Irish Dance Q&A

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The exams are fairly straight forward. The only problem I ever had while taking them arose when I realized not every examiner was on the same page with how to run or examine us.

For example, during Grades 4-6, the examiner after talking with the examinees, decided to shorten time and the lessen the amount of shoe changes by doing all the lights from all the exams first, then all the hards for all the exams second, then the sets and then the céilí questions at the end. Another time, my friend doing the exact same exams but with a different examiner had to do each grade individually and they had to change their shoes six times. (Admittedly, they got severely behind schedule that day.)

Another example is how each examiner has handled the céilí portion. Most are supremely thorough with making sure we understand each portion of the dance. But once, I was only asked the parts of the body, and passed.

I was very grateful to the examiner I had on Grade 12. He made things clear that I had only guessed at before, shared the knowledge that was unspoken that we all wondered, but no one ever told us. Looking back, I probably should have asked.

He told us we don't have to memorize Ár Rincí Céilí. What we do need is to clearly communicate the movements and make sure the important details are there. We don't need to be machines. We need to understand the dances.

They're looking to see if we know a variety of material suitable for all ages and levels. They look to see if we know what proper technique and form we need. They look to see if we can properly execute the moves we do. And even if we are lacking in a few area's, they will give us notes on it! Also on the good stuff too! It's essentially a private with a judge, helping guide us on our journey to being a TCRG.

I can't tell you what your examiner will do or ask you. All I can do is share my experience and my advice.

And my advice? Just be prepared. Start getting ready earlier than you think you will need to. Let your friends quiz you. Teach what you learn to a friend to help ingrain it into you.

I am quite certain the only way to fail the Grade Exams is by going in without a clue what you are doing. You have people surrounding you who want you to succeed! You have resources available. Take hold of everything.

I've always been fond of saying this, but only so much is in your control. You can't control the judges. You can't control the environment. There really is only a little bit of things in your control. So take advantage of what you can, and make no excuses. If is something outside of your control, let go and move on. But if you take control of what you do, some spectacular things will happen.

I found Grade 12 a nice break after Grade 11, though you still have a lot of work. You'll have seven choreographies, two of which are modern sets chosen from a list of five you submit. Again, you will also have two céilí to be tested on. Here is what the Grade 12 Application looks like. You won't be able to submit your application until after you've received your Grade 11 certificate and markings sheet. Another note is that Grade 12 can only be taken if you are 17 or older.

Light Jig - Speed 116. I did my fanciest version here for fun, but usually a simple dance.

Single Jig - Speed 124. I did my favorite choreography for this one, again, a simple dance as it is not competed at higher levels.

Advanced Hornpipe - Speed 113. As this is a slow speed, I do not believe it matters what level of choreography you do here, whether more Novice worthy or Champion worthy. Just make sure you do it neat and clean.

Three Sea Captains - Speed 96, traditional set.

Jockey to the Fair - Speed 90, traditional set.

The Morris Reel - An eight hand in reel time. **Note from the book: All movements in the dance appear in Eight Hand Reel, except for the first and second movements in the body.** Order of movements is as follows: Lead Around, Body, First Figure, Side Couples 1st Fig, Body, Second Figure, Side Couples 2nd Fig, Body, The Finish

The Sixteen Hand Reel - A sixteen hand dance in reel time. Remember which couples correspond! 1 and 2 are leading and opposite tops, 3 and 4 are leading and opposite sides. Same thing happens with couples 5-8, where 5 and 6 are second tops, and 7 and 8 are second sides. Couples 1-4 are set up like a normal eight hand, the second set of couples gets pushed into the space just to the right of their ordinary position, ie couple 5 would stand just to the right of couple 1. Movements are as follows: Lead Around, Body, First Figure (all couples in order 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8), Body, Second Figure (all couples again), Body, Third Figure (all couples again), Body, The Finish.

Grade 11 things go up a notch, with a total of 6 choreographies to perform, two céilí to learn, plus the fact that you technically have to have five sets ready, though you will only dance two. What will happen is you will have to submit your Grade 11 application ahead of time. Whoever is hosting the exams will let you know the final due date for the exams. (I've linked the current application, though it should be provided by the Grades Host.) Another note I will make is you have to be 16 years old or older to take Grade 11. A final note for after you finish Grade 11 is that you won't take your certificate home that day, it will be mailed to you. However, they will typically let your teacher know the results very quickly in the meantime.

Advanced Reel - Speed 113. I did a mix of champion-level material again for this exam, but do something you're more or less familiar with, it will make your life easier.

Advanced Slip Jig - Speed 113. Again, did steps I was familiar with. Just because it's advanced doesn't mean you have to do the hardest material you have.

Advanced Heavy Jig - Speed 73. I know I repeat myself, but any material Novice or higher will work for this exam. As long as it is a slow-speed choreography it should be fine.

King of the Fairies - Traditional set, speed 130. Be sure to practice at the correct speed! (I didn't check the speed before I went in, turns out I was practicing to a slightly slower speed, but it turned out alright.)

Two Modern Sets Chosen from Five Submitted - I found that one examiner consistently chose the longest sets out of those I submitted, another just chose one in each time signature. If several people submit the same choreography music, they might choose so that they see the most variety. No way of knowing how your examiner will chose, so just make sure you know all the dances well!

Eight Hand Reel - Eight hand in reel time for four couples. Be sure you don't mix up Eight Hand Reel with Eight Hand Jig! Order of movements is as follows: Lead Around, Body, First Figure, Side Couples 1st Fig, Body, Second Figure, Side Couples 2nd Fig, Body, The Finish

Harvest Time Jig - A Progressive dance for TRIO's! Make sure you say trio's not couples. A silly mistake of wording I made, though when the Examiner pointed it out to me, I thanked her for the correction and corrected myself.

Grade 10 consists of two modern set dances and The Eight Hand Jig.

Two Modern Sets - Just as in Grade 9, one must be in 2/4 or 4/4 time, the other must be in 6/8 time. However, they must be different from those done in Grade 9.

The Eight Hand Jig - As the name suggests, an eight hand done in jig time. Be careful when you learn the movements, it shares the same names as movements in other eight hands, but they are performed differently! Movements are as follows: Lead Around, Body, First Figure, Side Couple 1st Fig, Body, Second Figure, Side Couple 2nd Figure, Body, The Finish