Dancers Certificate and Diploma Examinations
AN COIMISIÚN LE RINCÍ GAELACHA.
An tÚdaras Scrúdaíthe-Examination Authority
Scrúdaíthe Teastais agus Dioplomaí Rinceoirí.
Updated July 2010
Grade Examinations Scheme:
Grade Examinations Scheme:
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”.
A system of credits towards the TCRG and ADCRG examinations will be awarded which can exempt the candidate from the dancing sections of these advanced exams. To obtain exemption the minimum pass rates are as follows:-
TCRG 71% (B-) in Grades 7-12 inclusive
ADCRG 81% (B+) in Grades 7-12 inclusive
In recent years, many prospective teachers have begun to take the Grade Exams as a means of obtaining Credits towards their TCRG and ADCRG exams. However, once TCRG and ADCRG examinations have been attempted, candidates cannot return to the Grade Examination system with the aim of using those subsequent results as exemptions from the professional exams.
Rules & Regulations:
- Only Basic Steps may be danced 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.
- Set Dances in Grades 4, 6, 7 and 8 must be performed in a traditional style and manner.
- From Grade 9 upwards only non-traditional set dances can be presented.
- The same set dance must not be performed 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 Foirne” as specified in the syllabus for Grades 5 -12 inclusive.
- Dance costumes should not be worn.
- Grade 9 may only be attempted by candidates at least 16 years of age.
- Grade 10 may only be attempted by candidates at least 17 years of age.
- Grade 11 may only be attempted by candidates at least 18 years of age.
- Grade 12 may only be attempted by candidates at least 19 years of age.
- A special application form and certificate/diploma will apply for Grades 11 and 12.
For Grades 11 and 12 new application forms must be completed and approved by the Examination Authority . Each of these two Grades must be taken by a different Examiner and that Examiner must be an Examiner from the Údarás (Examination Authority).
Australian teachers interested in arranging Grade Examinations for their pupils should contact an Australian Examiner who will then seek appointment from the Údarás Scrúdaithe (Examination Authority) of An Coimisiún.
The following examiners may be contacted re Dancers’ Grade Examinations -:
Jan Berne ADCRG (NSW)
Catherine Cosgriff ADCRG (VIC)
Janice Currie-Henderson ADCRG (NSW)
Carmel Doyle ADCRG (SA)
Christine Portbury ADCRG (VIC)
Maureen Whelan ADCRG (NSW)
Eoghan Quinn ADCRG (WA)
Gabrielle Hall ADCRG (VIC)
DANCERS GRADE EXAMINATION SYLLABUS
Grades and Required Dances (Céilí Dances Underlined)
Grade Dances
Prelim Easy Reel or Easy Light Double Jig
1. Basic Reel & Light Double Jig
2. Basic Slip Jig & Single Jig
3. Primary Reel & Basic Heavy Jig
4. Primary Slip Jig & “St. Patrick’s Day”
5. Advanced Reel, Basic Hornpipe & Walls of Limerick
6. Advanced Slip Jig, “The Blackbird” & Siege of Ennis
7. Advanced Heavy Jig “Garden of Daisies” & The Four-Hand Reel
8. Advanced Hornpipe, “Job of Journeywork” & Humours of Bandon
9. Two set-dances, one in 6/8 time & the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time
(Which are not traditional Dances) & High Cauled Cap.
10. Two set-dances, one in 6/8 & the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time
(which are not traditional dances) & Eight-Hand Jig.
11. Reel Slip Jig, Heavy Jig, “The Blackbird”, “St.Patrick’s Day”, plus two
modern set-dances selected by the examiner from a list of 5 submitted
by the candidate (different from those in Grade 10) & Céilí dances
The Eight-Hand Reel & Harvest Time Jig.
12. Light Double Jig, Single Jig, Hornpipe, “Job of Journeywork”, “Garden of Daisies”,
plus two modern set dances selected by the examiner from a list of five submitted
by the candidate (different from those in Grades 10 & 11) and the Céili Dances
The Morris Reel & The Sixteen-Hand Reel.
Fees for Grade Exams
Preliminary $15.00
Grades 1 - 3 $22.00
Grades 4 - 6 $34.00
Grades 7 - 8 $37.00
Grades 9 - 10 $45.00
Grades 11 - 12 $98.00
For information on Dancers Grade Exams, please contact the co-ordinator Catherine Cosgriff ADCRG at dancersgradeexams@aidainc.com
