Diochra.com — Over 10 Years of Irish Dancing
Levels of Various Organizations
- An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha
- An Comhdháil Muinteori le Rincí Gaelacha
- Cumann Rince Náisiúnta
- American Association of Irish Dance Teachers
- British Association of Irish Dance
- Céad Míle Fáilte Association
- Celtic Association of Irish Dance
- Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa
- Festival Dance Teachers Association
- Irish Dancing Net
- North American Irish Dance Federation
- World Irish Dance Association
An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha
Ireland, Great Britain & Continental Europe
"Beginner/Bun — The very first level, for dancers who have only just started dancing. Dancers must achieve a first, second or third to move up to the Primary level. Beginner may also be listed as Novice on the syllabus for some feiseanna, or be omitted in some cases.
"Primary/Tús — The first level where dancers may compete in all the dances. Competitors must achieve a first place against five other dancers to be able to move up to the next level in that dance.
"Intermediate/Mean — Dancers must place first against five other dancers to move from Intermediate into Open. Intermediate dancers may compete in the Premier Competition/Championship if they wish.
"Open/Ard — The highest level. Dancers compete in solos, plus a championship or premier competition. If a dancer wins a Championship judged by three or more adjudicators they may not move back down to Intermediate. Dancers who have not won such a competition may move back to Intermediate at the start of each year."
Source: Jess Knight, Ireland’s Dance (site no longer active), "The Levels"
North America (North American Feis Commission)
"Beginner Grade — A beginner is a competitor who has not taken a full year of Irish Dance lessons, thereby giving beginners a full year with such status. A Beginner must move into the Advanced Beginner category the next year."
"Adult Beginner — An adult beginner is a competitor who never took Irish dancing lessons as a juvenile and is over 18 years of age."
"Advanced Beginner Grade — An advanced beginner who wins 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place will advance to the Novice category in that particular dance. Competition dancers are reel, light jig, slip jig, traditional treble jig and traditional hornpipe., as a minimum requirement.
"Novice Grade — A novice who wins a 1st place will advance to the Open (Prizewinner) category in that particular dance.
"Open Grade (Prizewinner) — A competitor who does not qualify as a Beginner, Advanced Beginner or as a Novice."
"Preliminary Championships are open to those who, at any NAFC recognized Feis:
a) Have placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in each of the Open (Prizewinner) solo categories, and
b) Have never won 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Open Championship.
"A dancer who wins two First Place awards in one calendar year will move on to Open Championship the following year, or as soon as the second win is achieved, in any age category, in the following years."
Source: North American Feis Commission, "Dancing Competition Rules"
Australia
"Beginner — The level for dancers performing beginner standard steps. If a dancer wins against eight or more dancers they must move up to Primary, although a teacher may choose to move a dancer up if they feel their standard is good enough, or they are learning more advanced steps.
"Primary — Dancers may now perform more advanced steps in this level. A dancer must win against eight or more dancers to move up to the next level.
"Elementary — A new level that was introduced in 2000 to fill the gap in the standard between Primary and Intermediate. A dancer who wins against eight or more dancers must move up a level.
"Intermediate — The second highest/hardest level. A dancer who wins against eight or more other dancers moves up to Open.
"Open — The highest level of competition. Dancers may now compete in Premierships and Championships."
Source: Jess Knight, Ireland’s Dance (site no longer active), "The Levels"
An Comhdhail Muinteori le Rincí Gaelacha
"Beginners A — Confined to dancers who have never won first places in that particular dance in any age. Solo costumes must not be worn and basic beginner steps must be danced.
"Beginners B — Confined to dancers who may have won first place in Beginners A section. Beginner steps (don’t have to be completely basic but not of pre-open standard) to be danced and Solo Costumes must not be worn.
"*In Beginners competitions, children may dance up an age group i.e. U/7A Reel & U/8A Reel. *
"Pre-Open — Confined to dancers who have never won first place in either pre-open or open sections in that particular dance in that specified age. Open champions (3 adjudicators, 2 dance championship winners) cannot compete in pre-open competitions. Solo Costumes may be worn and dancers may compete in both pre-open and open competitions if desired.
"Open — Open to all competitors under specified age unless dance is not catered for in own age group."
Source: An Comhdhail Muinteori le Rincí Gaelacha, "Rules of the Omagh Championships 2005"
Cumann Rince Náisiúnta
"Bun Grád — "Boon Grahd". Confined to those who have never won a first prize in that particular basic dance in any age group.
