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An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha
SportIrish step dance
AbbreviationCLRG
Founded1927
HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
PresidentEamonn DéBhál
Official website
www.clrg.ie

An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG, English: The Irish Dancing Commission) is the oldest and largest governing body for competitive Irish step dancing globally. Founded in 1927,[1] CLRG is responsible for creating a standardised system of Irish dance, music and competition for its member organisations in 26 countries. It organises Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne (the World Championships) as well as Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann (the All Ireland Championships), and is the central authority for teacher and adjudicator accreditation. It is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

History edit

In 1927, Conradh na Gaelige, an organisation dedicated to promoting the Irish language, organised a Commission of Enquiry "for the purpose of examining the organisation of Irish dancing as it existed at that time and to make recommendations as to how it might be better organised in the future.[1] The Commission's stated aim was to unify the various interests involved in Irish dancing and pursue the common goal of promoting the cultural heritage of dance in Ireland. In 1930, the Commission presented its recommendations, and Conradh na Gaelige established An Coimisiún as a permanent body to carry out those recommendations.

The CLRG board was initially made up of 3 delegates from the Dublin Irish Dance Teachers, 3 from the Irish Music Society, and 18 delegates from Conradh na Gaelige. This under-representation of dancing teachers was to cause problems within the first few decades of CLRG's existence.[2]

In 1939, CLRG published the first edition of Ar Rince Foirne, an official handbook for the teaching and learning of ceili (social) dances. This was to become standard knowledge for CLRG registered teachers. On its first register of qualifications, CLRG listed 32 teachers from across Ireland. By 1943, a standard system of certification had been introduced in order to organise the training of new teachers and adjudicators.

In 1969, a group of Irish dance teachers, frustrated with what they perceived to be a lack of influence in the growing organisation, broke from CLRG and formed An Comhdháil na Múinteoirí le Rincí Gaelacha (English: The Congress of Irish Dance Teachers) to compete with CLRG.[3] These two organisations remain the most significant in Irish dancing, although CLRG is considerably larger and more highly gloablised. One enduring legacy of "the Split" is that CLRG competitions are open only to dancers from CLRG, and CLRG registered dancers are forbidden from competing with other "open-platform" organisations.[4] (An Comhdháil was originally open-platform, but later became closed after a breakaway from its own ranks.)

Following the Split, CLRG decided to host Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (the World Championships) for the first time in 1970. The first championships took place at the auditorium of Coláiste Mhuire, a school in Dublin.[1]

The next important development in Irish dance came with the 1994 Eurovision launch of Riverdance. This event, followed by the continuing success of the Irish dance troupe, led to a massive increase in global interest for Irish dance. Over the following 20 years, the number of competitors at the World Championships increased dramatically, and the percentage of dancers from outside Ireland and the U.K. lifted to nearly 50%.[5]

Through the early 2000s, CLRG faced criticism for failing to address the increasing influence of other dance styles on traditional Irish dance. The introduction of movements from Spanish flamenco, ballet and other styles led to concerns about the erosion of traditional Irish culture. Costumes also became more relaxed and modern following the popularity of shows such as Riverdance. Particularly controversial was the use in competition of tight curled wigs, fake tan and crystal embellishment, ostensibly to draw attention to a dancer on stage. Some have criticised this movement as representing an oversexualisation of dancers.[6]

A heavily revised and updated ceili handbook, renamed to Ar Rince Ceili, was also released in 2014. This coincided with a revised set of rules for dancers and teachers as well as the introduction of a grade exam system for dancers.[7] The new rules included a prohibition on the use of makeup or false eyelashes in competition for dancers under the age of 10, as well as a restriction on "carriage aids", which assisted competitors to maintain a rigid posture.[8]

Governance edit

The Commission itself is composed of 76 delegates, 22 of whom are elected by the Gaelic League and its 6 provinces in Ireland and Great Britain. The remainder are elected or drawn from CLRG's various affiliated bodies and regions across the world.[9] Many overseas representatives are named Vice Presidents of the organisation. As of the 2017 AGM, 4 Vice-Presidents are from Ireland, 2 from England, 1 from Scotland, 4 from the US, 2 from Canada, 2 from Australia, and 1 from New Zealand.[10] The Commission meets every one or two months in Dublin and is the only body with the authority to change rules for teaching and dancing.[11]

CLRG's day-to-day operations are overseen by the Buan Choiste (Standing Committee) which is composed of the Commission's officers – Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, President and all Vice Presidents. Originally consisting only of those members resident in Dublin, so that urgent meetings could be easily convened,[9] the Buan Choiste convenes between Commission meetings when necessary.[11]

There are also 10 working committees on specific matters, composed of delegates from across CLRG's affiliated organisations. They are as follows:

  • Coiste Oireachtas (Oireachtas Committee) – organises Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (the World Championships) and Oireachtas Rince na hEireann (the All-Ireland Championships)[12]


Regions edit

CLRG operates in 25 geographic regions. Each of these regions is administered by a Regional Authority reporting to CLRG, and hosts a qualifying event for Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne. In Australia and North America, multiple regions are combined under a single regional authority.[10]

Australia edit

Australian Irish Dancing Association (AIDA)[13]

  • NSW
  • Victoria
  • Queensland
  • ACT
  • South Australia
  • Western Australia

North America edit

North American Feis Commission[14]/Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA)[15]

  • Mid Atlantic
  • Mid America
  • Western US
  • Eastern Canada
  • Western Canada
  • New England
  • Southern US

Great Britain edit

  • Scotland
  • England — Midlands
  • England — North-West
  • England — North-East
  • England — South

Ireland edit

  • Connaght
  • Leinster
  • Munster
  • Ulster

Rest of the world edit

  • New Zealand: Traditional Irish Dance Association of New Zealand[16]
  • Europe: Registered Teachers of Mainland Europe[17]
  • South Africa

Competition structure edit

CLRG organises two major competitions each year: Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne (the World Championships) and Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann (the All Ireland Championships). Oireachtas (plural: Oireachtais) is the Gaelic term for championship, and in CLRG competition refers to a three-round competition marked by at least three adjudicators. Apart from this, competitions are organised by Regional Authorities and registered with CLRG.

