Atlantic Canadian Irish Dance Championships
April 15 & 16, 2023 | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Work is underway to host the second annual Atlantic Canadian Irish Dance Championships at the Westin Nova Scotian on April 15 & 16, 2023. We are so excited to offer this unique and high-calibre opportunity for dancers to compete.
Until recently, very few feiseanna were held in Atlantic Canada. Not many years ago there was only one opportunity in all of the Atlantic provinces every four years. More recently, two have been offered in one year. This is an incredible leap but still leaves Atlantic Canada far behind the rest of the country and Irish dance world. In order to offer local dancers similar training and opportunities, more events must be hosted.
This year, we’re aiming to raise up to $30,000 to help provide this exciting event to Irish dancers in our region, and across North America. This two-day event should attract upwards of 200 dancers but our costs remain high. We have several fundraising events planned throughout the year to help with our goal, and we hope it is an event you will consider supporting too.
How you can support
ACIDC has four tiers of opportunity & recognition for supporters: High Tide, Spring Tide, Rising Tide and Good Luck.
We also have a a general donation option. Donate any amount you want with our flex donation (just change the quantity to the dollar value you want to contribute, up to 99). Or advertise in our online program with a business card sized ad for $100.
Review the sponsor types below and reach out to us or click the corresponding DONATE NOW button. Browse our Drop Anchor supporter package to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.
- Opportunity to display materials if desired April 15 & 16
- Your organization/name featured on our website and a link to your organization’s website
- Individual acknowledgement on our Instagram and Facebook accounts
- Individual acknowledgement announced at two (2) podium award ceremonies
- Business card size ad in digital program book (deadline March 31)
- Poster size of your company logo at two stages (deadline for posters March 24)
- Your organization/name featured on our website and a link to your organization’s website
- Group acknowledgement on our Instagram and Facebook accounts
- Your support acknowledged in our digital program (deadline March 31)
- Poster size of your organization’s logo or name at one stage (deadline for posters March 24)
- Your organization/name featured on our website and a link to your organization’s website
- Group acknowledgement on our Instagram and Facebook accounts
- Your support acknowledged in our digital program (deadline March 31)
- Acknowledgement on our website
- Greetings and good luck messages shared on social media (deadline extended to April 13), and in our online program (deadline extended to April 8). Email acidchamps@gmail.com with the senders name, recipients name, and your good luck message.
What is a feis?
A feis (Irish dance competition) is the primary way Irish dancers advance and measure progress. Feiseanna offer competitions in six, core levels. Dancers compete according to their level but also their age and individual dance. Irish dance feiseanna are judged by a qualified adjudicator and accompanied by live music. Dancers attending feiseanna are provided with written feedback and earn placements to advance levels based on their performance.
Who attends feiseanna?
The majority of dancers who will attend ACIDC will be from neighbouring areas but dancers come from all around to compete in feiseanna. Typically, a feis in Nova Scotia will see close to 200 dancers from 20+ schools from all areas of Canada and the United States. Traveling and seeing new places is a big part of competition in Irish dance. As well, exposing dancers to new competitors helps develop a dancer’s skill and experience.
Why host a feis?
Feiseanna are a necessary component of Irish dance. However, until recently, very few feiseanna were held in Nova Scotia. Not many years ago there was only one opportunity in the province every four years. More recently, two have been offered in one year. This is an incredible leap but still leaves Atlantic Canada far behind the rest of the country and Irish dance world. In order to offer local dancers similar training and opportunities, more events must be hosted.
Feis Format
ACIDC will represent two feiseanna, one held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 and the other on a Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the Westin Nova Scotian.
Both feiseanna will be held in the same venue and promoted under the same umbrella name of ACIDC. This will encourage more competitors to enter as they will double their opportunities to for placements and advancements. From an organizational standpoint, the objective will be to double revenue over a single day event while only slightly increasing costs.
To make the weekend even more valuable for dancers, dance exams are being organized for Friday, April 14, 2023 to provide dancers with an additional chance to further their dance education all in one place.
Feis Committee
- Laura Hopper, Chair & Financials Lead
- Alexa Zarins, Registration & Tabulation Lead
- Amy Carr, Registration & Tabulation Lead
- Becky Chapman, Communications, Venue & Grade Exams Lead
- Anita Galliott, Fundraising & Sponsorship
- Colleen McKenzie, Awards
- James Foley, Treasurer
- Katie Doiron, Venue, Volunteers
- Lisa DeWolfe, Fundraising & Sponsorship
- Maggie Chapman, Adjudicators & Musicians
- Shauna Foran, Awards
- Shelley MacDonald, Grade Exams and Awards