placing Southern Region dancer though, so that is always a good sign!

Antonio Pacelli

• Have you checked out the new Antonio Pacelli website?  They have completely revamped everything (except their merchandise; that remains wonderful as usual), and added a community section, full of Irish dance blogger from around the world, including me!
• I will be posting separate content on the Antonio Pacelli website at least once a month, but don't worry, Rince go Bragh will still remain active.

Kennedy Center Performance

• My dance school and I had the rare opportunity to perform at a prestigious venue: the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  We performed on a Sunday evening on the Millennium Stage as part of the Kids Euro Festival performance.
• You can catch our entire performance by following this link.  We start dancing at 23:25.

Goals: Three clean rounds

Days till Os: 17 hours

Mini Update

Oireachtas Prep

• With the Oireachtas being a month away, I have really solidified my goals.  I am determined that this is my year.  I have two goals within reach (and one other secret goal) which include: 

1. Be a world qualifier, and
2. Place in the top ten.

• I have been working on stamina lately, and am feeling less and less exhausted at the end of each dance.  Well, this is not entirely true.  I am less tired at the end of the first time through each dance.
• Have I mentioned the teams I am on?  Along with solos, I will also be part of a mixed 4, a mixed 8, and the senior girls choreography.

Rhythm of Ireland Feis

• I felt fairly confident in my dancing for the day, at least in those moments when I wasn't bumping into the gal I was sharing the stage with.  Our steps followed similar path, and we were constantly vying for the same space on the stage.  Despite that, nothing seemed to go horribly wrong.
• I was slightly shocked when placements were called!  Until that weekend, I had never placed above 6th in an open champion competition, and lo and behold, I found myself not only on the podium for third place, I also received a sash and lovely plate!  This gave me a great confidence boost.  It's great to have proof that my hard work it playing off.
• This was also the most fun I'd ever had at a local feis.  I greatly enjoy spending time with the particular group of senior ladies that are both within my dance school, and that I see only at competitions.  There is a lot of camaraderie between all of us.  The Maple seniors spend some time before awards playing a favorite game of mine, Cards Against Humanity, and it may just be a feis staple from now on!

Coyle Feis: I will be there this weekend!  My goal is to recall in this large and out of region group.

Non-dancing tidbits

• Work is going well!  My 4th graders will be putting on a Veteran's Day concert in a week.  It will be my first concert at my new school!
• I am moving to a new apartment in the very near future!  I will conveniently located in between work and dance.  I just now have the added stress of packing all my things up and moving when Oireachtas practicing is reaching critical mass.

Goals: Dance confidently at the feis
Days till Os: 31

Pre-Nationals Mini Update

Nationals: Here I go, off to my second north american championship!

• My goal is to recall, but I don't think I'll be bothered if I don't.  I have made excellent progress in my dancing since the Oireachtas, and I'm feeling good about where I stand, regardless of a nationals recall or not.  I'm trying to take this major with a no-pressure attitude.
• I'm looking forward to spending a relaxing five days in California at essentially a convention for one of my favorite things in the world.  I'm traveling alone, so Disneyland is probably out of the picture, but I'm hoping to spend lots of time pool-side with a book and an adult beverage when I'm not dancing, and/or making new dance friends.
• I won second place in the last instagram contest!  My prize is a photoshoot with Prine Photography while I'm in Anaheim, and also to be featured on the poster they are making.  Now, do I go buy a toy Cap shield for this?  I'm thinking yes.

• If you see me (or a version of me being Captain America), don't hesitate to say hi!  I arrive on the 4th (tomorrow!), dance in senior ladies A split on the 6th, and leave on the 8th.  I will be doing my best to send many updates through social media as I can in Anaheim. [Follow Rince go Bragh on twitter] [Follow sekubik on instagram]

Old Dominion Feis

• I placed 6th in open champs out of 15 dancers!  This continues to be a huge confidence boost for me, not only because I actually placed in open for the second time in my life, but especially so since my dad took a video of my set and it actually sounds fabulous!  After three years, my set is really becoming awesome.  I hope I can dance it at nationals.
• All three of my teams dances won!
• My social media updates were awesome (if I do say so myself).