The most significant of these are the annual Regional Championships, which are the primary qualifying events for the World Championships. The larger Regional Authorities also hold secondary qualifying events, such as the North American National Championships, the Great Britain Championships, the All Ireland Championships, and the Australian Championships. Dancers may qualify for the World Championships at either a primary or secondary qualifying event, but if they qualify at a secondary event they must dance (or have danced) in the primary qualifier to remain eligible.

Each region also hosts a number of other competitions throughout the year, known as feisanna. These events range in scale and structure from small local competitions with a single adjudicator to large oireachtais in the style of Worlds qualifying events.

Examinations and accreditation edit

CLRG organises grade exams for dancers and accreditation exams for teachers and adjudicators. The teaching and adjudicating qualifications are recognised globally by CLRG, and are also recognised by certain other dance organisations.

There are 12 dance exam grades (and a preliminary grade). Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of solo and ceilí dances, and are marked on timing, footwork, execution and carriage, as in competition. On completion of all 12 grades, dancers are awarded The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission.[18]

The teaching and adjudicating qualifications are as follows:

  • TMRF – qualified to teach ceili (teams) dancing. Must be at least 20 years old and pass written and practical exams.[19]
  • TCRG (Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha) – the "teacher" qualification. Qualified to teach both solo and ceili dancing. Must be at least 20 years old and pass written and practical exams in dancing, music and the Gaelic language. From 2018, must also have completed all 12 grades of practical dance exam.[20][21]
  • ADCRG (Ard Diploma Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) – the "adjudicator" qualification. As well as teaching, qualified to adjudicate at any CLRG-recognised competition. Must be at least 30, have held TCRG qualification for at least 5 years, and pass further written and practical exams.[22]
  • SDCRG (Scrúdaithoir Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) – the "examiner" qualification. As well and teaching and adjudicating, qualified to examine candidates for dance grades, TCRG and ADCRG.

Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne edit

The Irish Dancing World Championships (often known simply as the Worlds) are held annually in Easter Week. Until 1999, the Championships were held permanently in Ireland. Since 2000, however, they have been held in a number of countries,[23] including Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, the United States and Canada. The Championships are open to dancers who have qualified at Regional Championships in the calendar year following the previous Worlds.

The World Championships have a similar structure to regional championships: there are separate competitions for solo and ceili (team) dancing, divided by age group. Solo competition takes place across three rounds, typically in front of a rotating panel of adjudicators. Ceili competition includes both traditional ceili dances (as outlined in Ar Rince Ceilí) and Own Choreography sections. The largest Own Choreography section, the Figure Dance, is for up to 16 dancers, must portray "an Irish theme or legend" and is considered the most prestigious team event in Irish dancing.

The championships involve about 3000 dancers from all of CLRG's regions each year. Past and future host cities of the World Championships include:[24]

References edit

Footnotes edit

  1. ^ a b c "History of An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha".
  2. ^ "History of CRN". Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  3. ^ "Irish Dancing: How to tell your CRDM from your CRG and your WIDAs". 2 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  4. ^ "CLRG Rules for Dancing Teachers and Adjudicators" (PDF). 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  5. ^ Steffan, Olivia. "This Is How We Dance: The Impact of Riverdance on Irish Step Dancing" (PDF). Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  6. ^ Masero, Angelika. "The Changes in Irish Dance Since Riverdance". Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  7. ^ "Changes in Ar Rince Ceili" (PDF). Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  8. ^ Barry, Aoife (29 January 2014). "No more make up for young Irish dancers (but the wigs can stay)". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
  9. ^ a b Cullinane 2003, p. 54.
  10. ^ a b "The Structure of CLRG". Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  11. ^ a b Cullinane 2005, p. 57.
  12. ^ "Oireachtas Committee". www.clrg.ie. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  13. ^ "About — Australian Irish Dancing Association". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  14. ^ "North American Feis Commission — Regional Contacts".
  15. ^ "IDTANA History". Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  16. ^ "About Us — Irish Dance NZ".
  17. ^ "About Us — Registered Teachers Mainland Europe". Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  18. ^ "Dancers Certificate and Diploma Examinations" (PDF). Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  19. ^ "TMRF (Ceili Teachers') Examination" (PDF). Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  20. ^ White, Darlene (4 June 2012). "So you want to be a certified Irish dancing teacher?". Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  21. ^ "TCRG (Teachers') Examination" (PDF). Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  22. ^ "ADCRG (Adjudicators') Examination" (PDF). Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  23. ^ Foley, Catherine (2013). Step Dancing in Ireland: Culture and History. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-4094-4892-1.
  24. ^ Cullinane, John (2016). Aspects of the history of the World Irish Dancing Championships. Cork City: Dr John P. Cullinane. p. 135.
  25. ^ "Glasgow to host World Irish Dancing Championships in 2018". BBC News. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2017.

Bibliography edit

  • Cullinane, John (2003). An Coimisiún Le Rince Gaelacha: its origins and evolution. Dublin: Dr John P. Cullinane. ISBN 0-9527952-4-8.


Category:Irish dance Category:Competitive dance Category:Irish culture

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