Logo designed by Conor O'Sullivan, Birmingham, UK, for The Big Apple

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th March 2011 Millennium Broadway Hotel New York 145 West 44th Street New York , USA 10036-4012

www.MillenniumHotelNYC.com (Special room rate: $189.00) Quote: ‘ USG Presenters '

Book online at:

HHUUSG Presenters H (<==click here) https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?hotel=11533&dest=&chain=&shell=11533&template=11533&lang=1&Group=032411 PERF&arrive=03/25/2011&depart=03/28/2011&adult=1&child=0

2011 Honorees:

The First of Firsts

Feis Chairpersons: Unateresa Gormley T.C.R.G & Gerard Carson T.C.R.G. Feis Secretary: Karen Murphy

Enter online at: HHUU www.FeisWeb.com UUHH (Jim Montague & Alan Schrader) Payments: PayPal via feisweb.com entry, Money Orders or Certified Checks ONLY NO Personal Checks C/O Karen Murphy 163 Barnes Road, Washingtonville, NY 10992 Entry Deadline: 14 March 2011

Start Time: 08:30 AM (doors open 08:00 AM) ***** Gate Pass to be picked up at Feis entrance ***** ***** Additional Gate Passes will be on sale at Feis Entrance. *****

FEIS IS REGISTERED, SANCTIONED AND WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE RULES OF AN COIMISIUN HH WWW.CLRG.IE HH ), NORTH AMERICAN FEIS COMMISSION

HH WWW.NORTHAMERICANFEISCOMMISSION.ORG HH ). PATRICIA WATKINS - PRESIDENT AND THE MIDATLANTIC REGION ( HH WWW.MID-ATLANICREGION.COM HH ) PLEASE REFER TO APPLICABLE WEBSITES FOR RULES GOVERNING THE FEIS.

-NAFC MINOR CHAMPIONSHIP- GEORGE SWEETNAM TROPHY - Feis at the Falls, Niagara Falls, NY, Aug. 13, 2011 -NAFC JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROBERT GAVOR TROPHY - Feis Montreal, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC, May 21, 2011 -NAFC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GERRY CAMPBELL BELT - Celtic Fling Feis,, Manheim, PA, June 25, 2011 - NAFC under 15 Music Scholarship - Peach State Feis, Manheim, PA, May 7, 2011 - NAFC 15 & Over Music Scholarship - West Virginia Feis, Manheim, PA, March 26-27, 2011

2011 Honorees Peter Smith, Anna O'Sullivan, Fedelmia Davis, Joan McNiff (Cyril McNiff) were the first founding members of the IDTANA in New York, USA

Theresa O'Sullivan was the first American World Champion. Patsy McLoughlin (Teacher)

Michael Flatley was the first male American World Champion. Dennis Dennehy (Teacher)

Artistic Director Mark Howard founded the First Trinity Dance Tour Company in 1990, as a means to providing professional career opportunities to students who had no outlet for Irish dancing beyond the competitive circuit. Traveling worldwide on Broadway, media and film credits.

George Heslin has the First Irish Broadway Plays Origin Theater Company, New York

Lifetime Honoree

Mr. Paul F. Thiele

In 1997, Paul Thiele and his company were commended by the Georgia House of Representatives for their "valuable contributions to the welfare of the state and the enhancement of the lives of so many of its citizens." For Thiele, this was a high honor in itself. But it was especially rewarding since he was being recognized for the principles he lives by: working hard, striving to leave the world a better place, being loyal to employees, a willingness to change, being a good citizen and quality supplier, and following the "golden rule." Thiele, who was born and raised in Wisconsin, attended UW-Madison to study electrical engineering. There, he earned his BS in 1936. After graduation, Thiele worked as an electrical engineer for the General Electric Company, Combined Locks Paper Company and the Institute of Paper Chemistry. In the 1940s, he and his father founded the Thiele Kaolin Company in Georgia. This company now holds one of the world's largest reserves of kaolin, a fine clay used in ceramics and refractories and as a filler or coating for paper and textiles.

Thiele served as general manager and secretary of the company from 1947-60. He was president and chairman of the board from 1960-80. Since then, he has served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer. Thiele is also an exceptional contributor to the community. He is an active member of Tennille United Methodist Church and has served on numerous community groups such as the Hosptial Authority, Community Concert Association and the Historical Society. Additionally, he has held leadership positions in many business associations. In 2001 Mr. Paul F. Thiele was recognized for his leadership and vision over a sustained period of time—he received the first Leadership Award, named in his honor. This award is given to individuals who have contributed outstanding leadership, vision and guidance. www.ThieleKaolin.com

Adjudicators Musicians Helaine Vecchione, New York Chris McLoughlin, NY Sean Flynn, New York Mark Arrington, PA Jonathan McMurrow, England Karen Conway, NJ Claire Usher McMurrow, England Kevin Forde, NJ Michael Maguire, England Kathleen Lavin, NY Dan Armstrong Belfast, N Ireland Dom Lavin, NY Bernard Hynes, Dubli,n Ireland Billy Furlong, NY Kate Wosczyna, PA Conor McGurk. NY Isabella Fogarty, Dublin Ireland Niall Mulligan, NY Matthew Martin, New Jersey

More to be Added More to be Added Welcome Letter Dear All,

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 3rd Annual Big Apple Feis. This year’s event will take place in New York City at the Millennium Hotel NYC, located next to Broadway & Times Square Station. The feis is in a convenient location for all travelers from around the country. The hotel has given us a special discounted rate (the best in the city), of $189.00 per room per night on quoting Reference: "USG Presenters".