Happy girl.

Goals: Don't become a head case
Days till NANs: 3

CCE Feis 2013

In my first local feis since 2011 (hello, injury year), I was able to debut my new look!

I am now the Star Spangled Girl With the Curls full time at every feis or major I will go to.  I cannot express just how much confidence wearing this beautiful dress gives me.  I am so happy with how it turned out from my initial concept, to Elevation's digital design, to real life dress.  I can now truly embody the spirit and fortitude of Captain America.  I'm not a perfect dancer, but (hopefully) a good person.

Being that I had only competed twice in the past year and a half, my feis morning was spent fighting nerves.  I was on an adrenaline high just from anticipation alone.  Anticipating competing, not forgetting my steps, and just how my new costume would go over.  Moving certainly helped my uneasiness.  When I found a quiet place or my own corner of a stage to warm up on, I was fine.  It was the sitting still that was the worst part.

Senior ladies were the first thing after lunch.  The stage manager allowed us to choose our own order for the day which, while not a mistake, is definitely not something most dancers want to do before we compete.  Personally, I'd just like someone to tell me the order so that we all don't have to piddle around and wait for a brave soul to volunteer to be first up.  Having danced with these ladies for years now, we just did the mature thing and played the nose game.

Somehow, I still ended up in the first rotation for reel.  My first round didn't feel completely horrible, but I felt bored by my steps (a problem which has since been solved).  My set round was something I was actually looking forward to for a change.  Since the Oireachtas, I have slowed the speed down by one click, and it's made a difference with my rhythms.

Although I didn't end up placing (7th out of 12, missed it by one measly point), I still feel like I'm right on track with my dancing.  This is one of the best placements I've had since I've moved to opens, and right now I'm after consistency (and improving my turnout and rhythms and arch...).  I also greatly enjoyed, and am still touched by, how many compliments I've received on my Marvel-ous new dress.

Goals: Master new reel changes
Days till NANs: 38

Boston Bash: Days 3 and 4

Thursday, March 28th

Like Wednesday, Thursday was a frenzy of running around everywhere in Boston.  The morning was a special nod to Big who loves the Red Sox.

The middle of the day was my team support moment for the junior girls eight hands and figure choreography.  It was also my first look at the worlds stage I would soon be dancing on.  While watching the junior ceilis, I was mentally planning how the senior figure would look on the stage.

Maple junior girls figure

The night was a hectic nearly nightmare of late buses and north of Boston suburbs coupled with wine and paint.  The end result is pretty good if I say so myself.  (If you live in a major metropolitan area, I highly suggest looking into wine-and-painting night deals on LivingSocial or Groupon!)

Friday, March 29th

Friday was strictly dedicated to watching each second of the senior ladies solo competition.  I was there most to support the two dancers from my school in the senior ladies competition.  I was there to catch up with dancers who I hadn't seen in a while.  There was also a part of me that was there to see the top dancers in my age group completely rock the stage.  How could I pass up the opportunity to watch Claire, Olivia, Nadine, Simona, and Siobhan?  I couldn't is that answer.

Me, Emily, Colin, Kelly, and Nora.

During lunch, I played around on the stage.

Then recalls were announced.  It was a tense and overwhelming experience, and I wasn't even dancing!  Getting to watch Claire Greaney's set dance was one of the most fabulous and inspiring moments of my dance career.  I think it was perfect.  I also made sure to record which dancer did which set, and I took my data and compiled it into a pie chart upon my return from Boston.

After watching dancing all day, my little group was ravished, so we went on a search for Mexican food and margaritas.  We stumbled upon this trendy Mexican restaurant a block and a half away from the dance action that just happened to be participating in Boston's Restaurant Week.  It was a win-win situation.

Goals: finish all the Boston blog posts!
Days till NANs: 51

The Oireachtas (solos)

The Star Spangled Girl With the Curls makes an appearance!

