The 10th Mainland European Irish Dancing Championships and World Qualifiers 2014

Registered Teachers of Mainland Europe & Kilkenny School of Irish Dance Presents The 10th Mainland European Irish Dancing Championships and World Qualifiers 2014 with RTME FEIS (Open Platform Status to all Non CLRG schools) Claraithe leis an Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha 22nd & 23rd November 2014 Theater aan het Spui Spui 187 2511 BN Den Haag The Netherlands

Dear Teachers, It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 10th Anniversary of the Mainland European Irish Dancing Championships and the RTME Feis 2014. Brought to you by local organisers, Foundation Chairde Kilkenny School of Irish Dance (ChairdeKSID), in partnership with RTME (Registered Teachers Association for Mainland Europe), this year s event will celebrate the wonderful growth and development of Irish Dance across the continent. This year s location is The Hague, Netherlands - recognised by the U.N. as the International City for Peace and Justice and home to some of the best private art collections in Europe, including the newly renovated Mauritshuis which houses one of the finest collections of Dutch art, including Vermeer s renowned Girl with a Pearl Earring. ChairdeKSID are delighted to have secured a state of the art dance theatre, Theater aan het Spui, in a prime city centre location. Theater aan het Spui boasts two purpose built dance floors and a huge practice room often used by the renowned NDT (Nederlands Dans Theater). Dancers are expected from as far afield as Taipei, Moscow and Rome. They will all compete for the title Mainland European Champion and more importantly, to qualify for a place at the World Championships 2015 in Montreal. As always, the RTME Feis will offer a wide variety of competitions which will cater for all age groups and grades. While the Championships are restricted to dancers from Europe and Asia, the RTME Feis is open to dancers from all regions. We especially welcome UK and Ireland based dancers to our beautiful city to experience the world of Irish dance mainland style, in all its gezelligheid. A new Trad Set Dance Cup will be introduced on the Championship stage while The Hague Trophy will be offered at all levels at the RTME Feis and 2 Adult Championships, for all our adult competitors. Most of all we welcome our highly experienced panel of adjudicators and musicians. We welcome adjudicators Vicky Paulin from Australia, James McCutcheon from Scotland, Kelly McGovern O Boyle from the UK and Olive Hurley from Dublin, and we are delighted to welcome Seamus Ó Sé back to Holland as he was instrumental in getting our teachers association up and running some 12 years ago. Music will be provided by William Paterson from Scotland. Our second musician will be confirmed shortly. The organisers ChairdeKSID will offer many side events to celebrate this gathering so keep checking the RTME website, and both RTME & Kilkenny School of Irish Dancing, The Netherlands Facebook pages to hear about all our extra activities and updates. Tá muid ag súil go more leis an eachtra agus ócáid seo, agus chun fáilte mór a chuiridh roimh damhsóirí, clainne agus cairde na heorpa i mí na Samhain. Welcome & Registration Page 2 of 23 September 2014

Sean Kilkenny TCRG Organizers: Hosted by: RTME Kilkenny School of Irish Dance Date: Saturday 22 nd & Sunday 23 rd November 2014 Adjudicators/Moltoiri: Vicky Paulin, ADCRG Australia James McCutcheon, ADCRG Scotland Kelly McGovern O Boyle, ADCRG England Olive Hurley, ADCRG Ireland Seamus Ó Sé, ADCRG Ireland (RTME Feis) Musicians/Ceoltoiri: William Paterson, Scotland t.b.a. Venue: Theater aan het Spui Spui 187 2511 BN Den Haag The Netherlands Results and registration: InStep (Des Silke) & Feisbase Information: Sean Kilkenny, TCRG kilkennyontap@ziggo.nl chairdeksid@gmail.com REGISTRATION: Championship entries to be received no later than Sunday, 12 th October 2014 Double Fees for late entries for Championship RTME Feis entries to be received no later than Sunday, 16 th November 2014 European dancers: online registration through Feisbase. Dancers from outside Europe: please e-mail Feisbase for an account Welcome & Registration Page 3 of 23 September 2014