The feis is pleased to host 30 wonderful adjudicators and musicians from all over the world, with a set Panel of 5 adjudicators for each Open Championship. We also have 11 fabulous musicians providing the Live music for the whole weekend. As the feis is being held two weeks prior to the start of Oireacthas Rince Na Cruinne 2011 in Dublin, the feis would be both a beneficial and convenient opportunity for dancers to celebrate the Events in NYC. There will be both Ceili and Figure Championships as well as Dance Drama Competitions for those teams looking for extra practice in the lead up to the ‘Worlds’ the following weeks.

We have expanded our Music Competitions to make it more like a Fleadh Cheoil. We have two rooms set aside for this part of the event to make the musicians and singers feel as important as the dancers.

Feis registration will be on www.feisweb.com with Alan Schrader & Jim Montague. The deadline for entries will be 14th March 2011. Although there is no cap on entries for this feis, if numbers become too high, registration will be closed early, therefore early registration is required. Payment should be made on Pay Pal through FeisWeb.

Five Championship stages will be running on Sunday 27th March - Championships (Open/Prelim). All Grades (Beginner- Prizewinner) and other competitions will take place on Saturday 26th March. All Adult Competitions and Championships will take place on Saturday 26th March. The feis will also have a great selection of vendors, from within the US and overseas, providing for all your Irish Dancing needs.

Again this year we will be honoring Mr. Paul F. Theile’s Legacy. Loretha Theile is generously sponsoring scholarships again this year to the dancers and musicians. In addition, we are honoring the “First of Firsts”. Peter Smith, Anna O'Sullivan, Fedelmia Davis, Joan McNiff (Cyril McNiff) were the first founding members of the IDTANA in New York, USA. Theresa O'Sullivan was the first American World Champion, Patsy McLoughlin (Teacher) . was the first male American World Champion, Dennis Dennehy (Teacher) . Artistic Director Mark Howard founded the First Trinity Dance Tour Company in 1990, as a means to providing professional career opportunities to students who had no outlet for Irish dancing beyond the competitive circuit, traveling worldwide on Broadway, media, and film credits. George Heslin has the First Irish Broadway Plays Origin Theater Company, New York.

For each dancer's safety, each stage will be covered in a non-slip flooring to help prevent slips or falls while dancers are on stage.

We look forward to welcoming you to our feis.

Unateresa Gormley, T.C.R.G., Gerard Carson, T.C.R.G, & Karen Murphy Grades (Take place on Saturday, 26th March)- 8:30 AM Sharp All grade marks are being tabulated by Alan Schrader and will be ee----mailedmailed to each competitor.

Tir Na Nog For a competitor that has yet to compete at a competition. Each Dancer will perform two steps to music NOTE: NO SOLO COSTUMES ALLOWED

Comp Number Age Gender 1 Under 6 Mixed 2 Under 8 Mixed 3 Under 10 Mixed 4 Over 10 Mixed

Beginner A beginner is a competitor who has not taken Irish Dancing lessons from a registered teacher prior to September 1st of the previous year. Dancer must move into Advance Beginner the following year (2 steps, 3 at a time) NEW METRONOMIC TEMPOS FOR REEL AND SLIP --- 118 NOTE: NO SOLO COSTUMES ALLOWED

Comp Number Age Gender 5 Under 5 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D) 6 Under 6 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 7 Under 7 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 8 Under 8 Girls A)Reel B)Ligh t Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 9 Under 9 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 10 Under 10 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 11 Under 11 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 12 Under 12 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Si ngle Jig D)Slip Jig 13 Over 12 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D)Slip Jig 14 Under 7 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig 15 Under 9 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig 16 Under 11 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig 17 Over 11 Boys A)Re el B)Light Jig C)Single Jig

Advanced Beginner An Advanced Beginner is a dancer who has taken lessons from a registered teacher for more than a year. An Advance Beginner who wins 1st, 2nd or 3rd place will advance into Novice in that particular dance the next year. (2 steps, 3 at a time) Heavy Jig Tempo- 92/ Tempo 138 NEW METRONOMIC TEMPOS - Reel - 118/Slip Jig 118 NOTE: NO SOLO COSTUMES ALLOWED Comp Num Age Gender 18 Under 5 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Ji g D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 19 Under 6 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 20 Under 7 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 21 Under 8 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 22 Under 9 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 23 Under 10 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 24 Under 11 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 25 Under 12 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 26 Over 12 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 27 Under 7 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 28 Under 9 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 29 Un der 11 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 30 Over 11 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Single Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe Novice A novice dancer who has previously won a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in Advanced Beginner. A Novice who wins a 1st place will advance to the Prizewinner category in that particular dance the next year. (2 steps, 3 at a time)

