Dancing Green

You know, we're not the only Irish game in town on Labor Day weekend. Just across the street from the Kansas City Irish Fest in the ballrooms of the Westin Crown Center is the Kansas City Feis, now planning their 4th year. The feis (say "fesh"), is an Irish dance competition and if you haven't been to one before, it is something to see. More than 500 dancers, most of them young girls in curly wigs and dresses that cost more than I spend on clothes in a year leaping, bouncing, feet flying, smiles blazing. Not being a "dance dad" as many of my friends are (my boys would have chosen lessons in giving themselves stitches over dance class) I'd never seen a feis until the local version started. I'm not kidding you, if you've never seen one, take some time Irish Fest weekend and check it out. Just don't be gone long, because we'll miss you.

The competition starts at 8:30 AM on Saturday August 30 and ends at 5:00-ish PM in the second floor ballrooms of the Westin, up above the waterfall. You'll see skill levels ranging from the 5 and 6 year old beginners right up to championship dancers who could, and may jump right over you. These are serious athletes. At all skill levels, it's a lot of fun to watch.

For more information on the Feis, visit their website at www.kcfeis.com.