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Grade Examination Scheme
Grade Examinations were first introduced by An Coimisiun as far back as
1943 and since then have been conducted in Ireland, the U.S.A., Canada,
Australia, New Zealand and more recently, in South Africa.
Classes and schools that have been involved in the examinations are very
pleased with them and are happy to recommend them to other teachers and
schools. The very attractive and colourful certificates are very popular
with dancers and their parents. The comments in writing given to the dancers
are very helpful and constructive.
How Does the Scheme Operate?
In all there are 12 grades plus a preliminary grade. Different dances
are specified for each grade and are listed overleaf. Each grade must
be passed before a dancer may attempt the next grade. A certificate is
awarded for each grade passed. A dancer who passes all twelve grades receives
"Dioplóma an Choimishiúin le Rinci Gaelacha".
(The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commissions) Grade examinations are
unlike competitions in that each dancer is individually examined and also
receives the detailed written assessment already mentioned.
There is no cost to teachers organising examinations; items such as examiners'
fees, hall charges, administrative expenses, etc. are met from the examination
fees paid by the dancers.
The examinations are intended and equally suitable for both dancers who
compete regularly and for the very many who are not competition orientated.
Rules and Regulations
(1) Only basic steps may be danced in Grades 1,2,3 and in the Preliminary
Grade. -
(2) The number of bars of music to be danced for all reels, jigs and hornpipes
is 40.
(3) Set-dances in Grades 4,5 & 6 must be performed in the traditional
style and manner.
(4) From Grade 7 upwards only non-traditional sets may be danced. Once
performed a set-dance cannot be repeated in a higher grade.
(5) The same set-dance must not be performed in more than one of the Grades
from 7 to 12 inclusive.
(6) A dancer must take all grades in order, beginning with Grade 1, the
Preliminary Grade being optional. However, any number of consecutive grades
may be taken on the same occasion.
(7) Candidates must know (orally and practically) all céilí
dances from the book "Ár Rinncidhe Foime" specified for
Grades 5 to 12 inclusive.
(8) Dance costumes should not be worn at what are examinations, not competitions.
(9) Grade 9 may not be taken under 16 years of age; Grade 10 under 17
years or Grades 11 or 12 under 18 years.
Application for Examinations etc.
Teachers interested in arranging grade examinations for their pupils should
contact the Udarás Scrúdaithe (Examination Authority) of
An Coimisiún. Applications for examinations should give some indication
of the number of dancers for each grade and the estimated cost of halls
and other expenses. Teachers may come together to arrange joint examinations.
Teachers will be consulted on choice of examiner. Examination applications
and general or specific enquiries about the scheme should be made to
An tUdarás Scrúdaithe (Examination Authority)
An Colmisltkn le Rinci Gaelacha,
6 Harcourt Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 353-1-4732220 Fax: 353-14751053 Email: clrg@eircom.net
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