• Ally Gavigan:
• 12 November 2013

Dancer Grade Exams

What are they and should you do them?

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Welcome to my first blog. 

I should begin with a plug for the inaugural Australian International Oireachtas:

Attention all Irish dancers from around the world!

AIDA INC is excited to invite you to the inaugural Australian International Oireachtas!

When: 30th, 31st May and 1st June 2014

Where: Royal Pines Resort Ross St, Benowa QLD 4217

Join our event on Facebook- Australian International Oireachtas for further information as it comes to hand.

Syllabus and entry form will be available for download at aidainc.com later in 2013

All dancers from around the globe are welcome to compete at this feis; come for the AIO, then stay for the Aussie hospitality!

Now let’s talk about Dancer Grade Exams. 

Until recently some Australian dancers may not have even been aware that these exams existed.   Interest and demand in the grade exams is certainly growing in Australia.

It’s important to note that from 1st January 2018, TCRG (teachers’ examination) candidates will need to have completed all 12 grade exams to be eligible to apply.  So any young aspiring teachers would be encouraged to get started.  Working your way through the 12 grade exams will take time.

Why else would you participate in the exams? 

The grade exams are an opportunity to dance in front of an examiner and not only be graded, but also receive valuable written feedback. 

Dancers are graded on their timing & rhythm, carriage, execution and general effect.  The exams are open to dances of all ages and abilities.  You do not have to be a competitive dancer to participate, and costumes are not worn.  A certificate is awarded for each grade successfully completed.  When a dancer completes all 12 grades they achieve “The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission”.

The grades must be sat in order and each level passed prior to attempting the next grade.  There are 12 grades plus an optional preliminary grade.  A maximum of 3 grades can be done in one sitting, and a period of 3 months must elapse between a candidate’s examination sittings. 

Dancers must be a minimum of 16 years old to attempt Grade 11, and 17 years of age to attempt Grade 12.

Some Australian states have begun offering centrally organised exams.  These examination days are open to dancers from all schools.  My dance school is small in numbers, so I welcome this approach.  I’ve heard some great feedback about the atmosphere at these exam days. 

Important things to note: 

• Whilst the dances are performed at competition speeds, some do differ in length.  So take the time to check the syllabus.  All Reels, Single Jigs, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs, Heavy Jigs and Hornpipes are 40 bars in length.
• It is important to keep your reports/certificates in a safe place.  Prior reports must be brought to exams and produced before proceeding to higher levels.
• With regards to Grades 5 - 12, candidates are not required to teach the ceili dances, but should be able to demonstrate practical and theoretical knowledge. 

For more detailed information and to view the syllabus please refer to the Australian Irish Dancing Association (AIDA) website: http://aidainc.com/dancers-certificate-and-diploma-examinations.

The views in this post are my own and not necessarily those of AIDA Inc. or CLRG.

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