Heavy Jig Tempo 73 or 92/ Hornpipe Tempo 113/138

Comp Num Age Gender 31 Under 6 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E) Hornpipe 32 Under 7 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 33 Under 8 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 34 Under 9 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 35 Under 10 Girls A)Reel B) Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 36 Under 11 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 37 Under 12 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 38 Under 13 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 40 Under 14 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 41 Over 14 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 42 Under 7 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 43 Under 9 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 44 Under 11 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 45 Under 13 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 46 Over 13 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe

Prizewinner A prizewinner is a dancer who has previously won a 1st in Novice in a particular dance. (2 steps, 3 at a time)

Heavy Jig Tempo 73 or 92/ Hornpipe Tempo 113/138

Comp Num Age Gender 47 Under 6 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 48 Under 7 Girls A)Re el B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 49 Under 8 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 50 Under 9 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 51 Under 10 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 52 Under 11 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 53 Under 12 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 54 Under 13 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 55 Under 14 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 56 Over 14 Girls A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Slip Jig D) Treble Jig E)Hornpipe 57 Under 7 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 58 Under 9 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 59 Under 11 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 60 Under 13 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe 61 Over 13 Boys A)Reel B)Light Jig C)Treble Jig D) Hornpipe

Other Grade Competitions - will be danced one step one at a time -Traditional set will be danced 2 at a time (St. Patrick’s Day, Blackbird, Job of Journey Work, Jockey to the Fair, King of the Fairies, and Garden of Daisies) -Parent and Child Competition will dance 2 steps to reel music -Special Needs will dance either one step or two steps to reel music

Comp Num Age Gender Grade 62 Under 9 Any Beginner / Adv.Beginner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 63 Under 11 Any Beginner / Adv.Beginner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 64 Under 13 Any Beginner / Adv.Beginner A)Treble Ree l B)Trad Set 65 Over 13 Any Beginner / Adv.Beginner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 66 Under 9 Any Novice A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 67 Under 11 Any Novice A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 68 Under 13 Any Novice A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 69 Over 13 Any Novice A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 70 Under 9 Any Prizewinner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 71 Under 11 Any Prizewinner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 72 Under 13 Any Prizewinner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 73 Over 13 Any Prizewinner A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 77 Under 10 Any Any 2 Han d 78 Under 13 Any Any 2 Hand 79 Over 13 Any Any 2 Hand 80 Under 10 Any Any 3 Hand 81 Under 13 Any Any 3 Hand 82 Over 13 Any Any 3 Hand 83 Under 10 Any Any 4 Hand 84 Under 13 Any Any 4 Hand 85 Over 13 Any Any 4 Hand 86 Any Any Any Parent/C hild 87 Any Any Any Special Needs

Big Apple Feis Fashion Show & Charity Event

Comp Number - 200 -- Saturday 26th March Comp Number - 201 -- Sunday 27th March

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- $10 donation with brief description of dress - Will take place approx. 12 noon on both Saturday and Sunday, during the AD’s lunch breaks

We would like to take this opportunity to invite all Irish Dancers & Dress Designers from around the world to take part in the Big Apple Feis Fashion Show. This Charity event has been added to our syllabus for dancers to show off their masterpiece that has been created for each individual or school.

The Fashion show will be judged by a panel from the NYC FASHION ELITE to choose which designer has the best flare, originality, most creativity and which dress designer can be named the Big Apple Dress Designer for 2011.

The Dancer Modeling The Big Apple Feis Dress Designer of the year Winner will receive a special Monetary award. Dance for Fun Charity Dance

www.projectchildren.org

205 Light Reel -- Novice & Below 206 Treble Reel – Prizewinner & Above 207 Treble Reel -- Novice & Below

Fee $10.00 each dancer Project Children member will be present Winner will receive special prize Dance Approx 12:00 pm at the lunch break Dancers will be permitted to wear outfits at own discretion

Non-Dancing Competitions

Comp Num Compet ition Level Age All art and soda bread must be delivered to the feis by 11:00 a.m . Feis Day (Sat or Sun) and picked up again at 3:00 p.m. Judging to take place approximately 12:00 pm. Illustrations, sculpture, mosaics, pottery, ceramics, driftwood art, sand art, glass, photography and any other art forms 89 Art Competition Under 10 90 Art Competition Under 15 91 Art Competition Over 15 In Competition 92 - Open to all ages for any medium ( i.e., water color, pencil etc) - Must be Irish Themed. 92 Irish Art Any

In Competition 98 - 100 words on the topics: • Promoting the Irish Culture where I live? • If you could spend a day with an Irish Dancer, who would you chose and why? • Where do you want Irish Dancing to take you in the future? • Everyone has dreamed of performing in a show, which one would you want to be part of and why? All essays should be e-mailed to the Big Apple Feis committee, email: [email protected], prior to 24t h March. Please state the competition number in email subject line and the competitor name in the body of the email. A hard copy Is to be handed into the feis committee on Saturday, 26th March. 98 A Essay Competition Under 10 98 B Essay Competition Under 13 98 C Essay Competition Under 16 98 D Essay Compet ition Over 16

In competition 99, Own dress design; Open to all ages for any medium 99 A Costume Design Under 10 99 B Costume Design Under 14 99 C Costume Design Under 16 99 D Costume Design Over 16

Competition 100 - Dancer’s own design: T -Shi rt, Bag - Theme - Big Apple! 100 Dancers Design Any

Competition 105 - Soda Bread 105 Soda Bread Competition Any Championships

Championships will take place on Sunday 27th March 2011.

