CLRG Grades Exam

When: Sunday August 21st 2022

Where: 941 Kranzel Drive Camp Hill PA 17011

ENTRIES FOR GRADES 11&12 DUE BY JUNE 5th- NO EXCEPTIONS

ENTRIES FOR GRADES 1-10 DUE BY JULY 11th

What: 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”.

Eligibility: Any dancer of a registered CLRG teacher is eligible to participate. A dancer is permitted to take grades 1 through to 6 with the same examiner at the same exam. Strictly no combination of grades higher than grade 6 is permitted. Grade 7 and above are limited to a maximum of 3 grades per exam. Each grade must be passed before a candidate may attempt the next grade. A candidate must take all grades in order, beginning with Grade 1 - the Preliminary grade is optional.Grade exams must be examined by at least 4 different examiners for grades 1- 10.  A three-month period must elapse before the next grade exam is attempted.  A candidate undergoing a six-month restyling period may take a grade examination. Candidates must produce previous grade exam reports before proceeding to take the next grade. Reports must be presented at the examinations.

As grades 11 and 12 are both uniquely tied to the T.C.R.G. examination, and graded by an S.D.C.R.G. examiner, briefing and questions/answers will be included to help the candidate understand the requirements and  preparation necessary for all parts of the T.C.R.G. examination.Candidates must be at least 16 years or older to take grade 11. Candidates must be at least 17 years or older to take grade 12. These examiners must be different from the examiners who assessed any grade between grades 7-10.The results of grades 11 and 12 are not given to the candidates until they have been ratified by An tUdarás Scrúdaithe.The candidates will receive diplomas signed by both the examiner and chairperson of An tÚdaras Scrúdaithe for grades 11 and 12. The chairperson of An Coimisiún will also sign the grade 12 diploma. Each grade must be passed before a candidate may attempt the next grade.

Exam: 2.5 steps of each dance is required. Ceili questions will be asked according to how they are written in Ar Rinci Ceili.

• Grade 1
  • Easy Reel, Light Jig
• Grade 2
  • Basic Slip Jig, Basic Single Jig,
• Grade 3
  • Primary Reel, Basic Heavy Jig
• Grade 4
  • Primary Slip Jig, St Patrick’s Day Traditional Set
• Grade 5
  • Advanced Reel, Basic Hornpipe, Walls of Limerick
• Grade 6
  • Advanced Slip Jig, The Blackbird Traditional Set, Siege of Ennis
• Grade 7
  • Advanced Heavy Jig, Garden of Daises Traditional Set, Four Hand Reel
• Grade 8
  • Advanced Hornpipe, Job of Journeywork Traditional Set, Humours of Bandon
• Grade 9
  • Two modern sets, one in 6/8 time and the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time, High Cauled Cap
• Grade 10
  • Two modern sets, one in 6/8 time and the other in 2/4 or 4/4 time (different than those in grade 9), The Eight Hand Jig
• Grade 11
  • Advanced Reel, Advanced Slip Jig, Advanced Heavy Jig, King of the Fairies Traditional Set,  two modern set dances selected by the examiner from a list of 5 submitted by the candidate (different from those in Grades 9 and 10), The Eight-Hand Reel, Harvest Time Jig
• Grade 12
  • Light Jig, Single Jig, Advanced Hornpipe, Three Sea Captains Traditional Set, Jockey to the Fair Traditional Set, two modern set dances selected by the examiner from a list of 5 submitted by the candidate (different from those in Grades 9, 10, and 11), The Morris Reel, The Sixteen Hand Reel

Cost:

Prelim-Grade 3 $30 each

Grade 4-Grade 6 $40 each

Grade 7-Grade 8 $50 each

Grade 9-Grade 10 $60 each

Grade 11-Grade 12 $100 each

How to Register:

Complete and turn in registration forms by the required due date. Registrations will open on April 16th  2022 and close on July 11th 2022.

Payments will only be accepted via this link: Keystone Ceili Foundation: CLRG Grade Exams 1-12 August 2022 (signupgenius.com)

ALL dancers must fill out the google form as well which can be found via this link: https://forms.gle/hEw8VH2Wz1NsSmdZ8

Grade 11 & 12 applications and accompanying paperwork MUST be submitted via ONE PDF file that is saved as “Canidate’sLastName_AugustGradeExam” and sent to larsonna1@gmail.com by June 5th. No other formats will be accepted. All certificates as well as comment sheets must be included in the one document.

Grade 11 application: 2021_Grade_11_applicaton_1_1.pdf (clrg.ie)

Grade 12 application: Microsoft Word - 2019 Grade 12 application (clrg.ie)