Irish dancing is the traditional dance of Ireland and so popular not just amongst the Irish but in many countries throughout the World.

Irish dancing is performed either individually (step dancing) or by teams (Ceili and Set dancing).

In the late nineteen sixties a decision was made to create a World Irish Dancing Championship event. This brought the continents together and has grown enormous in numbers to this day.

As most of you know the interest built again after Michael Flatley Jean Butler and a stunning crew of World Champion Dancers took to the stage to show Europe what we were all about in the Eurovision in 1996. Still keeping to traditional basic steps the energy of our dance we believe has improved.

It is the intricate and fast paced footwork that has captured the imagination of the World. With Rhythmic footwork and lively music it will sure to have your feet tapping.

Our organisation An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha was first conceived as a Commission of Enquiry in the late twenties and established as an authority in 1930 to promote and foster all forms of Irish dance.

Irish dancing is taught in some schools in Ireland however mostly classes are outside school time. In step dancing there is both soft and hard shoe dancing.

As we are very passionate about Irish dancing we find great personal pleasure in teaching and helping dancers develop great dance skills and a love for the Irish dance culture. This style of dance fosters a healthy competitive spirit.

Through dance children can learn increased physical skills. They develop body control and coordination. There is also the opportunity to increased mental skills, listening, following instructions, increasing attention span and memorising steps.

Dancing increases a Child’s desire to do well and to the best of their ability. It helps build self esteem and increase the children’s confidence as she or he develops stage presence. Irish dancing is a terrific form of exercise and very importantly plays a big part in promoting our Irish culture.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to Irish dance. Like many team sports lifetime friends can be made through classes, feis events and trips away. Lovely quality time is spent between children and a parent or parents in some cases, even if it is through competition.

Dance can also open new opportunities in terms of careers. The entertainment industry is vast and employs thousands in dance related roles alone. There are numerous professions in dance from dancing,teaching,choreography or dance notation. In addition to this people work in the dance industry throughout the world as;community dance practitioners, promoters, produces, designers, publicist, technicians, physiotherapists, medical and alternative practitioners,therapists,writers and academics.

Now that’s a mouthful and you thought it was just a dance class. Dance class as a child,as with any class in any subject,can change a child’s life as they find the opening to their true heartfelt career in the future.

Ceili dancing is our native group dancing of Ireland.  Some of our ceili dances can be traced back to the 1500’s.

Over the years we have had many groups travel all over Ireland and the world and compete in competition, shows and festivals.  Many fun days had by all.

Ceile dancing is great fun and a super way of exercising. It brings great team spirit to the class.  Our teams have won Leinster titles and competed at World Championship level.  Our under 11 team was placed as high as 6th place at the World championships in Boston in 2013, which was a massive achievement.

Ceile dancing is a lot of commitment from both teachers and students.  It is a great way of ensuring that one day every dancer may compete in the World Championships as solo dancing in the World’s maybe beyond reach for some children in their qualifying rounds.

Keep an eye out for the return of our Ceili classes.

On another note there are many Ceile’s held all over the country.  These are great fun to attend with your children and also visitors to the country.  Do at some stage visit the Culturlann na hEireann Cultural Center, 32 belgrave Square, Monkstown.  Dancing every friday 9pm.

A fun place to go with the family.

Finally we run many Ceili’s throughout the year for schools, student groups and visitors to our country.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require a Ceili of any sort.  Our new dance studio is also available for your group to use.

1)   First step Class Feis

During the year children will get the chance to partake in one or two class Feiseanna.  These are very important for your child.  This gives them the chance to show off their skills as a beginner and what they perceive Irish dancing to be all about before the steps are really grounded into them.  This is a very important stage. They get to dance with their friends and also meet other children from the Academy.   They learn a lot from class Feiseanna and a little competition is healthy.  It also gives us the teachers the opportunity to see how steps are performed under a little pressure and it prepares the children for the Feiseanna at a higher level.  Prizes are very generous at the class Feis events.  This stage is very important. It gives us the opportunity to encourage children for their fantastic efforts and to reward them for practicing and improving.  There is no rush into Feiseanna however it can do at any stage benefit greatly in picking up the steps at a quicker pace or even at a normal pace as some children can struggle a little with certain steps.  Seeing others dance them usually helps.  It is also nice to dance through each level with the group they may have started with.