Feis Fees: Solo Dances: 5 Team Dances: 4 per dancer Traditional Set Dances: 6 Trophies: 6 Treble Reel: 6 Open Championship Qualifiers: 25 Team Qualifiers (Ceili & Figures): 5 per dancer PAYMENTS: Payments (in Euro) to be made to the following bank account: Account Name: Stichting Chairde Kilkenny School of Irish Dancing IBAN: NL 11 INGB 0006 1145 08 BIC: INGBNL2A For alternative forms of payment please contact the organizing committee chairdeksid@gmail.com Welcome & Registration Page 4 of 23 September 2014

MAINLAND EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS SATURDAY - BLOCK 1 Starting @ 08:30 SHARP # Competition Ages Born Dances 100 European Trad Set Cup Mixed under 11 2003 or earlier 101 European Championship Mixed Under 8 2006 102 European Championship Mixed Under 9 2005 103 Qualifying Championship Girls 9 10 2004 104 Qualifying Championship Boys 9 10 2004 105 Qualifying Championship Girls 10 11 2003 106 Qualifying Championship Boys 10 11 2003 107 European Trad Set Cup Mixed 11 14 2002 to 2000 108 Qualifying Championship Girls 11 12 2002 109 Qualifying Championship Boys 11 12 2002 110 Qualifying Championship Girls 12 13 2001 Traditional Set Dance. Light Single Jig. Traditional Set Dance. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Slip Traditional Set Dance. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Slip CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS Page 5 of 23 September 2014

# Competition Ages Born Dances 111 Qualifying Championship Boys 12 13 2001 112 Qualifying Championship Girls 13 14 2000 113 Qualifying Championship Boys 13 14 2000 Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. LUNCH BREAK SATURDAY - BLOCK 2 # Competition Ages Born Dances 114 European Trad Set Cup Mixed 14 16 1998 to 1997 115 Qualifying Championship Girls 14 15 1999 116 Qualifying Championship Boys 14 15 1999 117 Qualifying Championship Girls 15 16 1998 118 Qualifying Championship Boys 15 16 1998 Traditional Set Dance. Slip Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS Page 6 of 23 September 2014

# Competition Ages Born Dances 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 Qualifying Sub Minor Ceili Championship Qualifying Minor Ceili Championship Qualifying Junior Ceili Championship Qualifying Senior Ceili Championship Qualifying Sub Minor Ceili Championship Qualifying Minor Ceili Championship Qualifying Junior Ceili Championship Girls Under 10 Girls 10 12 Girls 12 15 Girls 15 18 Mixed Under 10 Mixed 10 12 Mixed 12 15 Each team must dance any eight-hand dance from An Rince Foirne. # Competition Ages Born Dances 126 127 128 129 Qualifying Minor Figure Dance Championship Qualifying Junior Figure Dance Championship Qualifying Minor Figure Dance Championship Qualifying Junior Figure Dance Championship Girls under 12 Girls 12 15 Mixed under 12 Mixed 12 15 Each team in Figure Dance competitions will perform one figure dance not exceeding 4 minutes duration. Please read the rules and directions carefully in the 2015 World Brochure. CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS Page 7 of 23 September 2014

SUNDAY - BLOCK 1 Starting @ 8:30 am # Competition Ages Born Dances 130 European Trad Set Cup Mixed 16 19 1995 to 1997 131 Qualifying Championship Girls 16 17 1997 132 Qualifying Championship Boys 16 17 1997 133 Qualifying Championship Ladies 17 18 1996 134 Qualifying Championship Mens 17 18 1996 Traditional Set Dance. Slip Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Hornpipe + Set 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 135 Qualifying Championship Ladies 18 19 1995 136 Qualifying Championship Mens 18 19 1995 Slip LUNCH BREAK SUNDAY - BLOCK 2 # Competition Ages Born Dances 137 European Trad Set Cup Mixed Over 19 1994 or earlier 138 Qualifying Championship Ladies 19 20 1994 139 Qualifying Championship Mens 19 20 1994 Traditional Set Dance. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. Hornpipe + Set Dance 6/8 or 6/8-9/8 time. CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS Page 8 of 23 September 2014