Something about the Oireachtas morning warm up session had me off.  I kept confusing my second and third treble jig step as I ran through them.  Getting on stage to actually dance my treble jig, all that I forced to go through my brain was my body knows what to do, stop brain-ing it up.  So what did I do?  I forgot how the beginning of my third step went on the left foot.  Right in front of my TCRG and one of the judges. (Who I happened to meet in the elevator that morning and she consequently told me to stretch out and travel because the stages were huge.)  I knew I at least had a solid second round.  I could not have nailed my slip jig any more than what I did that Saturday.  Of all the times I wish I had a video of myself dancing, that would be the moment I want on film.  My stamina didn't give out.  I smiled.  I was so magnificently confident in how I danced.

Maple senior dancers

Waiting for recalls was a time for multi-tasking.  The senior ladies received a participators' patch.  We took pictures with the Christmas scenery.  I prepared another senior dancer's make up for teams later that afternoon.  I managed to stuff down half of a roast beef sandwich for lunch.  I knew that this was one of the last moments of calm to myself during the day, as I had three team dances to get through yet, so I isolated myself to get my thoughts in order for my set.

I have a history of weak set dances at Oireachtas.  In 2010, I died so much at the end of Drunken Gauger that I missed a part at the end.  With last year's Planxty Drury, I lacked rhythm.  With this year's Planxty Drury, I danced hard, but I missed so may beats that unless the judges were deaf (they weren't), I would be docked.  It's all because of my catch-22: to dance now, I have to tape my ankles.  If I tape my ankles, I miss trebles because my ankles are restricted.  I loosened the tape, but still I have troubles.

I am so not impressed.

Again, I met personal disappointment as solo results were called that evening.  Being the last number on the program, I waited with bated breath through all the other numbers, watching my friends be named as world qualifiers.  When the announcer called "...and number 81," I could feel the reality of my own personal let down sink into my stomach.  As I was coming to terms with yet another year of not qualifying, the group waiting backstage became smaller and smaller. All I could hope for was not 16th.  Not again, for the third year in a row did I want to be the first non-qualifier.  I was announced as 19th, so I took the stage with my fellow senior ladies to watch the rest of the results unfold.

It took until the next day for it to sink in that I had only been preparing since October, due to spending most of the year injured.  With all that, I still placed 19th.  I haven't improved much in my placements, but I also didn't do any worse than before injuries.

Goals: Learn hornpipes/reels
Days till NANs: 205

Bonus: Watch the senior ladies' results!

Pre-Oireachtas Update

Tomorrow I leave for my fourth Oireachtas. There's a lot riding on this: will I reach my long-term goal of a 2013 world qualification for solos? Will our figure choreography be top in the region? There has been so much work put into both, and I'd love for it all to pay off.

 It's been 130 days since my latest major injury, and here I am about to leave for a competition I thought I couldn't do a couple of months ago.

 Either way, it will be an epic weekend.

Stay in touch with me while I'm in New Orleans:

• 'Like' the new Rince go Bragh page on Facebook for photo updates and more!
• Follow @RinceGoBragh on twitter for short and sweet up to the minute messages through the day.
• Hang around the senior ladies' stage on Saturday morning for real life interaction!

Goals: tan, finish packing
Days till Os: 1 day, 13 hours

Mini Update

Injury recovery

• I have finished my first round of physical therapy!  Already, my ankle is nearly back to full strength and flexibility.
• I began my second round of physical therapy three weeks ago and will finish the day before I leave for New Orleans.  This was recommended for extra strength since I'm still not 100% back with my dancing abilities.
• At my recent visit to my podiatrist, he said that everything was healing nice and tight like it should. 
• My dancing is improving on the daily.  As of Monday, my slip jig is finally feeling back to it's pre-injury self, I even added an over back into my lead!  My hard shoe focus is mainly getting my stamina back up.
• Fun fact: I use a roll and a half of athletic tape each day I dance to tape up both ankles for injury prevention and maintenance.  I own a case of athletic tape for this reason, and I will probably be halfway through this box by Oireachtas.