All children should have their black costume at this stage.  This costume consists of a black circular club skirt and a black printed club T/shirt, also dance socks €40. (Diamond socks a choice at extra cost).  We also use a club hairband. Boys wear a black trousers, shirt and purple tie.  All costumes are available in our very own dance shop (Danceland) in the dance studio.  This outfit  may be worn to school classes however once you start a few Feis events you should really keep it up for these events only as it is nice to have it looking perfect on the day.  We have a lot of very affordable club practice gear in our studio shop which may be purchased for class.  All students who attend the studio classes must wear club gear with the Fegan crest.    

Please note Feis events are not compulsory.  Do whatever you can afford.  Class Fee’s should be paid before Feis events. 

2) Open Feiseanna

An open feis is a event which is organised by another teacher from our own organisation.  There are many run at different times of the year throughout the country. One or two for a beginner may be enough to start with. Usually the beginners attend Feis’s in the Dublin area.  Sometimes when they are confident some families may travel around the country to Feis’s as some people may have relations close to where a Feis is been held.     

There is no rush out to the open Feis’s.  Some smaller dance organisations can send children out before they are ready.  This can put the child and parents under unnecessary pressure and can waste your time and money at this early stage. We are perfectionist and like the children to be well able to manage their steps comfortably.  This depending on the child and sometimes age may take anything up to a year or more.  As soon as your child is ready and you are interested we will let you know. (Class events can be enough at this time and great fun).

All children will get an invite to everything open to them.  We do not have favourites and we do not like to leave anyone out.  However it is your choice weather you would like to attend events or not.  Most Feis events are pay on the day and there is usually an entry fee for parents at the door.  The higher grades in dance may require entry before the day.  All entries must come through the teachers.

When you arrive at your Feis event there will be an entry table at the end of the room.  This is where you can enter the competition with the organizers.  You give the name of your child, the age group and the list of dances.  Also the name of the school which is the Fegan Academy.    

Please read through all the grades which will have you built up to the open section.  Not everything applies to just one grade you must build it up.

Bun grad (First grade in the open feiseanna)       

Bun grad is the first beginner’s grade in the open Feiseanna.  There are four soft shoe dances and three heavy shoe dances in this grade.  Not all dances are performed at every Feis.  Sometimes a Feis may only have a few of the grade dances.  Children can manage this grade on attending one class a week. However if you are interested in moving up and winning your grades at a faster pace you should up your classes to at least two a week.  There is a lot to learn and the more your child comes to class the better they will become. Some children may find it easier to win than others but once the work is put in all children should do well.  

When you win first in this grade (Bun Grad) you move up to the next grade (Tus Grad).  If over 20 in your competition the first and second child will move up to the next grade. There is no rush in moving up.  Take it at your own pace. 

Dance shoes:  As a beginner shoes may be fitted a little big for comfort.  Now it is important at this stage not to have shoes too big as toes need to be pointed and a nice shoe and look is very important from now on.  Therefore it may be important for the best performance to have a good Feis shoe fitted.  

I will inform you of when your child will be ready for Feiseanna.  I will also decide which Feiseanna the beginners attend.  I will always give you the list of dances I think you child should dance on the day including the trophy dance.  All teachers do not have to attend Feis events but I always attend with our beginners.  We are not paid for these events or our time given.  This is our gift to you for attending our class.

 It is not easy to win at these open Feis events.  Your child will dance up against many other schools.  Usually all children in one dance at least will receive a medal, after that its competition all the way.  Tell your child to listen carefully to their teacher.  Also ask your child to see their teacher before and after they dance on stage.  This way final instructions can be given. 

All beginners should have their own dance CD to practice with.  It is important to practice the day before the Feis.  If you find it is hard for your child to practice send him or her to an extra class before the Feis and also to benefit from the best results you can get on the day.