# Competition Ages Born Dances 140 Qualifying Championship Ladies 20-21 1993 141 Qualifying Championship Mens 20-21 1993 142 Qualifying Championship Ladies Over 20 143 Qualifying Championship Mens Over 20 1992 or earlier 1992 or earlier # Competition Ages Born Dances 144 145 Qualifying Senior Ceili Championship Qualifying Minor Ceili Championship Slip Slip Mixed Over 15 Each team must dance any eight-hand dance from An Ladies Over 18 Rince Foirne. # Competition Ages Born Dances 146 147 Qualifying Senior Figure Dance Championship Qualifying Senior Figure Dance Championship Ladies Over 15 Mixed Over 15 Each team in Figure Dance competitions will perform one figure dance not exceeding 4 minutes duration. Please read the rules and directions carefully in the 2015 World Brochure. To round off our Dance Weekend: THE CONNIE MANUEL MEMORIAL TREBLE REEL TROPHY 2014 Open to ALL DANCERS. Free entry registration on the day. Dancers perform 16 bars down the line in Full Costume CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS Page 9 of 23 September 2014

QUALIFYING CHAMPIONSHIPS RULES 1 Dancers resident in Mainland Europe of Open standard are eligible to compete in the Qualifying Championships Oireachtas Rince 2014. 2 Three adjudicators will adjudicate the Qualifying Championships. 3 Qualifying for Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne will be determined by this panel of adjudicators, who will take into account the rulings with regard to the number of qualifiers permitted as laid down by the rules of An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha and any other rules pertaining to qualifying for Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne. 4 In the case of Championships competitors will dance 48 bars of music in the Reel and Jig and 40 bars of music in the Slip Jig and Hornpipe. Championships will commence with the Heavy Dance Round. 5 Only Set Dances included in the Oireachtas brochure 2015 (available on the CLRG website) may be performed in Set Dancing Competition at the Qualifiers. 6 A dancer who does not complete his/her Championship will not be awarded a place at the Oireachtas. 7 All teachers should notify and explain the rules and regulations for dancing at the World Qualifiers to their dancers. 8 Each team in the Qualifying Ceili Championship must have learned and be prepared to dance one eight hand. The chosen dance must be performed in accordance with Ar Rinci Foirne. Only lead round, body and the first figure must be performed. 9 For Figure Dance competition each team must consist of not fewer than eight and not more than sixteen dancers. The dance must be performed in accordance with rules presented in the syllabus for Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne. 10 The Mainland European Irish Dancing Championships and Oireachtas Rince 2014 follows the same rules and directions for Step Dancing, Ceili Dancing and Figure Dancing as the Worlds. Please see the 2015 World Syllabus for all of these General Rules. 11 The Championships are ONLY open to dancers from CLRG registered schools CHAMPIONSHIPS and WORLD QUALIFIERS Page 10 of 23 September 2014