A panel of 5 will adjudicate Open championships. A panel of 3 will adjudicate Preliminary Championships If a competitor misses his/her rotation, they will not be permitted to dance. Jim Montague will assign rotations. All Three stages will commence at 8:30 a.m. Sharp.

Preliminary Championships

Open to competitors who have placed 1st in prizewinner solo light (reel or slip jig) and heavy dance (jig or hornpipe) at any feis. Dancers who win 3 - 1st place Preliminary Championships in one calendar year must move into Open January 1st of the following year or as soon as the 3rd win is achieved in the following years. Girls and Boys are combined. Hard shoe danced first. Dancers will dance in 3 up until Under 14 and 2 in age groups above.

A-Reel/Heavy Jig B-Reel/Hornpipe C-Slip Jig/Heavy Jig D-Slip Jig/Hornpipe Comp Num Age Group 105 Under 8 A B C D 106 Under 9 A B C D 107 Under 10 A B C D 108 Under 11 A B C D 109 Under 12 A B C D 110 Under 13 A B C D 111 Under 14 A B C D 112 Under 15 A B C D 113 Under 16 A B C D 114 Under 17 A B C D 115 Under 18 A B C D 116 Over 18 A B C D

Other Championship Competitions

-Treble reel will be danced one step 1 at a time -Traditional set will be danced 2 at a time (St. Patrick’s Day, Blackbird, Job Of Journey Work, King of The Fairies, Jockey To The Fair and Garden of Daisies)

Comp Num Age Gender Grade 70 PC Under 10 Any Prelim/Open A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 71 PC Under 13 Any Prelim/Open A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 72 PC Under 16 Any Prelim/Open A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 73 PC Over 16 Any Prelim/O pen A)Treble Reel B)Trad Set 74PC Under 10 Any Preliminary Set Dance 75PC Under 13 Any Preliminary Set Dance 76PC Under 16 Any Preliminary Set Dance 77PC Over 16 Any Preliminary Set Dance Open Championships

Dancers will perform 3 rounds. Competitions with less than 50 competitors will have 100% recall. If over 50 competitors, there will be a 50% recall to dance Set Dance. (All recallers will be awarded) Those not recalled will dance their sets with 1 adjudicator and no additional charge. Light Round will be performed 1st. Under 8 and Under 9 Girls and Boys must perform Traditional Set Dance. Dancers will dance 3 at a time up until the age of Under 14, then 2 at a time after that. 2 solo results will also be awarded during awards.

Big Apple Feis Committee has the authority to combine competitions if numbers have small entries

Rule 13: a) Dancers must qualify for open championship via the method now in place for preliminary Championship, i.e. three 1st places wins. b) Dancers must compete in the preliminary championship competition in order to qualify for open Championship

A-Reel/Heavy Jig B-Reel/Hornpipe C-Slip Jig/Heavy Jig D-Slip Jig/Hornpipe Comp Num Age Group Gender 120 Under 8 Girls A B C D 121 Under 9 Girls A B C D 122 Under 10 Girls A B C D 123 Under 11 Girls A B C D 124 Under 12 Girls A B C D 125 Under 13 Girls A B C D 126 Under 14 Girls A B C D 127 Under 15 Girls A B C D 128 Under 16 Girls A B C D 129 Under 17 Girls A B C D 130 Under 18 Girls A B C D 131 Under 20 Girls A B C D 140 Over 20 Girls A B C D 132 Under 9 Boys A B C D 133 Under 11 Boys A B C D 134 Under 13 Boys A B C D 135 Under 15 Boys A B C D 136 Under 17 Boys A B C D 137 Under 19 Boys A B C D 138 Over 19 Boys A B C D

Big Apple Feis Dance-Off

Takes place on Sunday 27th March Open to ALL Open Championship dancers (who place in top 3). Adjudicator Panel for this competition. All dancers will dance both a light step and a heavy step down the line. Each dancer will be permitted to wear plain outfits (skirts and top or t-shirt and trousers for boys). No costumes allowed. No charge The winner will receive a special award.

Team Championships Team Championships will be held on Saturday 26th March 2011. Each team will perform one (Jig or Reel timing)

CEILIS: Teams may perform any 8-hand dance from the official list published by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha. All teams must dance with top couple’s backs to the adjudicators. All dances must be performed through the completion of a figure of choice. In “The Three Tunes”, teams must complete the Hook and Chain. In “The Sweets of May”, teams must complete through the Third Figure. In “The Gates of Derry” teams must complete the Swing Around of the 1st repeat of the dance.

FIGURE CHOREOGRAPHY : Teams may consist of 8-16 dancers and must portray an Irish theme. Only basic traditional movements are to be used. A dance should not exceed four (4) minutes duration from the beginning to the end of the dance. Three (3) copies of the story or narrative must be submitted one hour prior to the start of the competition. Teams may use their own narrator to read the story; however, no TCRG affiliated with that school will be permitted to read the story. Dances must be performed in 2/4, 4/4, or 6/8 time or a combination of these. However, any change in music timing must last a minimum of 16 bars. Each team member must be on stage and dance from the commencement to the finish of the dance. Pauses are permitted but limited to no more than four bars per pause. Teams must supply their own music. World Championship rules apply.

