The Grade Examination Scheme is a structured framework established to provide dancers with a non-competitive goal to which they can work towards achieving.
It is designed to provide dancer’s with a strong foundation in Irish Dance by developing their physical skills, fitness, musicality and an appreciation and knowledge for the traditional dances and Irish culture. It gives dancer’s a worthwhile sense of achievement whether they dance for recreation, competition or in hope to pursue a professional 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 all dancers regardless of age or ability.
About the scheme
The scheme consists of 10 grades (with an optional Preliminary Grade). Each grade is progressively more demanding as it assesses a dancers skill, knowledge and ability of both traditional and non-traditional dances as well as their knowledge of Traditional Ceili (group) dances.
All 10 Grade Examinations must be completed to be eligible to apply for the TCRG Examination. All candidates must produce previous reports before proceeding to higher grades. Reports must be presented at examinations.
Exam Syllabus
Pelim
Grade 1
Grade 2
Easy Slip Jig (124)
and
Easy Single Jig (124)
Easy Reel (122-124)
or
Light Jig (116)
Easy Reel (122-124)
and
Light Jig (116
Grade 4
Primary Slip Jig (120)
and
St Patrick's Day (Traditional - 94)
Grade 5
Advanced Reel (113)
and
Basic Hornpipe (144)
and
Walls of Limerick
Grade 6
Advanced Slip Jig (113)
and
Blackbird (Traditional -144)
and
Siege of Ennis
Grade 7
Advanced Heavy Jig (73)
and
Garden of Daisies - Traditional - (138)
and
Four Hand Reel
Grade 8
Advanced Hornpipe (113)
and
Job of Journeywork - Traditional (138)
and
Humours of Bandon
Grade 9
Two modern set dances, one in 6/8
time and the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time.
and
High Cauled Cap
Grade 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)
and
Eight Hand Jig
Grade 3
Primary Reel (116-118)
and
Basic Heavy Jig (96)
Applications
Applications to participate in any grade examination must be submitted by your CLRG registered teacher. Please speak to your teacher regarding your intention to complete any grade as part of the scheme.
You may participate in any public grade examination even if it is not directly organised by your registered teacher or region.
Exam Fees
PRELIMINARY
GRADES 1 - 3
GRADES 4 - 6
GRADES 7 - 10
$16
$25
PER GRADE
$34
PER GRADE
$49
PER GRADE
A candidate must take all grades in order, beginning with Grade 1 (the Preliminary grade is optional). Each grade must be passed before a candidate may attempt the next grade.
Rules
Rules for Grade Examinations
-
A candidate must take all grades in order, beginning with Grade 1 - the Preliminary grade is optional.
-
Dance costumes should not be worn.
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Each Grade must be passed before a candidate may attempt the next grade.
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A certificate is awarded for each grade. Grade examinations are unlike competitions in that each candidate performs the dances individually and receives a detailed written assessment.
-
A grade should be awarded for each solo dance performed and averaged to achieve the overall grade. Ceilí Dances should not be included in the average grade. Comments should be noted on the theoretical knowledge.
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Dancer’s Date of Birth must be included on Grade Exam Result Sheet.
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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 -10 inclusive. The candidates must not be asked to teach these dances.
-
A candidate would be permitted to retake any grade for a better score upon submission of a specific written request to the Udarás Scrúdaithe, with the understanding that the second result would replace the earlier one and that the dancer would be required to pay the usual fee for the grade being taken.
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A candidate may only attempt a maximum of 3 consecutive Grades at any one sitting.
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A three month period must elapse before the next grade is attempted.
-
All candidates must produce previous reports before proceeding to higher grades. Reports must be presented at the examinations.
-
Grade examiners must ensure that all grades have been taken before examining the next grade. Please ensure that all grades are in order, as at a later stage the exams taken may not stand.
-
Candidates must be associated with a currently registered CLRG teacher.
Rules for Grade Dances
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Only Basic Steps may be danced in the Preliminary grade and Grades 1, 2 & 3.
-
40 bars of music must be danced for all Reels, Single or Hop Jigs, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs, Heavy Jigs and Hornpipes.
-
St. Patrick’s Day, Blackbird, Garden of Daisies, Job of Journeywork, King of the Fairies, Three Sea Captains, and Jockey to the Fair must be performed in a traditional style and manner.
-
All modern set dances in grades 9-10 must not be repeated any of these grade.
Arranging Grade Exams
To apply to hold grade exams, please send completed application no less than 8 weeks in advance of your desired date
Grade examiners of choice (either SDCRG or BG) may be used for all Grade examinations, with a minimum of 2 different examiners to be used through grades 1-6 and at least 4 different examiners used through grades 1-10.
The same examiner may not examine in the same class for a period of 3 years.
This also applied where a regional authority or group of teachers/classes hold examination.
Jan Berne SDCRG (NSW)
Catherine Cosgriff SDCRG (VIC)
Christine Portbury SDCRG (VIC)
Gabrielle Hall SDCRG (VIC)
Elizabeth Lewis SDCRG (NSW)
Mary Grantham SDCRG (VIC)
Breeda Peirce ADCRG BG (QLD)
Cherie Hearn ADCRG BG (QLD)
Cheryl Young ADCRG BG (QLD)
Vicki Lynagh ADCRG BG (QLD)
Charmaine May ADCRG BG (NSW)
Donna Cannon ADCRG BG (NSW)
Mark Adams ADCRG BG (VIC)
Christine Ayres ADCRG BG (VIC)
Christopher Carswell ADCRG BG (VIC)
Sandra Danastas ADCRG BG (QLD)
Kate Hartley ADCRG BG (QLD)
Conor Hayes ADCRG BG (VIC)
Rita Maguire ADCRG BG (WA)
Fiona-Gaye Moore ADCRG BG (NSW)
Monica Poulton ADCRG BG (VIC)
Adrian Walker ADCRG BG (QLD)
Bernadette Weeks ADCRG BG (NSW)