RTME FEIS SATURDAY - BLOCK 1 Starting @8:30 Ages Comp. Ages Comp. Beginners Reel 17 to 20 1a 20 to 25 1b Beginners Light Jig 17 to 20 2a 20 to 25 2b Beginners Single Jig 17 to 20 3a 20 to 25 3b Beginners Slip Jig 17 to 20 4a 20 to 25 4b Beginners Heavy Jig 17 to 20 5a 20 to 25 5b Beginners Hornpipe 17 to 20 6a 20 to 25 6b Primary Reel 17 to 20 7a 20 to 25 7b Primary Light Jig 17 to 20 8a 20 to 25 8b Primary Single Jig 17 to 20 9a 20 to 25 9b Primary Slip Jig 17 to 20 10a 20 to 25 10b Primary Heavy Jig 17 to 20 11a 20 to 25 11b Primary Hornpipe 17 to 20 12a 20 to 25 12b Beginner/Primary THE HAGUE TROPHY 20 to 25 13a 17 to 20 13b Beginner/Primary TRADITIONAL SET 20 to 25 14a 17 to 20 14b Beginner/Primary TREBLE REEL 17 to 25 15a Any grade 2 Hands 17 to 25 16a Any grade 3 Hand 17 to 25 17a Any grade 4 Hands 17 to 25 18a Any grade 6 or 8 Hands 17 to 25 19a Intermediate Reel 17 to 20 20a 20 to 25 20b Intermediate Single Jig 17 to 20 21a 20 to 25 21b Intermediate Slip Jig 17 to 20 22a 20 to 25 22b Intermediate Heavy Jig 17 to 20 23a 20 to 25 23b Intermediate Hornpipe 17 to 20 24a 20 to 25 24b Intermediate THE HAGUE TROPHY 20 to 25 25a 17 to 20 25b Open Reel 17 to 20 26a 20 to 25 26b Open Slip Jig 17 to 20 27a 20 to 25 27b Open Heavy Jig 17 to 20 28a 20 to 25 28b Open Hornpipe 17 to 20 29a 20 to 25 29b Intermediate/Open TRADITIONAL SET 20 to 25 30a 17 to 20 30b Any grade TREBLE REEL 17 to 25 31a RTME FEIS Page 11 of 23 September 2014

LUNCH BREAK SATURDAY - BLOCK 2 Ages Comp. Ages Comp. Beginners Reel 25 to 30 32a Over 30 32b Beginners Light Jig 25 to 30 33a Over 30 33b Beginners Single Jig 25 to 30 34a Over 30 34b Beginners Slip Jig 25 to 30 35a Over 30 35b Beginners Heavy Jig 25 to 30 36a Over 30 36b Beginners Hornpipe 25 to 30 37a Over 30 37b Primary Reel 25 to 30 38a Over 30 38b Primary Light Jig 25 to 30 39a Over 30 39b Primary Single Jig 25 to 30 40a Over 30 40b Primary Slip Jig 25 to 30 41a Over 30 41b Primary Heavy Jig 25 to 30 42a Over 30 42b Primary Hornpipe 25 to 30 43a Over 30 43b Beginner/Primary THE HAGUE TROPHY Over 30 44a 25 to 30 44b Beginner/Primary TRADITIONAL SET Over 30 45a 25 to 30 45b Beginner/Primary TREBLE REEL Over 25 46a Any grade 2 Hands Over 25 47a Any grade 3 Hand Over 25 48a Any grade 4 Hands Over 25 49a Any grade 6 or 8 Hands Over 25 50a Intermediate Reel 25 to 30 51a Over 30 51b Intermediate Single Jig 25 to 30 52a Over 30 52b Intermediate Slip Jig 25 to 30 53a Over 30 53b Intermediate Heavy Jig 25 to 30 54a Over 30 54b Intermediate Hornpipe 25 to 30 55a Over 30 55b Intermediate THE HAGUE TROPHY Over 30 56a 25 to 30 56b RTME FEIS Page 12 of 23 September 2014

Open Reel 25 to 30 57a Over 30 57b Open Slip Jig 25 to 30 58a Over 30 58b Open Heavy Jig 25 to 30 59a Over 30 59b Open Hornpipe 25 to 30 60a Over 30 60b Intermediate/Open TRADITIONAL SET Over 30 61a 25 to 30 61b Any grade TREBLE REEL Over 25 62a Adult Premier Championship Light, Heavy and Set Under 25 63a Over 25 63b RTME FEIS Page 13 of 23 September 2014