Costume: Beginner’s competition does not have to be expensive.  To start off younger children may wear their black club gear. We also have a few beginner costumes which may be used.  I can recommend that it is time to purchase a costume or you yourself can ask to take a look at costumes.  Nice birthday and Christmas presents!  We have our first costume the purple and white skirt, wiastcoat, blouse and shawl.  We now have a new dance costume for our under 12’s.  Price €200.  We also have a few of our white club costumes around at second hand prices.  The new white dress is made to order.   Having a uniform makes a child feel important and confident. Also if very interested in moving up the grades, don’t delay get that dress today!!!!

Hair should be brushed and up in a half pony and everyone should have the club hairband which suits your costume.  If interested in doing well, ensure you always have white socks and even some move on to use the sock glue to prevent the socks from falling down.  Good to start building your dance bag.  If you wear one of the dress costumes you should attend the feis in your Fegan crested dance gear.  This is cooler for practicing before you go on stage.  Just before the competition you can put on your dress. Wear your club gear with pride as we are very proud of all our dancers.

This is a lovely grade and usually runs smoothly with everyone in good form.  If any one has any issue’s or questions please do not talk between the class.  I hear everything back no matter how small so it is, so best to come to me first.

At this stage all children should have the Fegan Academy purple T shirt and shorts.  There is also a lot more very affordable practice out fits for sale in our dance shop.  All dancers through the studio should attend in club gear with the Fegan crest on all garments.

Hard shoes:  If beginners would like to wear buckles on their hard shoes the black ones are to be fitted.  No beginner is to wear the diamond buckles on their hard shoes.  Diamond buckles may be worn from the Lar/mean grad section.

Wigs: Please read the article on wigs.

Winning:  Once your teacher thinks you are ready and you are putting in the work it will be easier to win if you do consecutive feis events.  Doing a feis here and there is fine but remember it is harder to win.  This also goes for all grades.  As you are advancing all students should have their own clips, pins and sock glue.  Socks tend to fall down during competition and the look is very important also.

Please note open feiseanna are held by other teachers from the same organisation as ourselves.  There are rules in An Coimisiun that no videoing is allowed at these Feis events.  It is for the protection of your children.

Thank you, Pauline

Tus grad (second grade)  

This is the second grade and much similar to the first grade.  Again seven dances.  Four soft shoe and 3 hard shoe dances.  There is a hard reel and Slip Jig but most of the other dances need very little change, just more sharpness and grace of movement.  Usually with all the work in bun grad children are nearly ready to win this grade also.  Practise practise.  Extra workshops and getting out to the Feiseanna for experience will assist in winning at a speedy pace. 

Sometimes you may have won some bun dances and then find yourself taking part in some of the Tus section also.  This is fine.  However it is important not to do too many dances on the one day.  Shoes again at his stage should be well fitted.  You will find that your child is now looking to wear a tighter shoe and understands the importance of the shape of the foot.  Usually children in this grade will have their dance costumes.  

By now every child should have their own cd. This is available in our dance shop.  Also good idea to attend an extra class on Saturdays before the Sunday Feis, especially if you do not get a chance to practice on your own. 

Your dance bag should have plenty of pins, clips and sock glue. Please read the Bun grad section as this should be followed before you even get to this stage.

 Trophy dances:  These can be found in most of the Bun, tus and Lar grades.  A trophy dance is usually a repeat of one of the dances you have danced well on that day.  We the teachers will advise you on which dance that was.

Once you have advanced to this Tus level you will need to be attending the Feis events in you Fegan Academy dance gear.  Warm up and practice in this gear and only change into you costume before you go on stage.  Some hotels can be very warm especially by the time the warm up is finished so a Fegan tank top comes in handy.  Be careful changing in the halls.  A rule of coimisiun is that the children should not change in halls.  Bathrooms and changing area’s should be used.

Hard shoes:  If beginners would like to wear buckles on their hard shoes the black ones are to be fitted.  No beginner is to wear the diamond buckles on their hard shoes.

All information as in the Bun section applies.

All students should have a Fegan tracksuit at this stage.

Lar grad (third grade)

This Lar grade is not always available at every Feis.  It can be mostly Tus then Mean grad.  However Lar is a grade between Tus and Mean grad.  This grade is a nice introduction to the advanced steps.  Children are usually fairly fit at this stage and building up their stamina.  This can be a difficult grade and it takes a lot of hard work.  Class plays a big part of this work but a little more can sometimes be needed.   Starting to form a practice routine at home at this stage is a good idea.