Oireachtas news

• My confirmed dances for the big day: solos (senior ladies), mixed four-hand, ladies eight-hand, and figure choreography.  It promises to be a long day since the southern region so lovingly puts all the senior solos and all teams on the same day.
• I designed the shirts you'll see my dance school wearing at this years Oireachtas.  I won't give any sneak previews, though.  You'll have to wait till the SRO to see them, but let me say, we will stand out.
• We recently were on a two week break with dance classes, and while it doesn't fall at the most opportune time, I was able to fit in small drilling sessions at home, which have had varying degrees of success.  Less success after Sandy hit and I got behind in job things.

Other dance things

• October has passed, and with it my five year dance-iversary!  Happy five years of dancing to me.
• This past weekend was Feis Culkin, which I chose not dance in.  I decided to save my ankles from intense competition until my Oireachtas marathon day.  Regardless, I did have nightmares the night before the feis about showing up late to dance even though I wasn't registered.
• Check out these pants.  Just look at how perfectly they match my solo.  Plan on me wearing them at the Oireachtas.

• Also in my Oireachtas fashion suitcase: this Captain America shirt to rock on the day that I'm dancing so I can be the Star Spangled Girl with the Curls.  I still have to do some tailoring for easy over the wig removal...

Goals: Stamina/sharpen steps

Days till Os: 25

Adults at camp: Camp Rince Ceol

Being an adult Irish dancer has its perks.  From friendly feis atmosphere, to downright supportive competitors, we really are spoiled.  One of those missing perks until recently remained a summer camp that offered adult enrollment.  Adult camp counselor?  Fine and dandy.  Adult camp participant?  We'll have to check.  Until now, that is.

Camp Rince Ceol is in it's second year offering a fun camp atmosphere to those dancers ages 19-24 who wish to participate. As a camper, you receive the same schedule of classes an activities as the younger campers, but with perks.  Older campers are able to bring laptops and cell phones, though there are limits to when they can be used.  Along with this, campers have access to the college's common rooms (with free WiFi!) and the fitness room in case the day's schedule wasn't enough for you.  There is also an off-campus trip to a local restaurant one evening.

Interested in becoming a camper this summer?  Find all the information you need to register here:

http://www.irishdancecamp.com/

Goals: Resist the urge to dance because the doctor has not cleared me.  Do all my PT exercises.
Days till Os: 216

Going Traditional

A few weeks ago, a brilliant and gutsy idea occurred to me as I was browsing Dance-Again.  I want to attend a competition in a vintage and traditional solo dress with natural hair and minimal make up.  Why?  For the simple reason of wanting to know what it was like dancing in the older, traditional styles.  When I say older, I am referring to mostly the pre-Riverdance era of costuming.  There's just no replicating the exquisite and intricate knotwork of these dresses of old.  There is also a certain poetry in the way they flow while dancing, especially while spinning that dresses of today just don't quite capture.

As I progressed as a dancer, I got sucked into the pageantry of feiseanna.  I am not complaining about this. I love getting gussied up in my fancy dress and my fancy hair with my fancy make up to compete against others.  I believe that the costuming part of Irish dance is all about showing your best self to the adjudicators, and the way us Irish dancers do that is to take the "authentic Gaelic dress is desired" and kick it up a few hundred notches.

Observing the trends of the last few majors, senior ladies really have the gamut of costuming appearances.  Some dancers keep the ever-voluminous curly wigs, while others are opting for natural and classic updos.  Recently, dressmakers has started using more and more traditional Celtic symbols in their dress designs, which balances out the just-as-current bold and often asymmetrical geometric designs.  Even the colors used in dresses range from one, to the rainbow.  So why not break out a vintage dress?

Why not: As fabulous as this looks in my head, I do not see myself as a trendsetter in the dance world.  My TC would think I am crazy.  I do not know when I can feis again, and I only attend a few feiseanna a year right before majors.  Also, finding a vintage dress in good condition that's my size and my price will be a feat in itself.

All wussiness aside, I have put together a few looks that would be smashing (or so I think in my mind).

Traditional ID looks by sekubik featuring shoes

What do you think?  Would you ever don a more traditional look?

Phew, dance class.