SUNDAY - BLOCK 1 Starting @ 8:30 Ages Comp. Ages Comp. Beginners Reel under 8 64a 8 to 11 64b Beginners Light Jig under 8 65a 8 to 11 65 Beginners Single Jig under 8 66a 8 to 11 66b Beginners Slip Jig under 8 67a 8 to 11 67b Beginners Heavy Jig under 8 68a 8 to 11 68b Beginners Hornpipe under 8 69a 8 to 11 69b Primary Reel under 8 70a 8 to 11 70b Primary Light Jig under 8 71a 8 to 11 71b Primary Single Jig under 8 72a 8 to 11 72b Primary Slip Jig under 8 73a 8 to 11 73b Primary Heavy Jig under 8 74a 8 to 11 74b Primary Hornpipe under 8 75a 8 to 11 75b Beginner/Primary THE HAGUE TROPHY 8 to 11 76a under 8 76b Beginner/Primary TRADITIONAL SET 8 to 11 77a under 8 77b Any grade 2 Hands under 11 78a Any grade 3 Hand under 11 79a Any grade 4 Hands under 11 80a Any grade 6 or 8 Hands under 11 81a Intermediate Reel under 8 82a 8 to 11 82b Intermediate Light Jig under 8 83a 8 to 11 83b Intermediate Single Jig under 8 84a 8 to 11 84b Intermediate Slip Jig under 8 85a 8 to 11 85b Intermediate Heavy Jig under 8 86a 8 to 11 86b Intermediate Hornpipe under 8 87a 8 to 11 87b Intermediate THE HAGUE TROPHY 8 to 11 88a under 8 88b Open Reel under 8 89a 8 to 11 89b Open Slip Jig under 8 90a 8 to 11 90b Open Heavy Jig under 8 91a 8 to 11 91b Open Hornpipe under 8 92a 8 to 11 92b Intermediate/Open TRADITIONAL SET 8 to 11 93a under 8 93b Any grade TREBLE REEL under 11 94a RTME FEIS Page 14 of 23 September 2014

LUNCH BREAK SUNDAY - BLOCK 2 Ages Comp. Ages Comp. Beginners Reel 11 to 14 95a 14 to 17 95b Beginners Light Jig 11 to 14 96a 14 to 17 96b Beginners Single Jig 11 to 14 97a 14 to 17 97b Beginners Slip Jig 11 to 14 98a 14 to 17 98b Beginners Heavy Jig 11 to 14 99a 14 to 17 99b Beginners Hornpipe 11 to 14 100a 14 to 17 100b Primary Reel 11 to 14 101a 14 to 17 101b Primary Light Jig 11 to 14 102a 14 to 17 102b Primary Single Jig 11 to 14 103a 14 to 17 103b Primary Slip Jig 11 to 14 104a 14 to 17 104b Primary Heavy Jig 11 to 14 105a 14 to 17 105b Primary Hornpipe 11 to 14 106a 14 to 17 106b Beginner/Primary THE HAGUE TROPHY 14 to 17 107a 11 to 14 107b Beginner/Primary TRADITIONAL SET 14 to 17 108a 11 to 14 108b Any grade 2 Hands 11 to 17 109a Any grade 3 Hand 11 to 17 110a Any grade 4 Hands 11 to 17 111a Any grade 6 or 8 Hands 11 to 17 112a Intermediate Reel 11 to 14 113a 14 to 17 113b Intermediate Light Jig 11 to 14 114a 14 to 17 114b Intermediate Single Jig 11 to 14 115a 14 to 17 115b Intermediate Slip Jig 11 to 14 116a 14 to 17 116b Intermediate Heavy Jig 11 to 14 117a 14 to 17 117b Intermediate Hornpipe 11 to 14 118a 14 to 17 118b Intermediate THE HAGUE TROPHY 14 to 17 119a 11 to 14 119b RTME FEIS Page 15 of 23 September 2014

Open Reel 11 to 14 120a 14 to 17 120b Open Slip Jig 11 to 14 121a 14 to 17 121b Open Heavy Jig 11 to 14 122a 14 to 17 122b Open Hornpipe 11 to 14 123a 14 to 17 123b Intermediate/Open TRADITIONAL SET 14 to 17 124a 11 to 14 124b Any grade TREBLE REEL 11 to 17 125a RTME FEIS Page 16 of 23 September 2014

