Dancing with Digital Feis: Advice for CRN Dancers
We’ve had some great questions lately, and I’d like to clarify a few best practices for the CRN dancers joining us this year.
Level Comparisons
Digital Feis levels generally match CRN levels:
- Beginner & Bún Grád
- Primary & Ullmhúchán Grád
- Novice & Meán Grád
- Prizewinner & Árd Grád
- Champion & Craobh Grád
If Meán Grád dancers are at a point where they are dancing Árd Grád steps while they transition through the levels, it’s up to the teacher whether to compete in Novice or Prizewinner for Digital Feis.
Dancing in One Level for Digital Feis
CRN has certain required choreography for their lower levels. In North America if not elsewhere, CRN dancers can compete their reel, for example, in both Bún and Ullmhúchán. This is because the choreography is different in each grade.
Because Digital Feis does not have required choreography and multi-level competition is not universal, we request that all dancers focus on the level that a dancer is working to advance.
Length of Dances
CRN dancers often go beyond the required bars for Digital Feis dances. CRN dancers can submit their entire dances, but here’s how we keep it fair: dancers will only be scored on their required bars. Any dancing after that will not be scored, but can receive adjudication comments. This keeps everyone on an even playing field, but gives CRN dancers feedback on their entire dance.
How this benefits CRN dancers: CRN dancers will not be docked points for stamina issues near the end of their dance, when they are often doing nearly double the amount of steps that are required.
How this benefits everyone: All dancers will be adjudicated on the same number of bars, adjudicating all dancers equally.
Number Cards
Dancers will request a number card once. They will always use the same number, for every feis. Registering for a number card is free.
Entering a Feis
Dancers will only pay when they enter a feis. You will see a button on the Current Feis page when the entry form is open. Payment is currently through Paypal.
Sending Results to CRN
Update on August 21, 2019: Be sure to send Digital Feis results to CRN within 5 days of receiving them.
Familiarity with CRN
Ashley Middleton and Charmaine Forbes both have training in CRN’s style and have access to Oide Damhsa, the CRN céilí book. Sharon Stidham grew up dancing in a very similar style. The team is supportive of all dancers and continues to learn about each organization’s style as Irish dancing continues to evolve.
Contact us for additional clarifications
Do you have more questions? Please contact us at hello@digitalfeis.co with anything else we can help you with.