First dance practice back after a month today. I am feeling much better about my lack of motivation to practice now. It seems that I just didn't know where I was going to be heading with my steps, but now that I do, I know what needs to happen.

Most of practice tonight was tweaking small things about my steps. I am learning this fancy new leap thing I can't even describe (or do well) for my slip jig lead. Two small parts have been changed in my treble jig, one to add variety in my second step, and another to fix (read: cover up) some rhythm part in my third step. There has also been a tweak to the beginning of one of my sets (The Hunt) which needs major practice as it involves something I've never done before. I am also learning the open champ version of Drunken Gauger. THAT will be a doozy to finish learning and to eventually perform for nationals and the Oireachtas (and other feiseanna too).

I did find out senior ladies is doing reel/hornpipe for nationals and the Os for this year. (YES YES YES!! OH MY GOD, YES!!) I ALSO found out that it's 99% confirmed that I will be attending the 2011 World Irish dance championships in Dublin! And probably not just for solos too, but we also might be taking the figure.

Okay, all this positive from dance class tonight, did leave one negative. . . my feet are killing me (blisters), and my muscles are weak, so I am sore. . .

Goals: Turnout and break in shoes

Days till worlds: 99

The Oireachtas, Part 1

What. A. Day.

This year marked my first Oireachtas marathon. I woke up at 4:30 am (!) to get myself ready and drive to solos at 8 am. I danced my 4-hand around 1 pm. I danced figure around 6 pm (more about figure in another post). Awards were over around 9 pm. Home and in bed by midnight.

I hope I never have to do that again.

Solos:

All in all, I don't think my first two rounds were too shabby. I did get a re-start in my treble jig because of one of the girls I was dancing with fell. Luckily it was in the first eight bars, and also luckily, she was not injured, and it wasn't from us hitting one another. I was surprised my this in my treble jig, how even though we were dancing three at a time, that we pretty much avoided one another. Although, I can dominate the stage if I want to, so maybe the other two girls just didn't have as much domination power as me. Slip jig was a little more daunting, as I was dancing against last year's 4th place winner. I figured I had some chance here, my slip jig is better than my treble jig... We did have some almost collisions, but both of us were trying to dominate the stage. Still. I walked off stage feeling so confident about being recalled.

I think one of the coolest things about my solo competition is that there were a grand total of seven dancers from my school. And we all recalled. For two of the girls, it was their first ever Oireachtas recall, and a cause for celebration. Clearly, all those dreams I had been having the month prior to the Oireachtas of total Maple recall came true.

I was pretty disappointed in my set. I did not dance it was well as I usually do, which is saying something because my hard shoe is pretty weak. At one point near the end, I fell off pointe, and I was in general missing clicks and trebles all over the place. I walked off stage feeling terrible about it.*

After dancing around all day, it was kind of rewarding (?) to mingle backstage with my fellow senior ladies while the senior men's competition was being announced. We were finally done and here to reap the benefits. As the senior men exited the stage, we moved into side stage position in the usual circle while the world qualifiers (WQ) are announced. From here on, everything went by so fast. Yes, I wanted so bad to qualify, and even hoped a bit too much that I did. No, I did not actually qualify, but three other dancers from my school did. The next thing I knew, the other dancers from my school were leaving, and then my name was called. I didn't even know what I was walking on the stage for. I was pointed to stand on one side, and so I did. The only things I remember after this was Nora winning and Bill hugging me, and then we were all getting off the stage. At that point, I still didn't know what place I had gotten. I don't know if lack of focus was from disappointment or exhaustion (maybe both). It took me until the next day, and even the day after** for it to sink in that I had won 15h place! And hey! Three away from WQ! Not bad for your second Oireachtas...

...until two days after the Oireachtas, when I decided to hop on the message boards and see whats up. Much to my chagrin, I come across a post about WQs and senior ladies. Apparently the wrong formula was used, and the new WQs are up to 14th place! And guess who got 15th... This past week I have been living on the edge between being super excited that I am one away from being a WQ at my second Oireachtas, and being really frustrated in being only one place away. I have been going through my steps, thinking if I hadn't fallen off pointe, or if I didn't dance with the 4th place winner...