DANCE DRAMA: Each team will consist of 8-20 dancers and each dance will portray an Irish theme. Props, lighting effects, etc. may be used. However, there will be a five (5) minute time limit which will include setup of all props, lights, sound, etc. and the takedown of same. The dance itself should not exceed six (6) minutes. All props and lighting effects must be removed at the completion of the dance. Timing will begin once the team number has been announced. There will be a penalty for every 20 seconds over, which will consist of a deduction of five competition points. Teams who do not abide by these rules will be disqualified. The time limit will be strictly enforced. Narratives must be typed and five (5) copies must be submitted one hour prior to the competition. Teams may use their own narrator to read the story; however, no TCRG affiliated with that school will be permitted to read the story. Teams must supply their own music. World Championship rules apply.

A panel of 5 will adjudicate all team championships. Figure and Dance Drama Music has to be provided one hour due to start time.

Comp Num Age Group Gender Competition 150 Under 10 Mixed/Unmixed 8 Hand Ceili 151 Under 13 Mixed/Unmixed 8 Hand Ceili 152 Under 16 Mixed/Unmixed 8 Hand Ceili 153 Over 16 Mixed/Unmixed 8 Hand Ceili 154 Under 15 Mixed/Unmixed Figure 155 Over 15 Mixed/Unmixed Figure 156 Any Mixed/Unmixed Dance Drama

Adult Competitions This will take place on Saturday 26th March

Adult Championship Dancers will perform Reel (Men) or choice of Reel or Slip Jig (Ladies) and a Traditional Set. Reel will be danced for 48 bars of music. Slip Jig will be danced for 40 bars of music. 160 Adult Championship A - Reel B - Slip Jig Adult Grade Levels An adult competitor is a dancer who never took Irish dancing lessons as a juvenile and is over the age of 18 161 Reel A)Beginner B)Adv. Beginner C)Novice D/Prizewinner 162 Single Jig A)Be ginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 163 Light Jig A)Beginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 164 Slip Jig A)Beginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 165 Heavy Jig - 92 A)Beginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 166 Ho rnpipe - 138 A)Beginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 167 Treble Reel A)Beginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 16 8 Traditional Set A)Beginner B) Adv. Beginner C)Novice D)Prizewinner 169 Solo Set Piece 170 2 Hand 17 1 4 Hand Ceili 17 2 8 Hand Ceili

Music & Singing Competitions Classes of Music Air (slow or lively), Reel, Polka, Hornpipe, Jig (double, single, slip), , Set Dance, March, Mazurka, Planxty, Fling, Barn Dance, Schottische, Clan March Grade (Age as of January 1, 2011) A = Under 12 years old B = 12- under 15 C = 15- under 18 D = 18 or over

Solo Competition MB = Beginner M=Advanced Grades "A" & "B": One tune from each of TWO music classes. Grade "C": One tune from each of THREE classes. Grade "D": One tune from each of FOUR classes, but must include a Slow Air in the case of fiddle, tin whistle, concert flute, and .

M1 & MB1. Fiddle A/B/C/D M9 & MB9. Mouth Organ A/B/C/D M2 & MB2. Two Row Button Accordion A/B/C/D M10 & MB10. Banjo A/B/C/D M3 & MB3. Concert Flute A/B/C/D M11 & MB11. Mandolin A/B/C/D M4 & MB4. Tin Whistle A/B/C/D M12 & MB12. Piano A/B/C/D (6 hole penny-whistle styles only) M5 & MB5. Piano Accordion A/B/C/D M13 & MB13. One Row Melodeon (old style) A/B/C/D M6 & MB6. Concertina A/B/C/D M14 & MB14. Bodhran A/B/C/D M7 & MB7. Uilleann Pipes A/B/C/D M15 & MB 15. Big Pipes (Píob Mhór) A/B/C/D M8 & MB8. Harp A/B/C/D M16 & MB16. Miscellaneous Instrument A/B/C/D (any instrument not listed above) M17 & MB17. Ceili Band Drummer A/B/C/D

Solo Slow Airs In all grades competitors shall submit a list of slow airs to the adjudicator/s as follows: • Under 12 - two slow airs; 12-15 - four slow airs; 15-18 - six slow airs; Over 18 - eight slow airs. • In the Under 12 grade each competitor shall play one slow air selected by the adjudicator from a list of two submitted. • In the 12-15 grade each competitor shall play two slow airs, one selected by the adjudicator from a list of four submitted and the other selected by the competitor from the remaining three on the list. • In the 15-18 grade each competitor shall play two slow airs, one selected by the adjudicator from a list of six submitted and the other by the competitor from the remaining five on the list. • In the Over 18 grade each competitor shall play three slow airs, two selected by the adjudicator from a list of eight submitted and the other selected by the competitor from the remaining six on the list. M18 & MB18. Fiddle A/B/C/D MT21 & MBT21. Tin Whistle A/B/C/D M19 & MB19. Uilleann Pipes A/B/C/D M20 & MB20. Concert Flute A/B/C/D