RTME FEIS RULES - Rialacha na Feise 1 The Feis will run in accordance with the Rules of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha. 2 Entries will only be accepted from persons currently registered with An Coimisiún. This Feis is (also) open to persons who are registered as teachers (in any category) with An Coimisiún and to registered Ceili Clubs. 3 The lodgement of an entry will be taken to mean that teachers and pupils understand these rules and undertake to abide by them. 4 Objections must be lodged in writing within one hour of the announcement of the result of a competition accompanied by a fee of 40 Euro, which will be refunded if the objection is upheld. 5 Age will be taken as on 1st January 2014. Whatever age a dancer turns this year, in 2014, s/he will dance under that age all year long, e.g. if a dancer s date of birth is 29 May 2004, he/she dances under 10 in the year 2014). Evidence of age may be requested, therefore dancers from Mainland Europe should have a valid ID with them in the event of a query as to their age. 6 The Adjudicators decisions are final. 7 Beginners Grade competitions are confined to dancers who have never won 1 st or 2 nd prize (also 3 rd prize, please refer to rule 9) in any competition for that particular dance. In Beginners Grade competitions only basic steps may be performed. 8 Primary Grade competitions are confined to dancers who have never won 1 st prize (or 2 nd prize, please refer to rule 10) for that particular dance other than in Beginners Grade. 9 If a Beginner competition has 6 or more dancers, the first two places advance to the next grade, regardless of ties. If a Beginner competition has 11 dancers or more, then the first 3 places advance to the next grade regardless of ties. (RTME ruling Sept. 2007). 10 If a Primary competition has 6 or more dancers, the first place advances to the next grade. If a Primary competition has 11 or more, the first and second places advance to the next grade, regardless of ties. (RTME ruling June 2011). 11 Where there are five dancers or less for Beginners, Primary and Intermediate competitions, the results will not affect their grading. 12 Intermediate Grade competitions are open to all dancers who have not previously won first prize for that particular dance in Intermediate or Open Grades under the same or higher age limits. If a dancer in Mainland Europe wins in Intermediate, they must advance into Open for the rest of the calendar year. If they do not win in Open, they may return to Intermediate at the start of the next calendar year. (RTME ruling Sept. 2007). 13 For all Beginner, Primary, Intermediate and Open Solo competitions (excluding trophy competitions) the 32 bar method will be applied. However, the number of bars to be danced may be lowered if this seems indicated to the organisers. Two and three hands are danced to 40 bars of music. Ceíli and figure dances are subject to the rules applied at Oireachtasi. 14 Adult Premier Championships are open to Intermediate/Open level dancers who have never won a 1 st, 2 nd or 3 rd place in Open Championship level and to dancers not participating in a full RTME FEIS Page 17 of 23 September 2014

