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 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

Boston Bash: Days 1 and 2

Tuesday, March 26th

The minute we parked and tried to make our way to the hotel, confusion erupted.  Having located the elevators, Big and I figured that it would be an easy shot to the hotel and eventual relaxation.  That was not the case, for the elevator we chose led us to what looked like a shopping mall.  This was not something we were expecting, so we went back down the elevators only to decide to ride them back up again.  This time, we actually exited the elevators to see that yes, we were in a mall, and yes the hotel was in that general area. With our scads of bags, we made it through check in and to our room.

That evening, my main mission was to acquire my dancer ID card and the necessary wristbands, purchase and peruse the program, and buy my worlds t-shirt.  This was easier said than done.  Big and I had no clue how to get to the Hynes, so we adopted that age old strategy of following the people in the wigs and/or worlds-caliber outfits.  After wandering past many shops, we made it to the Hynes, and most importantly the vendors section.  I was given my ID card with a little patience, and purchased my program.  After wandering around the vendors (so sparkly) and wondering where the competition halls were (not labeled), it was decided that my worlds shirt would have to be bought first thing the next morning simply because of the sheer volume of people.

Having exhausted our sense of adventure for the day somewhere between a long drive and crowded convention center, we decided to eat at the hotel's bar.  That night, I had my first taste of New England Clam Chowda.  The more I ate it, the more my mouth warmed up to the idea of liking clams, but that could have also been the Angry Orchard speaking.  After that, It was most decidedly bedtime.

Wednesday, March 27th

After waking up (and now that we had the lay of the land under our belt), I made sure I was first in line at the t-shirt vendor.  With the last of my I Need It checklist checked off, Big and I made our way off to the Boston Commons to start the Freedom Trail.

In all honesty, we made it less than halfway.  Shortly before lunch, we arrived at Faneuil Hall, stocked to the brim with shopping.  The Christmas store was our first stop, where I found an Irish dancer ornament that I got personalized to read "Boston 2013."  Next stop was the Newbury comics store, chock full of comics and other pop culture items. (Doctor Who, anyone?)  There, I purchased a tiny key chain sized version on Captain America's shield to accessorize my new purse to rep my Star Spangled Girl with the Curls attitude of course!

Lunchtime was held at the Union Oyster House, which is apparently Boston's oldest restaurant.  There was much New England Clam Chowda to be had, followed by the most delicious lobster ravioli.  We left stuffed and not looking forward to the long haul back to the Marriott.  It was this moment that we realized that as Washingtonians and seasoned Metro riders, we could definitely handle the Boston T (which surprisingly leaves a little to be desired).

After our hour of afternoon relaxation, Big decided that she wanted to see if Marshall's had anything worthy of a going out outfit for the evening.  On our way though, we got distracted by the huge (sexy) Boston Public Library.  The best part of our aimless wander through this bibliophile's heaven was stumbling upon the Courtyard restaurant, who just happened to be serving afternoon tea.  In the library. With all the fixin's.  It was the best accidental discovery of the day.

The evening was spent at this wonderful joint called a piano bar.  The set up is this: two pianists and other musicians there to entertain you with songs that are popular with the crowd (Don't Stop Believing) or requested (Baby Got Back).  Howlin' at the Moon is one of those places where the more you drink, the more you sing, the more fun you have.

To be continued...

Goals: The troubling hornpipe rhythm
Days till NANs: 86

Practice. It's what's for dinner.

This past Friday, I applied for my first U.S. passport. This whole going overseas thing? Is surreal. I have never been out of the U.S. in my life. Who would've known that when I started dancing three and a half years ago that I would be travelling to Ireland to compete in the world championships? That was not my goal or even an ulterior motive. I started dancing simply to dance, and now here I am, three years later at the top level of competitive Irish dancing.

This all just goes to show that hard work and practice pay off kiddos.

Beginner+ 20 minutes of practice 3 days a week for 3 months= Advanced Beginner in all your dances at your next feis.

Advanced Beginner+ 30 Minutes of practice 3 days a week for 3 months= Novice in your stronger set of dances, high placements in all the rest.

Novice+ 45 minutes of practice a day for 6 months= Open Prizewinner, Baby.

Prizewinner+ 1 hour of practice 3 days a week for a year= Preliminary

Preliminary+ 1 Hour of practice 4 days a week for a year= Open Championship

Open Championship+ 1 Hours of Practice a day (even on class days) for 2 years= Worlds Recall

So, according to my fellow blogger, IrishDanceTeacher, I am right on track to become a worlds recaller in five years, meaning two years from now, and that these statements have some validity to them. But let's get real here for a second. I am in my last two semesters of college. This semester I will be preparing for my music ed. voice recital, my MTEC II, VCLA, and Praxis II, while working 15 hours a week and remaining active in my sorority. In the fall, I will be student teaching and probably working 10 hours a week. Will I practice every day for the next two years? No. But maybe that just means I will never get a recall at worlds, and you know what? I don't care. Just saying I am able to participate in that sort of event is quite prestigious and a feat to be congratulated no matter what.

Goals: Turnout, finish learning Drunken Gauger

Days till worlds: 88