...until Monday (yesterday) when I received a text message about world adjudicators...

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

*Clearly it was ok. I was 15th after recalls, and stayed 15th after sets, meaning my set didn't hurt me, but it also didn't help either.

**I was extremely dehydrated after dancing all day, and realized that I didn't drink any water after my solo competition was done around lunch time. I call this my Oireachtas hangover, as Idisplayed all the symptoms the day after I danced, despite having no alcohol the night before.

Three days out...

Tonight was my last official dance practice before this weekend. I feel ready now. I know before (ahem, yesterday) that I was losing my mind from stress and anxiety, but true to form, dancing has made me feel more sane. Yes, I'm still slightly nervous for the weekend (I know there are things that need more fixing, but what can I do about it now?), but I'm in a better mind set after a solid last practice. I'm actually really excited now.

I'm excited to dance with my fellow senior ladies.
I'm excited for our funky little 4-hand (we're gonna Oireachtas floor like dynamite). I'm excited to be a part of the figure, purely because it's my mom's favorite part of the Oireachtas.
I'm excited for after the dancing is done, when we can all breathe a sigh of relief, reap our hard-earned awards, and party in general.

It was kind of tragic tonight, one of the girls in the figure injured her ankle while doing her reel tonight. Hopefully it is a minor thing and she will be okay to dance this weekend. She is a really beautiful dancer, and I feel horrible for her. I know what it's like to injure yourself right before something big. The only time I have ever broken a bone happened to be the week before our regional competition, which I worked hard to qualify for at the state championships. I just landed wrong on a tumbling pass and, the next thin I knew, I was out of gymnastics for the next few months. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my fellow team member that it is only something minor.

I wish you an Oireachtas recall,
I wish you an Oireachtas recall,
I wish you an Oireachtas recall
and an awesome set dance!

Goals: Finish getting my stuff together
Days till Os: 3

Say WHAT?

Got lots of updates here...

Feis Report: CCE Feis
Ta-da! The first time I've ever placed at a prelim feis! There I am in fourth place. I'm going to go ahead and say that the CCE feis is my favorite feis ever. I love the venue, the stages are nice (but slippery), and it's really well-run. The schedule this year surprised me. Typically, old ladies prelims is one of the last competitions of the day, but at the particular feis, we were the fifth competition. it was nice to be done and out of there by 1pm. Overall, I'm really pleased with how I did, the only thing that I felt I could have done away with was my nerves. I'm sure it was mostly due to it being my first feis since the Oireachtas in December. Luckily, I have one more to get nerves out of my system before nationals...
Up next: Old Dominion feis, June 19

Riverdance, farewell performance:
I went with a few other girls from dance class to the performance last Thursday, and seriously, it was the best I'd ever seen it. Aside from spending it with awesome people, and seeing about half the dancers from my dance school there, the experience was completely awesome. It was a refreshing change, having seen Lord of the Dance back in April. Live musicians, not pre-recording the dancers shoes, the dancers being spot on... My only complaint was that the lead singer had multiple issues from a pedogological standpoint, and I feel like I could've done it better... Other than that, it was a performance I will remember for the rest of my life. I know this will sound so cheesy, but it's things like this that remind me why I do this stuff. I act about the same as a kid in a candy store while I watch. One can also not forget the failed attempt at getting picture with the dancers. Oh, we stalked them alright, and stood outside of their bus giggling for a while with no proof of our efforts, other than feeling like a creeper.

And oh yeah, the senior ladies are doing jigs for the Oireachtas this year. (say WHAT?!) It's a good thing that I learned these at the workshop over new years and haven't practiced them since January when we found out senior ladies are doing reel/hornpipe for nationals. Tell me, on what planet does that make sense? At least I know I'm not alone in this craziness. All the other senior ladies are in the same boat as me, having to learn new dances with only five months to perfect them. Unless they have been super on the ball and been doing all four. Which I most certainly will be doing until nationals is over.