Solo Traditional Singing In competitions for solo traditional singing the following are required: • Grade (a) two songs of his/her own choice - slow & lively. • Grades (b) and (c) - two songs from a list of four submitted (two slow and two lively) - one his/her own choice, the second a contrasting song to be selected by the adjudicator. • Grade (d) two songs from a list of six submitted (4 slow and 2 lively): one of his/her own choice, the second a contrasting song to be selected by the adjudicator. In all lists of songs, the lively songs must be clearly denoted. Newly Composed Ballad - must not previously have been sung at any fleadh prior to the current year. Lyrics for newly composed songs must be submitted in writing with entry and must accompany results to All-Ireland level. Songs in waltz time should be avoided. M21 & MB21. Gaelic Singing: Ladies A/B/C/D M25 & MB25. Whistling A/B/C/D M22 & MB22. Gaelic Singing: Men A/B/C/D M26 & MB26. Lilting A/B/C/D M23 & MB23. English Singing: Ladies A/B/C/D M27 &MB27. Newly Composed Songs: Gaelic A/B/C/D M24 & MB24. English Singing: Men A/B/C/D M28 & MB 28. Newly Composed Songs: English A/B/C/D Ensembles

Duets and Trios: Grades "A" and "B", one tune from each of TWO classes. Grade "C". One tune from each of THREE classes. Grade "D". One tune from each of FOUR classes. Ceili Bands: (Minimum of 5 members, maximum of 10) Grades "A" and "B": One tune from each of TWO classes. Grade "C": Two reels in succession, plus one tune from each of two other classes. Grade "D": two reels in succession, plus a maximum of two tunes played in succession from each of three other classes listed above. In the event of a recall in Grade "D" (Senior), a Band may not repeat any of the tunes it has played in its first performance. Grupai Cheoil: (Minimum of 4 members, maximum of 20 members) Own choice of music for a maximum of 6 - 8 minutes but with a limit of ten minutes on stage. Whistlers and lilters may be included, as well as players of bodhran and bones, but piano and drums are not permitted. Efforts should be made to play tunes other than , reels and , e.g. slow airs, set dances, old marches, harp music etc. Attention should also be given to instrumentation arrangements and presentation of the music. A list of music pieces in the order to be played, e.g. slip jig, march, etc., shall be submitted by each group leader to the adjudicators prior to the performance. Accompaniment: This competition is restricted to the following instruments: piano, harp, guitar, bouzouki- type instruments. The adjudication is on the accompaniment only. M29 & MB29. Duet A/B/C/D M32 &MB32. Grupai Cheoil A/B/C/D M30 &MB30. Trio A/B/C/D M33 & MB33. Accompaniment A/B/C/D M31 & mb31. Ceili Band A/B/C/D

Gaelic Speaking In competitions for Gaelic speaking, the following are required: • (A) -- Recite a short poem or verse • (B) -- Conversational Speaking M34 & MB34. Under 16 - A/B M35 & MB35. Over 16 to Adults - A/B

Fees Competition FeeFeeFee Fashion Show Charity Event $10.00 per entry Preliminary Championship (includes marks) $33 .00 Open Championships* (includes marks) $36 .00 Ceili/Team Championship* (includes marks) $10.00(per member) Adult Championship (includes marks) $33 .00 Grades (per dance includes marks) - All Marks will be emailed $10.00 Championship Trad Set/Cont Set/Treb Reel $10.00 Special Themed Chari ty $10.00 donation per dancer Separate check made payable to Project Children www.projectchildren.com Gate Fee (One MUST BE included with entry)**** $15.00 --- per day per Adult Children U 16 --- Free Maximum Family Fee** $200.00 Art Competition s $ 10.00 Gaelic Speaking Fees $10 per entry for Gaelic Speaking;

Music & Singing Fees $20 per entrant for one solo, Duet or Trio, competition; All competitions prefixed with "M" in the syllabus $5 for each additional solo, Duet or Trio competition . The fee for Ceili Bands is $50. The fee for Grupai Cheoil is $3 per member. Essay Competition $10.00 Soda Bread $5.00 *5 Adjudicators will be judging each championship. ****Family Fee does not include Dance for Fun Charity Dance or Gate Fee(s)

Other Information

• ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS! • NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT BEING ACCOMPAINED WITH THE APPROPRIATE FEES, INCLUDING THE DAILY GATE FEE. • PayPal available for all payments, Preferred method of Payment. NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED • ***** US Certified checks and money orders only to the Big Apple Feis **** c/o Karen Murphy, 163 Barnes Road, Washingtonville, NY 10992 • Late fee of $15.00 per entry will be added if entries are not reached before 14th March. • Change fee of $15.00 per entry after 14th March. • No entries will be taken over the telephone • Enquiries to: [email protected] • The Big Apple Feis Committee, Unateresa Sheahan Gormley, Gerard Carson, The Hilton Hotel New York or any other organizations or persons affiliated with the same will not be held responsible for personal injury, loss or damage of personal property. Destruction of Feis property or rental property will be punishable by law. • Tabulating service by Alan Schrader and Jim Montague