Open Championship at the same feis. Dancers will be required to dance 32 bars of music in the reel (gents, ladies) or slip-jig (ladies) in the light round, heavy jig or hornpipe in the heavy round, and a Traditional Set or Non-Traditional Set. If there are more than 9 dancers in any competition, it will go to recall. Please note that these championships have been created for dancers who started Irish Dancing as ADULTS. 15 Beginner and Primary Trophy Competitions will be a choice of any light dance or heavy dance. Dancers will dance 16 bars down the line in their chosen dance. They may only be entered in dances which they have not previously placed out of. 16 Music will be played at the recognized An Coimisiún speeds of Mainland Europe. Dance Beginners Primary Intermediate/Open Reel 121/123 116/118 113 Light Jig 116 116 116 Slip Jig 121 118 113 Single Jig 123 123 121 Heavy Jig 89 79 73 Hornpipe 142 130 113 17 Team dances (four hands and upward) must be performed in accordance with the Coimisiún handbook Ar Rinci Foirne. 18 The Hague Trophy and all other trophies may be retained by the winners. 19 This year s Treble Reel theme will be Black and White Hollywood Stars who all dance 1 step (16 bars) down the line Twice (32 bars in total). 20 Within the limits specified in the Rules of An Coimisiún, the Organisers may at their discretion cancel or combine competitions with insufficient entries. 21 Order and quiet must be kept in the hall, particularly while competitors are dancing. 22 Traditional Set Dance competitions at RTME Feis and the new European Traditional Set Cup are a choice out of 7 traditional dances: St. Patrick s Day, Blackbird, Job of Journeywork, Garden of Daisies, King of the Fairies, Jockey to the Fair and Three Sea Captains. If a dancer wins first place in any traditional set dance competition, s/he moves on the next level in all 7 traditional sets. 23 Provided that dancers are not disturbed by flashlights or the like, photography or video recording by persons other than official feis photographers is allowed during Beginners and Primary competitions and during all award ceremonies. During Intermediate and Open competitions, this is reserved to any official feis photographer on site. 24 Competitors must be in costume and ready to dance 30 minutes before their competitions are scheduled. 25 The Feis organisers cannot accept any liability for injury or loss or damage to property while on the premises. 26 Only Feis officials may approach the adjudicators during competition sessions. 27 The dress code in accordance with An Coimisiún rules will be strictly observed. For the sake of modesty and in the interest of safety to young people, dancers will not be permitted to walk around the Feis scantily dressed. 28 All Beginners and Primary dancers of all age groups may only wear a class costume, simple dancewear or appropriate attire (skirt and top/blouse, simple dress for girls and ladies, RTME FEIS Page 18 of 23 September 2014

trousers and t-shirt/shirt for boys and gents). Make-up is not permitted for any dancer in the first two grades up to and including the Under 12 age group worldwide. For details of approved costume features, please refer to the Costume Rules on www.clrg.ie. 29 An Coimisiún has ruled that from 1st January each year, that no block, en pointe, stationary or moving, be allowed to be performed for all ages up to and including the under 12 age group worldwide. The Under 12 Age Group will be allowed to toe walk from September 1st. 30 By entering in competitions, dancers (or their legal representatives, in case of minors) consent to their names being stated in the feis results and in the public Internet archives of Feisbase or any other feis entry/results system as may replace it. 31 No refunds will be made. 32 Any competitors found to be using artificial carriage aids will be requested to remove same. 33 Adjudicators will be supplies with Costume comment sheets for non-suitable costume. 34 Make-up Rules (4.5 in CLRG Rule Book) 4.5.2 Make-up (including false eyelashes) is not permitted for dancers, in either solo or team competitions, up to and including the Under 10 age group. For the purposes of this rule the term "Make-up : includes tinted moisturiser and any artificial tanning products. An Coimisiún hopes that teachers and parents will interpret and apply this rule in the spirit in which it is intended. 35 The RTME Feis has been granted OPEN STATUS and is now open to all other Irish dancing associations and not just CLRG registered schools RTME FEIS Page 19 of 23 September 2014

Travelling to Den Haag Airports Schiphol Airport Amsterdam: is serviced by all major and some minor airlines. You can take a train from the airport to Den Haag Centraal station. It takes 30 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. Rotterdam-The Hague Airport: is a smaller airport but also has connections to many parts of Europe. There is a train to Den Haag Centraal Station every 10/15 minutes and it takes 15 minutes. Eindhoven Airport: With 77 European destinations and most budget airlines flying into Eindhoven, it may be an option. However it is on the east side of the Netherlands. It will take approx 1 ½ hours by train to reach Den Haag. Depending on the time of day, sometimes you have to change trains which may take more time. Trains: Den Haag Centraal: is the biggest train station in the city. It is a 5 minute walk to the city centre and also to the theatre venue. Den Haag HS: (Holland Spoor) All south bound trains pass through this station. It has intercity connections to Antwerp and Brussels. It also has easy connections to Den Haag central or is a 15 minute walk to the centre. Rotterdam Centraal: The Thalys train that links up with many European destinations comes into Rotterdam central station. Then it is a short intercity ride to Den Haag. O.V. Chipcard For public transport the city of Den Haag is one of the easiest cities to get around using trams and buses. All transport is interlinked and can be paid by one chipcard. This card can be easily purchased at all stations and some shops. Driving/parking You can easily drive to Den Haag city centre by car. There are some restrictions in the center, however there is ample parking available particularly underground where the Championship will be held. Parking fees per 24 hours range from 20 (guests staying at the Mercure Hotel) to 30. We are currently negotiating the price per 24 hours. Travel & The Hague Page 20 of 23 September 2014

