Step-Testing Information and Procedures
One option our school offers for those students not able to participate, or interested, in competition is to test with Miss Mickie to move your steps up to the next level. This is a non-competitive choice which enables the dancer to continue advancing, learning new and harder level steps, and moving up to the next level of class without the need for competition. Two full steps of a dance, right and left foot, are required for the test. A dancer may test up to 2 dances at any one testing session. For example, a dancer may choose to test their reels and hornpipes, 2 full steps of each, in one testing session.
** Any dancer who has tested and moved up steps but then later decides to move into competition MUST enter feisanna as a beginner 1 (or previously attained feis level) and re-advance through the levels again in the context of a judged competition.
Process:
1. Email Miss Mickie at mountaineire.org that you would like to participate in the next available test, specifying which steps you plan to test. Miss Mickie will respond with the date of the next test. These will occur once a month, as need indicates, and will happen at the end of the dancer's regular class time.
2. Download or view the pdf of the step-test report here so that you may familiarize yourself with the system and what will be looked for in a step test. Dancers will be held to the acceptable level for each element on the report to pass the test and move that step to the next level.
3. Practice, practice, practice to prepare yourself and your steps!
4. The day of the test, after your regular class time is over, Miss Mickie will watch and record you dance your steps performed to traditional Irish dance music of her choice. She will then review the recording and fill in a report sheet for each dance tested. If the dancer executed all of the elements to an acceptable level for the level being tested, then she will mark "Passed" on the report. If the dancer has not executed each of the elements to an acceptable level, Miss Mickie will check "See Comments Below." She will then list the specific elements the dancer needs to improve before attempting the test again. If you would like to have her email you the recording of your dances, please let her know.
When a dancer has moved three or more of their dances to the next level, either by testing or through competition, Miss Mickie will notify them when they will be able to begin attending the next level class.
** Any dancer who has tested and moved up steps but then later decides to move into competition MUST enter feisanna as a beginner 1 (or previously attained feis level) and re-advance through the levels again in the context of a judged competition.
Process:
1. Email Miss Mickie at mountaineire.org that you would like to participate in the next available test, specifying which steps you plan to test. Miss Mickie will respond with the date of the next test. These will occur once a month, as need indicates, and will happen at the end of the dancer's regular class time.
2. Download or view the pdf of the step-test report here so that you may familiarize yourself with the system and what will be looked for in a step test. Dancers will be held to the acceptable level for each element on the report to pass the test and move that step to the next level.
3. Practice, practice, practice to prepare yourself and your steps!
4. The day of the test, after your regular class time is over, Miss Mickie will watch and record you dance your steps performed to traditional Irish dance music of her choice. She will then review the recording and fill in a report sheet for each dance tested. If the dancer executed all of the elements to an acceptable level for the level being tested, then she will mark "Passed" on the report. If the dancer has not executed each of the elements to an acceptable level, Miss Mickie will check "See Comments Below." She will then list the specific elements the dancer needs to improve before attempting the test again. If you would like to have her email you the recording of your dances, please let her know.
When a dancer has moved three or more of their dances to the next level, either by testing or through competition, Miss Mickie will notify them when they will be able to begin attending the next level class.