Do you wear a wig? How do you manage to get all your hair under it? Mine's at 36" now, and I'm worrying that I'm going to have trouble getting it to fit soonish. o.0 (I have a Youngblood Haircutters wig, style Sheila, I think)

And how long have you been dancing? What school are you at? (Rince na h'Eireann, and 3 years, here. I'm going to Nationals for figures this year!)

Congratulations!!!! :flowers:
Ach, I wish that I could!!!! Unfortunately my studio doesn't offer it anymore. :sad: I am involved in ballet and bellydancing though.
I'm sure someone will happen along who can answer your question.......

This won't be of much help to you, my cousin is an Irish Step dancer. He's a HE (so, no wigs). He dances with Riverdance.

I took classes for almost 2 years, but I'm way past the competition age. I did go to ONE competition, but I didn't bother with a wig- I just curled my hair. I know that it's a big deal with the younger dancers though... Can you just get one of the ones that clips in and falls over your hair or something? I think that's what the girls at my studio did... They weren't wearing full wigs so they didn't really have to worry about getting their own hair stuffed into something...

All 4 of my daughters dance (and danced) competetively for over a decade and I was performance coordinator for most of those years. If you're familiar with the schools we started with Burke in Ohio, then Drumcliffe in NY. The only wigs they are currently allowed to wear are full caps that have a comb in the front and the back. (by a specific maker) Current rage these days is to wear double wigs. The first wigs we got were youngbloods...they'd never do these days. Then again...when we started out wigs weren't worn at all, everyone curled their own hair. Talk about a huge hassle. (especially with 4 dancers).
With a better quality cap wig you shouldn't have too much trouble. You'll need to make a half pony on top of your head and a half pony closer to your neck. The combs will catch front and back that way and keep the wig very secure. You'll be able to tuck (bobby pin if necessary) any of the loose ends the might creep out for a smooth look, and with that much hair for the pony's you'll have nice height to the wig.
Best of luck with your feis!

Oh, I haven't heard that the youngblood wigs aren't that good before! What is it about them that people don't like? Both of mine have been from Youngblood so far. My mom is definitely not a hair person, so I've had a wig since I started. (All of three years ago...) The only rules my school (Rince na h'Eireann) have for wigs are concerning figures -- we all have the same style. For Oireachtas I think everyone had to have a cap wig of some sort.

(ATM I don't have a problem getting all the hair to fit. *sigh* Working on that.)

I haven't looked at youngblood wigs lately, and I'm not saying they aren't good. The problem with them was that they were all banana clip type hair pieces. Good for beginning dancers but not appropriate for figures when odds increase of them falling out/getting yanked out. Our dance master is rather hoity-toity and insisted on the most expensive wigs, particular curl pattern, recurling service etc...so take it with a grain of salt. This wig is required for any figures, so pretty much the only people who go with the less costly wigs are just starting out and not prepared to commit the big money yet.
Honestly, my service from youngbloods was excellent and the girls looked nice in their wigs. They just didn't hold up as long and are a different style than the current choice.

Oooh, that makes sense! I had a banana clip from them, but now I have a cap wig from them. (They have got caps now...) I want an Erin from Celtic Creations though... Meh. They are a bit cheaper than the really nice ones, though.

I sent away for Irish dance shoes when I was 31 and practiced to Colin Dunne's instructional tape at home (I doubt that counts.) Actually I got pretty good, but I also wound up with Achilles' tendonitis from it, which I have never gotten over. Practicing at home was a bad idea because the floor wasn't the right kind and I didn't know it.
I'm too old now to take classes, although I know they have some here in Ohio. I still love Irish dance, always will.