Nationals:
It's nice to see they have the schedule out for nationals. My days will look a little like this:
July 3rd: Arrive in Orlando at 5pm
July 4th: I'm in competition 1B, so hornpipes at 8am, reels at 9:30pm, and sets (if I recall) at 3pm. Awards at 6pm. Then Disney fireworks, probably at EPCOT, since it's just across from the Swan and Dolphin hotel where we're staying/the competition is happening.
July 5th: Figure at 5pm, awards at 7pm.
July 6th: Go crazy in Disney World
July 7th: Leave Orlando

Preparing for nationals is like a totally different mind frame from the Oireachtas. I am not feeling any pressure at all right now. Although there is less than a month, I am not freaking out. I don't know if this is because it hasn't hit me yet, or if I don't feel as anxious because I know how these big competitions work now. I nationals it is a good opportunity, if not to see how I place against dancers outside my region, then to see and watch dancers from around the world who have been doing this their entire lives. I'm really not going into this expecting anything spectacular. I think I will gain more from the experience, and if hey, I come home with a medal, than that's all the more icing on the cake. Going to Disney World with your best friend will be an experience in itself.

Goals: Re-learn slip jig and treble jig
Days till NANs: 26

I'm not dead, I swear...

...this semester has just been too hectic for me to concentrate on dance until the end is near (when I realized nationals is about three months away). Between the Snowmageddon, kidney stone, and my boyfriend of two years ending things, I haven't had mych time to focus on dance.

Reel and hornpipe steps are really agreeing with me. I love the quickness and sharpness of the reel (although sometimes I get carried away with the running steps). My favorite part of the hornpipe is that is seems slower than the treble jig. I am not rushing around, and I get to do lots of pretty moves on my toes. I am learning a new set to go with this pair, Drunken Gauger. It's treble jig timing, so when I do well at the Oireachtas this year and qualify for worlds (hehe), I don't have to learn and perfect a contrasting set in a couple months. That is assuming senior ladies keep reel and hornpipe from nationals. Don't even get me started with that...

Maple Academy recital and St. Patrick's Day Month
(because I have actually been dancing things in my absence...)
St. Patty's Month was quite eventful for me. My boyfriend ended things two weeks before St. Patrick's Day, and I'm quite glad that was the busiest time dance-wise for me. I didn't spend those first two weekends alone. The first was devoted to our school's dance recital, the second to Shamrockfest and two other performances (all in one day), and the third to one more random performance.
Shamrockfest was very wet and rainy. We didn't dance at our scheduled time, and after I left for another performance we ended up making up for it by dancing with the band Carbon Leaf.
I didn't do anything special on the actual St. Patrick's Day, other than go to my normal dance class. There were two performances at a pub in DC, but being that I was in class, it was rather impossible to attend.

I'm actually doing this in between doing back treble drills, my "resting" period so to say.

2010 feis preview:
CCE feis, May 30th (registered)
Old Dominion feis, June 19th (registered)
NANs, July 4th and 5th
Nation's Capital, July 24th
Delaware feis, August 8th
Baltimore feis, September 18th
Rhythm of Ireland feis, October 16th
Feis Culkin, November 7th
SROs, December 3rd-5th

Goals: Finish learning Drunken Gauger, perfect back trebles
Days till NANs: 69

Some Farewells...

Nationals syllabus came out a few weeks ago. Guess what the senior ladies are dancing? You guessed it, not the two dances I learned at the workshop. We are, in fact, dancing reel and hornpipe, farewell jigs. I was sad for a few minutes after I heard that news--I had finally just nailed the rhythm parts of the treble jig that were bothering me the week before the NANs syllabus came out. Since then, I have learned the first two steps of hornpipe, and have picked up the lead to the reel. Hopefully I can finish them off in my dance class tonight, but who knows... The All-Irelands are this week, so I don't know how big the class will be/who will be there to teach me the steps.

Also, I sold my pink solo dress! It was a bittersweet moment when I shipped it off Monday. It was my first solo, and I did well with it. I hope the new owner loves it as much as I did.

Goals: Finish learning reel and hornpipe
Days till NANs: 136