Comment by Lisa Lemanski on May 16, 2013 at 9:21am

Dublin OH Irish Festival Adult Feis 2011

Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on May 16, 2013 at 9:34am

I like the costume, and I much prefer when dancers don't wear those crazy wigs. :-)

Comment by Gerry Regan on May 16, 2013 at 11:10am

What's the tradition behind the wigs, Lisa?

Comment by Lisa Lemanski on May 16, 2013 at 12:19pm

I wouldn't call myself an expert and I've heard a lot of differnt things but when I danced when I was younger we would go to be with curlers so the wigs just make it easier on everyone.  I've been told that when Irish dancing first started everyone danced in their Sunday best so I would imagine that is probably where the curly hair came in and then wigs gained popularity for the ease of not having to curl ones hair....

Comment by Lisa Lemanski on May 16, 2013 at 12:21pm

Thanks Ryan!  That's our adult costume for our school although it may be changing is what I've heard.  I do think we have some of the nicest costumes for our adult dancers that flatter every body type and look nice on adults. Some schools just make a larger version of their kids costumes and sometimes they don't flatter everyone.

Comment by Bit Devine on May 16, 2013 at 4:08pm

Here in Arizona, nobody is allowed to take photos... I am setting up our wares at a Feis this weekend...would love to get some great photos...but not allowed

I have photographed dancers in other states...and in Ireland without issue...during many a Feis... not sure why they don't allow it here...one teacher said they didn't want their dress patterns copied...Not buying it

And like Ryan, I much prefer the dancers sans wigs... I think the wigs are distracting... I rarely see them in Ireland

Comment by Gerry Regan on May 17, 2013 at 9:44am

Interesting observations, Bit. Perhaps the organizers contracted out with a photographer for exclusive rights to photographing the event, which can be quite a lulu if no one else is allowed the opportunity. Reminds me when I was in Israel once -- I saw a sign on a military facility that read, "No photography!" I still have that photograph -- it's one of my favorites. LOL

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