Costume:  Depending on your child’s age a class dress maybe used in this grade.  However many children prefer to start looking for a second hand solo dress or have their own design and colour made.   The solo dress then comes into effect and a class dress is no longer needed.  As you win a few of the Lar dances you may take a look at second hand or new solo dresses.  Whatever your preference there is plenty of choice.  Please do talk to us before you purchase any solo dress as it is only right to check with your teachers first.  Again the appearance is very important if you want to do well.  There can be some very nice costumes out there at reasonable prices so it is not all about the new costume. 

It is very important to attend all Feis events in club gear with the Fegan crest. Important to have your dance bag filled with all the dance goodies. White socks. sock glue, clips etc.  All information applies as in the Bun Grad section.

Some hotels can be very warm especially by the time your warm up is finished so a Fegan tank top comes in handy.  Be careful changing in the halls.  A rule of coimisiun is that the children should not change in halls.  Bathrooms and changing area’s should be used.

Mean grad (FOURTH GRADE)

Children are fairly fit at this stage and starting to exercise at home. Most children would have in place a fitness and healthy eating plan.  This is a difficult stage with approx seven dances.  You have done well to win up to this level and it has taken a lot of hard work.  Now it is like starting all over again but at a higher level.  Open steps are used in this grade.  As your child improves they may have their steps changed to more advanced steps.  

Sometimes if we feel the steps are a little difficult for your child we may step back for a while to an easier step until they are more ready.  This is not a bad thing.  We know exactly what we are doing and it is also in the best interest of the child.  So chill, relax and take your time.  There is no rush through this section.  You are now well able to dance.  However  finding  your advanced style, tricky footwork, fitness and stretching at this stage is going to take a long long time.  It is nearly like waiting to grow.  There is a lot to learn and you could nearly say it is like starting all over again except at an advanced level.  You are now just hitting the top level. 

 Priomh Cormortas and Pre-Lims are sections on the way to the Open/Ard grad grade.  Some children at this stage may fill they are too good for this section especially if we have put them back at the beginning of the year.  If you are not placed in the open section you are entitled to be put back in to the mean section at the beginning of the year.  To prove to us you are too good for this section you should be able to go out and win all your dances in the first feis on at the beginning of the year.  If you do not do this well then there is a lot of work still to do before this grade can be left behind.   

Some hotels can be very warm especially by the time the warm up is finished so a Fegan tank top comes in handy.  Be careful changing in the halls.  A rule of coimisiun is that the children should not change in halls.  Bathrooms and changing area’s should be used.

As in the Bun section etc dance gear applies. Please read.

Open or Ard grad (FIFTH AND FINAL GRADE)

  This is the highest grade and it is now time for the big competitions.  Nationals, All Irelands, Leinsters and much more and hopefully a chance to qualify for the World Championships.  Practice, Fitness and open Feis experience is vital at this stage.  Getting to know the competitors in your age group whom you meet out at the bigger Feis events is important. 

You have worked hard to get here and now you have to work even harder to stay here.  If you want to do well it is important to get out to as many Feis events as possible.   Dancing majors is not enough.  You must get out there and support as many teachers Feis events as possible.  This is how they get to know you. Aim to win an open feis.  Nothing is beyond possibility.  It is extremely important to listen to your teachers advice.

All pupils should attend every Feis event in club gear which carry the Fegan crest. It is important for you to be seen and noticed travelling to your feis events.

Feis venues can be very so everyone should have a Fegan tank top under their t shirt.  A rule of coimisiun is that the children should not change in halls. Bathrooms and changing area’s should be used.

All students attending the dance studio should wear full club gear with the Fegan Crest.  All students should have the new Fegan Academy purple T shirt. There is very affordable club dance gear in our dance shop on site.  Advanced students lead by example.

All information from the Bun Grad section also applies.

