Feis Calender
The Seamus and Marie Moore Memorial Feis.
Every year the Brooks Academy assist in the running of The Seamus and Marie Moore Memorial Feis, held in Hertfordshire in June.
The Feis, originally The Bedford Feis was started 40 years ago by Seamus & Marie Moore. They worked alongside the Knights of St Columba to promote Irish Dancing in Bedford . The Feis was an instant success, attracting dancers of World class standard to the three day, one stage event, held at St Gregorys RC School , in Bedford . The Feis proved to be so popular it was confined to Bedford, and its surrounding counties, making it the first confined feis in the Southern Region.
The confined feis ran twice a year, in May and November and continued to attract over 400 dancers to Bedford . The Feis was taken over in 1997 by Seamus & Maries daughter Phyllis, who along with her husband John and children, Ciaron, Sinead & Aislinn continued to run the Feis in their Memory. Due to its continual expansion, a decision was made to reopen the Feis in 2003, moving to a new home at Mount Grace School, Potters Bar, and finally onto its current venue of Queens School, Watford. The Seamus & Marie Moore Feis is one of the most popular Feis’ in the country, with over 1100 dancers attending each year.
Class Feiseanna
The Brooks Academy holds Class Feisanna twice annually, one during the summer and one at Christmas. The purpose of Class Feiseanna is to give new and inexperienced dancers the opportunity to compete for the first time on stage and in front of an audience. The emphasis of a Class Feis is FUN though!!! It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, you can have another go!!!
What to Wear
Costume
If you are a beginner, we recommend that you purchase a Brooks Academy Beginners outfit, which consists of a Class polo shirt, pink skirt, matching hairband and dancing socks. These can be ordered at class. If you are waiting for your Brooks beginners outfit to arrive, then you may wear a black skirt (above the knee) and blouse. Dancing shoes and socks must always be worn at Feiseanna.
Primary/Intermediate dancers may purchase 2 nd hand dresses, although not without the permission of one of the Academy teachers first. This is to protect you from a ‘bad buy’. If you wish to get a costume made, please speak to Sinead who will arrange an appointment for you.
Hair
We recommend that beginner dancers wear their hair off their face, preferably in a bun. You may curl your hair or wear a wig, although please ask for help when purchasing a wig, to ensure you buy the correct one for your child.
Feis Entry
Most Feiseanna are pre entry. The Academy teachers will update the Feis book with details of upcoming Feiseanna. If you wish to enter one please fill out the form in the book and leave a cheque for the correct fee. DO NOT PUT CASH IN. Unfortunately we cannot submit entries without the correct fees, so please ensure you are aware of closing dates etc.