Accommodation There are over 55,000 beds normally available to rent in Den Haag ranging from the very luxurious to hostels. However as it is a hub for conference events and the 21-22 November is no exception, early reservations are highly recommended. The preferred hotels for the Championships are The NH Hotel Den Haag and the Accor Group, (Mercure, Novotel and Ibis hotels see link for all offers, or offers from individual hotels below). Hotel Mercure hotel Den Haag Central Championship Hotel NH Hotel Den Haag (2 nd Championship Hotel) Ibis Den Haag City Centre Novotel Den Haag City Centre Novotel Den Haag World Forum Mercure Hotel Den Haag Leidschendam Ibis Den Haag Scheveningen Suite Novotel Den Haag City Centre (Opening October 2014) Distance Rate (Single) Rate Twin # rooms (walking/tram) 1 minutes walk 129 149 40 11 minutes Tram/Taxi 105 120 125 11 minute walk 105 135 90 5 minute walk 129 149 30 20 minutes Tram/Taxi 129 149 30 20 minutes 79 89 20 Tram/Taxi 20 minutes 119 135 60 Tram/Taxi 4 minute walk 109 149 118 suites There are also possibilities that a child up to 16 yrs can stay free in a parent s room and an extra bed for adults can cost 30 per night. All prices include breakfast but exclude the city tax. Hostels: There are a small number of low budget hotels and hostels available in Den Haag. Prices range from 23-65 depending on the number in a room. Two new & recommended hostels are Hostel The Hague http://hostelthehague.com/ (7 minute walk to venue, includes breakfast) King Kool http://www.kingkool.nl/ (12 minute walk to venue) Both of which will offer 10% discount on their rooms for groups (10 guests or more). For King Kool, they recommend that you book a room directly via their website, to avail from the discount use the code IrishDance. Travel & The Hague Page 21 of 23 September 2014

Host families Den Haag is one of the diplomatic and consular centres of Europe. Realising that hotels can be beyond certain dancers budget, ChairdeKSID have been exploring the possibility of host families arranged through the embassies and coordinated by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. The Russian, Hungarian and Polish embassies so far are positively interested in finding host families in The Hague for dancers from these countries. If other eastern European countries with dancers attending & seeking to avail of this offer please let us know We would need to know the approximate number of dancers from each respective country as earlier as possible. You can contact us about this via chairdeksid@gmail.com Travel & The Hague Page 22 of 23 September 2014

Fringe events In addition to the European Championships and the RTME Feis, a number of Fringe events are also being planned for the weekend of 21 st, 22 nd and 23 rd of November. So far they include: Friday night 18:00 Flash mob Central Station The Hague all dancers welcome. Steps will be sent before well in advance. Please let us know per e-mail, if you will be joining and with how many dancers. Official Opening ceremony before parade of Champions on Saturday 22 nd November with guest speaker Seamus Ó Sé, diplomats, sponsors, mayor etc. Saturday Championship results & parade of Champions close of day (17:30) Saturday night ceili as old 20:00 Sunday result & parade of Champions @ close of day Sunday closing/farewell 16:00/17:00 We hope you are all as excited about this event in The Hague as we are and that you all enjoy your stay in The Hague, but if you are still not convinced, perhaps this article from CNN will give you an additional seven reasons to join us in The Hague Travel & The Hague Page 23 of 23 September 2014