At this level parents are well tuned in to diet and the exercise of an advanced dancer.  I know it is hard to encourage your child to practice and all you can do is your best.  Usually parents end up ensuring the children go to all the classes available to them, to help with their lack of practicing on their own.   It may get to the stage that the parent sees that a lot of fitness is needed and that the child is not putting in enough work to keep up with her group.  This can sometimes bring demands then from the parents as if money is been paid out for classes the parents like to know their child is doing their best.  At this stage some children can only do what they can do.  There maybe stages were children become static for a while.  This  is sometimes when children or parents give up and think no more can be done.  Chill at this stage, take on what you can to keep it up.  Don’t give up now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A recall is part of the open section.  The children will perform two dances in Open.  One light shoe and one heavy shoe dance.  Then depending on the number in competition the top few in the results will be called back to perform a third dance and the others who do not recall will continue in a separate pre lim competition or in some cases are finished and ready to go home. 

All non re callers should dance their rounds just the same as the re callers on the day.  It is just a competition and all experience counts.  Just like you won your grades the day will come when you will be fully in the open section and unable to go back to pre lims etc,

The non recallers.   I know sometimes you may feel annoyed if you do not recall but never feel you are too good for the pre lim section on the day. I know it can be hard but get up dance and keep going.  If you are that annoyed go for the win in the prelim and prove the judges wrong.

Parents, I know it is upsetting to watch your child sad and upset but try encourage them to do the right thing.  These pre-lims are normally paid for anyway and all dancing on the day no matter what the competition is good experience.  Do not feel sorry for yourselves.  Get up and try again. 

To see your child’s classmate recall and your child not can be difficult but not a time for giving up.  This is the challenging part of this grade and you can make it through but it takes a lot of hard work.  Not a time for beating yourself up.  This grade takes time to master.  Nothing comes easy.  I know it can be difficult but try not to be jealous of your friends who may do better on the day.  Your day will come.  To have mastered your dancing up to this stage means you are now an excellent dancer and performer. Give it time.  Giving up is the easy option.

Jealousy can be a terrible thing and can destroy a school. Again it is up to us the adults to be the bigger person and help the children with their feelings as jealousy is a very normal part of life. Everything can be rosy  in the garden as they say up to this.  Parents and children happy.  Working hard as they go and winning grades.  Then you hit the open grade. Sometimes the parents may think their children  are better than they actually are.  Results may not be coming fast enough for them.  Be patient.  

Believe me when I say you are with the one of the best schools in Ireland today. with two fantastic teachers.  Sometimes I must say the physiology of it all can get out of control.  Life is short and childhood is shorter.  Make the best of your dancing years.

We would like all open dancers with white laces in their soft shoes.  Also at this stage all open dancers should wear the diamond buckles on their hard shoes.

Some parents may get into conflict with teachers methods of teaching at this stage. Remember your teachers do not change.  If you and your child want results at this very high competitive stage of dancing you must listen to your teacher.  The teacher who got them this far.  It will take a lot of working together to build and get things right at this open stage.  It does not happen overnight.  Everyone wants a good result.  Have faith in your teacher for when that is lost children may want to give up.  

You are with one of the best schools today.  Enjoy your time with us as we enjoy watching your children growing up in front of us. After working for years on a dancer the last thing any teacher wants is to loose them.  

Parents play a crucial role at this stage as some of you may have noticed in our school.  You may go through your grades easily, Or maybe it took a lot of hard work to master your grades which is more the case. Either way whoever works hard and wants it enough will get to the top.  We strive to the top level with all our dancers.  That is what we like to do. Some children get to the top faster than others but then can then be shocked when others catch up.   Remember that is always the plan for everyone to reach the top no matter how long it takes.  In our Academy every dancer who works hard will achieve a beautiful standard of dance.

 Children will have times when they are busy with other thoughts in life and dancing may have to struggle for a while.  It is important for us to realize this and be sensitive to the different stages of your Child’s life as you must also. Dancing takes a lot of hard work and we work with each dancer to find the right style for them.  Unlike other schools we work extremely hard on making steps to suit the individual.  If we change a step for a child it is that we may feel they are not managing what they have not that they are not good enough at that stage.  It is important for you to speak with your child and reassure them that we are doing our very best for every child at all times.  Always feel you can come and talk to us.