Meet The Kids Of TLC's "The Big Jig"

09/09/2012

When you think of activities that promote teamwork, discipline and unity, dancing probably doesn't come to mind. But that's because you haven't seen the competitive world of Irish dancing. In its new special The Big Jig, TLC delves headlong into the competitive Irish dancing. The special follows five kids on their journey to compete and win the international Irish dancing finals.

Competitive Irish step dancing grew out of traditional Irish music and celebrations. Competitions are called féiles or feiseannas, and dancers are evaulated for technique, style, timing and rhythm.  

Like a tot-sized Riverdance, The Big Jig shows the highs and lows of going for your dancing dreams. The series follows five kids -- Marina, Julia and Emily (from the same hometown of Rochester, NY), Grace and Julia -- who are all 12 and under. They'll fight injuries, family drama and their own nerves to succeed. Join the kids on their journey to this year's competition in Dublin, and watch them step to it!

The Big Jig airs October 9 @ 10|9c. Don't miss it!

--Julie Gerstein

Comments

[Sue Gaynor]

Please post full episode on website so the rest of the Irish Dancing World outside America can see it - pleeessseee

[I luv irish dance]

This is my life. I am absolutely in luv with it and I am going to nationals this year

[cebailey]

Can anyone help me find out about the music from this, especially the soft shoe part 44 minutes in? Thanks!

[May]

Well for all of you who hate the wigs and dresses they cover up alot of the pain and injury we dancers have when we dance. Irish dance is more dangerous than you could ever know. Most girls dream of getting their beautiful personal dress but never do. And the dancer here are the best of the best there are hundreds of thousands of girls who don't get even close to doing someting like that. That whole get up is Not bad if wedidn't wear makeup the bright stage lights that make are dresses glimmer and glow would wash out our faces like someone who isn't prepared for broadway. Irish dance is blood,sweat,tears, and im proud to say it MAKEUP!

[MarJoe]

Have to agree regarding the wigs, makeup, costumes and ye gods tanning! It completely detracts from the incredible talent and stamina of the young dancers. I hope the trend goes away and people return to making the dancing the focus once again. Some are cashing in on this "Tots & Tiaras" aspect and it's a shame.

[Chie]

"feiseanna" is already the plural form of the word "feis"...so "feiseannas" really doesn't make sense.
Come on, guys,you can look it up on Wikipedia; it's not that hard to check your facts.

[Linda]

Watched the show and enjoyed it but as someone who was born in Belfast I would have thought the makers of the documentary would know that Belfast is in Northern Ireland not Ireland it's 2 different countries.

[nicole lopez]

My 3 year old sis takes competitive Irish dance and I been taking it since I was three nd been to nationals five times everytim I come up 2nd place

[Rich]

These young ladies are amazing. Its not a dance but an art and an amazing one at that, each one with their own brush strokes. Personally, I don't care for all the wigs and outlandish costumes which to me takes away from the skill and the power of the dance that compliments the ladies. These young ladies and families should be so proud of the girls hard work, dedication and determination. Great job TLC.

[Caroline]

Hi "mags" feis is short for feisanna..nd i dance...so i would know

[mags]

An Irish dance competition is called a "feis" and it is pronounced "fesh." TLC, please check your facts before you post.

[Margot]

Gracie you look awesome

[Margot]

Gracie you are super get well soon

[Katie]

Emily Marino is in my competition. we are in the mid atlantic region

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Join the kids on their journey to this year's competition in Dublin, and watch them step to it!