My daughter, Savannah, is an Irish step dancer. Her Grandmother, "Drammy" (she is called this by all of her grandkids thanks to Savannah not being able to pronounce the "gr" in "Grammy" when she was learning to talk) got her involved in this when she was seven. She takes two classes a week and different work shops each year. One of her teachers is Michael Pat Gallagher, who was the lead in River Dance for many years and now teaches in Phoenix and Tucson. Savannah also competes several times a year.
An Irish dance competition is called a "feis" (plural is "feisana). You start at the beginner level and progress up through many levels. Savannah is now competing in the "preliminary championship" level. She has been at this level for almost 2 years now. It gets harder and harder the better you get! After not placing for a year, in her last four feisana she has placed sixth, fourth, second and third in the recent feis in Phoenix. She has to place first TWICE before she can move on to the next level, which is the "open championship" level.
I was the photographer at the feis. This is the second feis I have photographed and I just love it!
We are not allowed to photograph the actual competitions, but I took plenty of pictures during the two awards ceremonies. I love seeing the looks on the dancers' faces when their name is called. The looks range from surprise to happiness to disbelief! It is especially fun to see the little kids' faces when their name is called. Some are competing in their very first feis and the looks on their faces when they receive their medal or trophy are priceless! The nice thing about Irish dancing is the support that the kids give each other. They are always so thrilled when someone from their school wins something and there are squeals and shouts and lots of applause when their friends do well. It has been a wonderful experience for Savannah and she has made some life long friends. My nieces are also all dancing now (ages 9, 8 and 6) so Drammy has done well!
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