Three of the Bracken senior champs
PHOTOS - see below
The Christmas decorations had been put away, the champagne is done, the New Year has begun, and that meant it was time for the Bracken School’s Feis in the Desert, the Western Region’s first Irish dancing competition of the year.  As usual blue skies and mild temperatures greeted visitors from all over the U.S. and Canada for a weekend of dance and music.
 
The feis began Friday night when bagpiper Len Woods opened the event. On Saturday, the championship dancers danced.
----------------------
Read more:
Riverdance Star Jean Butler - VIDEO

Top 10 Irish Dance Videos of 2011

Gothard Sisters Revisit Irish Dance Roots
----------------------
The future champions had a ball, from First Feisers to just-one-more-first-until-prelims Prizewinners. The C.E.R.F. double jig special took place on both days, with the proceeds going to the Chandler Emergency Relief Fund.
 
 
The feis ran smoothly and well and great fun was had by all. 
 
All photos by Helene Ossipov.

Prelim 17& O
U11 Reel Special
Mom, the trophy's taller than I am!
Dancers showing some 'tude