Only a couple more days and I’m off to Denver for The Western U.S. Region Oireachtas! I’ve started feeling more excited than nervous. It’s going to be a great trip! I’ll be flying in Friday night, driving from the airport to downtown and staying at The Crown Plaza. The Convention Center where the Oireachtas is being held is within walking distance. Since I compete in the morning on Sunday I won’t be flying home till late Sunday evening. This gives me plenty of time to relax and enjoy watching other dancers compete.

I’m especially excited to see the two 8-hand teams from The Shelley School that will be competing early Saturday morning. I’ll also really enjoy having a nice room with a big king size bed all to myself for an entire weekend. Irish dance competitions are a great excuse to get out and take a vacation. I would never do this type of traveling if I wasn’t an Irish dancer.

Last Saturday was great practice to get me ready. We danced for a nice sized crowd at The Gingerbread Festival at Thanksgiving Point. I arrived planning to do only a few dances with The Shelley Irish Dance Company and the other Championship dancers. I was surprised to find out I was dancing two separate Oireachtas solos. I was real excited when I performed both dances without any mistakes.

After the show I wasn’t so nervous for the Oireachtas. I did well under pressure and had fun doing it. It was a rush! Now I know that this weekend is going to be just like any other show. I’ll just do my best and be happy with whatever result I get.

I’ve got only two more days to practice! Wish me luck, and if you’re going as well, I hope to see you there!

Related posts:

1. The Western US Region Oireachtas 2010
2. Photos From The Western US Region Oireachtas
3. My First Oireachtas
4. Mastering Hornpipe and Reel for Crossroads Feis to Prepare for Oireachtas
5. New Dances For Oireachtas Means Twice As Much Practice