The CLRG offers the Grade Exams program to all dancers. It is a non-competitive series of competency/proficiency tests. Please consult with the Foley Academy Director before registering your dancer for any Grade Exams.
Purpose
The purpose of the Grade Examinations Scheme is to provide a structured framework within which dancers can progress towards an achievable goal. The syllabus has been designed to provide a strong foundation in Irish Dance by developing a candidate’s physical skills, stamina, expression, musicality and an appreciation and knowledge of the traditional dances and culture. It provides a worthwhile sense of achievement for individuals whether they dance solely for health, recreation or competitive reasons or hope to pursue a career in Irish Dancing.
Grade examinations are unlike competitions in that each candidate is individually examined and receives a detailed written assessment of their performance and knowledge of the grade being attempted. They are open to both male and female candidates regardless of age and ability.
The scheme consists of an optional Preliminary Grade followed by a further 12 grades with each grade becoming increasingly more demanding on the candidate’s skill, knowledge and ability. Each Grade must be passed and certificate awarded before a candidate may attempt the next level. A dancer who successfully completes all Grades will be awarded “The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission”.
Grade Exams – RULES AND REGULATIONS (per the January 1, 2018 syllabus)
- Dancers may only dance Basic Steps in the Preliminary grade and Grades 1, 2 & 3.
- The number of bars of music to be danced to for all Reels, Single or Hop Jigs Light Jigs, Slip Jigs, Heavy Jigs and Hornpipes is 40.
- Dancers must perform St. Patrick’s Day, Blackbird, Garden of Daisies, Job of Journeywork, King of the Fairies, Three Sea Captains, and Jockey to the Fair in a traditional style and manner.
- Dancers must not perform the same set dance in more than one of the Grades from 9 to 12 inclusive.
- A dancer must take all grades in order, beginning with Grade 1 – the Preliminary grade is optional. However, a candidate may only attempt a maximum of 3 consecutive Grades at any one sitting.
- Candidates must be able to adequately demonstrate practical and theoretical knowledge of all ceili dances as per “Ár Rincí Céilí ” as specified in the syllabus for Grades 5 -12 inclusive.
- Candidates should not wear dance costumes.
- All candidates must produce previous reports before proceeding to higher grades. Please bring to the exam.
- Grade 11 may only be attempted by candidates at least 16 years of age.
- Grade 12 may only be attempted by candidates at least 17 years of age.
- A special application form and certificate/diploma will apply for Grades 11 and 12.
- Candidates must complete all 12 Grade Examinations to be eligible to apply for the TCRG Examination effective from January 1st 2018.
- Scrúdú Béil (Oral Irish Exam) for grades 1-4 in Ireland.
Grade Levels with Required Dances & Speeds
| Grade | Dances | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Prelim | Easy Reel or Light Jig | Easy Reel: 122-124 Light Jig: 116 |
| 1 | Easy Reel and Light Jig | Easy Reel: 122-124 Light Jig: 116 |
| 2 | Easy Slip Jig and Easy Single Jig | Basic Slip Jig: 124 Basic Single Jig: 124 |
| 3 | Primary Reel and Basic Heavy Jig | Primary Reel: 116-118 Basic Heavy Jig: 96 |
| 4 | Primary Slip Jig and St. Patrick’s Day (Traditional) | Primary Slip Jig: 120 St. Patrick’s Day: 94 |
| 5 | Advanced Reel (Intermediate/Primary/Open) Basic (Traditional) Hornpipe Walls of Limerick (Ceili) | Advanced Reel: 113 Basic Hornpipe: 144 Walls of Limerick |
| 6 | Advanced Slip Jig (Intermediate/Primary/Open) Blackbird (Traditional) Siege of Ennis (Ceili) | Advanced Slip Jig: 113 Blackbird: 144 Siege of Ennis |
| 7 | Advanced Heavy Jig Garden of Daisies (Traditional) Four Hand Reel | Advanced Heavy Jig: 73 Garden of Daisies: 138 Four Hand Reel |
| 8 | Advanced Hornpipe Job of Journeywork (Traditional) Humours of Bandon | Advanced Hornpipe: 113 Job of Journeywork: 138 Humours of Bandon |
| 9 | Two modern set dances, one in 6/8 time and the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time High Cauled Cap | Dancers’ choice for sets |
| 10 | Two modern set dances, one in 6/8 time and the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time (different from those in Grade 9) Eight Hand Jig | Dancers’ choice for sets |
| 11 | Advanced Reel Advanced Slip Jig Advanced Heavy Jig King of the Fairies Two modern set dances selected by the examiner from a list of 5 submitted by the candidate (different from those in Grades 9 & 10) Eight Hand Reel Harvest Time Jig | Advanced Reel: 113 Advanced Slip Jig: 113 Advanced Heavy Jig: 73 King of the Fairies: 130 Dancers’ choice for sets |
| 12 | Light Double Jig Single Jig Advanced Hornpipe Three Sea Captains Jockey to the Fair Two modern set dances selected by the examiner form a list of 5 submitted by the candidate (different from those in Grades 9, 10, and 11) Morris Reel Sixteen Hand Reel | Light Double Jig: 116 Single Jig: 124 Advanced Hornpipe: 113 Three Sea Captains: 96 Jockey to the Fair: 90 Dancers’ choice for sets |