Dancing Rules The North American Feis Commission Dancing Competitions Rules EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008 1. In the case of all solo and team competitions in all grades, the age of a competitor on 1st January of the year in which the competition is held will determine the right of entry. For the Purposes of this Rule a competitor whose birthday occurs on 1st January shall be deemed to be under the age attained on that date. 2. Competitions are open to all but those holding a TMRF, TCRG, or ADCRG designation. All dancers must be pupils of a person currently registered with An Commissions a Dancing Teacher of Any category. 3. A competitor may be disqualified for any of the following reasons: a) Conduct unbecoming a lady or gentleman. b) Failure to report on time to compete. (Penalty: disqualification from said event) c) Falsification of age or other important facts –i.e., teaching, award winning, competing under another competitor’s name or number, etc. Penalty for a) or c): Competitor will be disqualified from the Feis at which the occurrence happened and from all NAFC –registered Feiseanna for a period of one year beginning at the date Of the occurrence. 4. Competitions may be closed if there are no competitors at the assigned stage ready to compete when the competition is scheduled or announced. May not pertain to a situation where Competitors are involved in stage conflicts. 5. Solo competitors in First Feis (if offered), Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice or Open (Prizewinner) competitions: a) Must compete in their own age group. b) Must be prepared to perform two steps in each event. c) Cannot change competition on the day of the Feis. 6. Steel taps or “bubble” heels on dancing shoes; display of awards, wearing of shorts or other unconventional dress is prohibited. Authentic Gaelic dress is desired. First Feis (if offered), Beginner and Advanced Beginner, aka Beginner II, and I must wear a class costume, or a skirt and blouse. All other categories are excluded from this rule. Modest attire is encouraged when A competitor is not dancing. 7. Competitor’s number must be worn and visible to adjudicators when performing in all competitions; use of reflective plastic number covers is discouraged. 8. Awards will be determined in proportion to the number of entries in each competition and to the degree of proficiency shown. 9. Complaints must be in writing stating names and other factual information and signed by the complainant. A ten-dollar fee must be enclosed and presented to the Feis Chairman within one Hour of the occurrence. The fee will be returned if the complaint is upheld. 10. The Feis Committee and any organization affiliated with it will not be held responsible for personal injury, property loss or damage. Destruction of Feis property or rental property will be Punishable by law. 11. The Feis reserves the right to reject any entry for cause, to cancel all or part of the Feis and to limit competitor’s performing time. The decision of the Feis Committee is final in all matters Connected with the Feis. 12. Competitors must answer all questions as required by the Feis Entry committee, including teacher’s name, and enclose the entry fee when mailing. Failure to do so will result in a rejected entry. Entries must be postmarked on or before the closing date or they will be subject to a late fee of $10.00. 13. Entrants in any Championship event may not enter in any other (Grade) events, but may enter in Figure Dances. Entrants in Championships should specify, on the entry form, their choice of set dance. Entrants cannot change competition or category on the day of the competition. a) Dancers must qualify for open championship via the method now in place for preliminary championship, i.e. three 1st place wins. b) Dancers must compete in the preliminary championship competition in order to qualify for open championship 14. Combining male and female dancers in any category is left to the discretion of each region. 15. Preliminary Championships are open to those who, at any NAFC recognized Feis: a) Have won 1st place in both an open/prizewinner light and heavy shoe competition, and b) Have never won 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Open Championship. 1. A dancer who wins three first place awards in one calendar year will move on to Open Championship the following year, or as soon as the third win is achieved, in any age category, in the following years. Only in the case of back-to-back Feiseanna (successive days), in which case the first win in the first Feis will not change the dancer’s status for the second Feis. A dancer is required to perform a light shoe dance (reel or slip jig for ladies and reel only for men), and a hard shoe dance. A Feis can opt to offer either a) a set dance or b) a jig/hornpipe. 16. Championships and Preliminary Championships require at least three adjudicators. 17. First place winners in the Open Championship category cannot return to a Preliminary or Open (Prizewinner) competition. Placing in a Regional or National does not change the status of a competitor. If, after dancing for two years in Open, a dancer has not won, he/she may return to preliminary championship status. 18. The status of the dancer does not change unless there are five or more dancers in a competition. 19. Each region may determine the system for moving dancers from one grade to another, as they see appropriate for their region. The syllabus is to contain all grade categories. A Feis Committee may combine two consecutive age categories into the higher of the two categories within that grade when less than five (5) competitors are entered. 2. Beginner 1: aka Beginner Grade a beginner is a competitor who has not yet taken a full year of Irish Dance lessons, thereby giving beginners a full year with such status. A Beginner must move into the Advanced Beginner category the next year. Beginner 2 aka Advanced Beginner Grade: An advanced beginner who wins 1st, 2nd or 3rd place will advance to the Novice category in that particular dance. Competition dances are reel, Light jig, slip jig, traditional treble jig and traditional hornpipe, as a minimum requirement. Novice Grade: A novice who wins a 1st place will advance to the Open (Prizewinner) category in that particular dance. Open Grade (Prizewinner): A competitor who does not qualify as a beginner, advanced beginner or as a novice. Adult Beginner: An adult beginner is a competitor who never took Irish dancing lessons as a juvenile and is over 18 years of age. 20. Musicians and adjudicators cannot be approached during a competition by anyone except the Feis Committee. No one can approach them while a competitor is performing. 21. Musicians employed by the Feis Committee will be solely under the direction and management of the Feis Committee on Feis day. 22. Teachers or team captains are responsible that their teams are complete and in position when the competition is announced. Competitors may compete in the next higher age group; however, a competitor may compete in only one age group. 23. In matters pertaining to adjudication, the decision of the adjudicators is final. 24. Adjudicators are to monitor the quality of music at the stage(s) to which they are assigned. 3. 25. First Feis (if offered), Beginner 1 aka (Beginner grade), Beginner 2 aka(Advanced Beginner) and Adult dancers are required to dance at traditional speeds. Novice and Open/Prizewinner dancers may choose between traditional and Oireachtas speeds. 25. Any form of unauthorized photography which has the capability to capture a dancer’s image while in motion, using electronic or manual means, i.e. mobile phone, standard camera, video camera, or commercial film, with or without enhancement is expressively forbidden in competition. 26. No block, en Pointe, toe walking movements, stationary or moving is allowed to be performed for all ages up to and including the under 12 age group. However, after September 1 of each year an exception is made for those dancers who are 11 dancing in the under 12 age group. 27. Make up is prohibited on a dancer in the first three grades (First Feis (if offered), Beginner 1 aka (Beginner) and Beginner 2 aka (Advance Beginner) or their equivalent) up to and including The under 12 age group. 28. Any competitor found to be using artificial carriage aids and subsequently refuses to remove same, will be subject to disqualification from that particular competition. Medically prescribed aids (proof of which may be required) will be exempt from this rule. 29. When a Feis hires adjudicators for their event, one third of their adjudicators (minimum) must be from outside of the region where the event is being held. 30. That competitors in girl’s competitions at the Beginner and Advanced Beginner Grade (up to and including Under 23) will wear only the competitor’s dancing School costume or a skirt and blouse; wearing of cosmetic makeup is prohibited. 31. The fee for marks is included in each entry fee. Marks for championship events will be available after awards are presented. All marks for solo events (including traditional set piece and treble reel) will be emailed. No marks for solo competitions will be available at the feis. NO AWARDS WILL BE MAILED. 32. NO BLANKETS may be used, for safety’s sake. NO COOLERS will be permitted in the building. Food and beverages will be on sale in the food court. NO HEELYS will be allowed inside the venue.

