What are Grade Exams in Irish Dance
Grade Exams in Irish dancing are a structured 12-level system (plus preliminary grades) established by the CLRG (An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) to systematically assess a dancer's technical skill, timing, posture, and execution. Unlike feiseanna (competitions), where dancers compete against one another, Grade Exams focus entirely on individual progression against a set standard. Dancers perform before an official examiner and receive detailed written feedback, along with a certificate and diploma upon passing each level.
What do dancers gain from Grade Exams
Technical Mastery & Precision
The exams place strong emphasis on core fundamentals, such as foot placement, carriage, timing, and turn-out.
Well-Rounded Skill Set
They require dancers to master both solo dances (soft shoe and heavy shoe) and traditional group dances (Ceili dancing).
Path to Professional Certification
Completing all 12 Grade Exams is a mandatory prerequisite for anyone aspiring to sit for the TCRG (Teacher) or ADCRG (Adjudicator) certification exams.
Personal Growth & Confidence
Grade Exams allow dancers to set personal goals, build self-confidence, and track their progress in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
You can find the upcoming exams in the table below. If you wish to participate in any of them, please contact your teacher, as self-registration is not available.
OCT
Vienna Grade Exams
Location: Vienna, Austria
Region: Central Europe
CLRG Grade Examinations from Preliminary through Grade 10. Venue subject to change. Entries through registered teachers. Submit dancer information and previous examiner preferences to lucierafter@gmail.com.
Entry Deadline: Contact organizer for details
Learn More →NOV
Bucharest Grade Exams & Workshops
Location: STE Ysha School of Irish Dance Studio, Bucharest, Romania
Region: Eastern Europe
Full day of CLRG Grade Examinations (Preliminary through Grade 10) plus workshops. Includes:
- ✓ Competitive Master Mindset Workshop with Julie Showalter Marshall, ADCRG
- ✓ Overcoming Restrictions & Compensations Workshop with Răzvan Rigaleb