Music and Singing Rules

1. Only Irish traditional music will be accepted in all competitions. Competitors may not use written words or music while competing in any competition. The prompting and coaching of competitors during the course of the competition is prohibited. 3. Competitors shall play each tune twice only. In the case of a reel which is played singly a competitor may play such a reel three times (AB AB AB). Competitors who play extra tunes e.g. two jigs or two reels in lieu of one shall be adjudicated on the first tune of the selection only and shall be penalized by the deduction of two marks for each extra tune attempted. No penalty shall be levied on a competitor in the Slow Airs Competition if he/she plays the air through only once. 4. A satisfactory standard is necessary for awarding first or any other prize. 5. No ties for First, Second or Third places. 8. The adjudicators are the sole judge of merit and in all other matters and their decision shall be final. Any complaint must be lodged with the Feis Committee before the close of competitions on the day of the competition and accompanied by a $25 fee; refunds will be at the discretion of the Feis Committee. Complaints will be reviewed by the Feis Committee immediately following the Feis. 9. No communication with the adjudicator is permitted before or during the competition, except through the Stage Manager. 10. Competitors shall, as far as possible, compete in the order in which they are called by the Stage Manager. A competitor who fails to present himself when called for a specific competition, and who has not notified the Stage Manager on duty of a just cause for his absence, shall be disqualified from the competition. The Stage Manager shall terminate a competition after the completion of the performance by the last available competitor, unless he/she has been previously notified that the missing competitor is ‘held up’ in which case the competition shall be shall open for a specific time frame determined by the Stage Manager. Once the Stage Manager has closed the competition it cannot be reopened. 11. A copy of the completed adjudication sheet for the competitors own entry only, is available at $1 per sheet and must be requested at the Feis. 12. In duets and trios, full names and addresses of all participants must be listed on the back of the entry form. Having qualified, no substitution is allowed. 13. In solo competitions, a competitor must compete in own age group only. In duets, trios, ceili bands and Grupai Cheoil, a competitor may compete only once in any age group of any of the aforementioned competitions. A competitor may also compete in a higher age group, provided that he/she changes his/her instrument. 14. Including competitions for miscellaneous instrument, competitors are allowed to compete on one instrument only in any one competition. 15. Audio tape recording is not permitted unless approved in advance by the Feis Chairpersons. Each approval is for one individual in one competition. A release must be obtained in advance from any competitor to be recorded. No video recording is permitted. 16. Practice sessions or rehearsals are not allowed in or near the competition rooms. Entry or exit to competition rooms is not allowed during a competition. Spectators are required to be silent during competitions. 17. In competitions for duets and trios, all members must at all times play the melody of the tune. 18. In duets - over 18, two different instruments and only two must be played, and in trios - over 18, at least two different instruments must be played.