"Ullmhúchán Grád — "ULL-voo-cahn Grahd". Confised to those who have never won a first prize in that particular dance in that grade in any any group which is specified. Any competitor who wins a first prize in Ullmhúchán must compete in the Mean Grad section for that particular dance.
"Mean Grád — "Man Grahd". Confined to those who have never won a first prize in that particular dance in the age group which is specified, but any competitor who wins a first prize in Mean Grád must compete in the Ard Grád section for that particular dance.
"Ard Grád — "Ard Grahd". Not confined to Bun Grád, Ullmhúchán or Mean Grád. Those competitors who win a Mean Grád Award in the Irish Open Championships are deemed Ard Grád for every dance. Those competitors who win an Ard Grád Award in the Irish Open Championships are deemed Craobh Grád thereafter.
"Craobh Grád — "Crave Grahd". Not confined to Bun Grád, Ullmhúchán, Mean Grád or Ard Grád. Any competitor who wins an Ard Grád Award in the Irish Open Championships or a three adjudicator Championship is automatically debarred from Bun Grád, Ullmhúchán, Mean Grád and Ard Grád competitions."
Source: Cumann Rince Náisiúnta, "Rules of Competition & Feis Organizers' Checklist"
American Association of Irish Dance Teachers
Beginner — First level. Dances are Reel, Single Jig, Light Jig, and Slip Jig; competitors must dance three out of the four at each feis. Each dance is 32 bars.
Advanced Beginner — Second level. Dances are Reel, Single Jig, Light Jig, and Slip Jig; competitors must dance three out of the four at each feis. Each dance is 32 bars.
novice — Third level. Dances are Reel, Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and Traditional Sets. Competitors must dance three of the four regular dances (not including Traditional Sets). Hardshoe dances are at traditional speed, and are 32 bars each.
prizewinner — Fourth level. Dances include all of the above; however, now hardshoe speeds are contemporary and Sets are Non-Traditional. At a feis, a Prizewinner dances either a Reel or Slip Jig, and either a Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Treble Reel or Non-Traditional Set. Dances are 32 bars each.
Preliminary — Fifth level. Dances include all of the above. At a feis, a Preliminary dances a softshoe dance (either a Reel or Slip Jig), a hardshoe dance (either a Treble Jig, Hornpipe, or Treble Reel), as well as a Non-Traditional Set. Dances are 32 bars each.
Championship — Sixth and highest level. Dances include all of the above.
Source: American Association of Irish Dance Teachers, "Ruels & Regs"
British Association of Irish Dance
Beginner — First level. Dances are Reel, Light Jig and Hop Jig (Single Jig).
Primary — Second level. Dances are Reel, Light Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig), Slip Jig, Heavy Jig (Treble Jig), Hornpipe, Rally/Treble Reel, and Traditional Sets. I assume from this being the first level to include hardshoe, and from the inclusion of Traditional Sets, that the Heavy jig and Hornpipe are danced at traditional/fast speed at this level.
Intermediate/NPW — Third level. "NPW" unclarified; likely Non-Prizewinner, meaning someone who has not won a championship. Dances include all of the above, though hardshoe dances likely move to contemporary/slow speeds at this level.
Open — Fourth and highest level. Dances include all of the above, likely at contemporary speeds, with the exclusion of the Light Jig and Hop Jig (Single Jig).
Source: British Association of Irish Dance, "All England Open Championship 2009"
Céad Míle Fáilte Association
Beginner — First level. Dances are Light Jig and Reel.
Primary — Second level. Dances are Reel, Light Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig), Slip Jig, Hard Jig (Treble Jig), Hornpipe, and Traditional Sets. I assume from this being the first level to include hardshoe, that the Hard Jig and Hornpipe are danced at traditional/fast speed at this level.
Intermediate — Third level. Dances include all of the above, though hardshoe dances might move to contemporary/slow speeds at this level.
Open — Fourth and highest level. Dances include all of the above, likely at contemporary speeds, with the exclusion of the Traditional Sets.
Source: Céad Míle Fáilte Association, "CMFA Events for 2010," St John's School Feis Syllabus
Celtic Association of Irish Dance
Beginner — First level. Dances seem to include Light Jig, Reel, Slip Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig), Heavy Jig, Hornpipe, and Traditional Sets. I assume from this being the first level to include hardshoe, that the Hard Jig and Hornpipe are danced at traditional/fast speed at this level. Dances only last 24 bars each (1.5 steps).
Primary — Second level. Dances include all of the above, and last 32 bars each (2 steps). Unsure of hardshoe speeds at this level. Likely still traditional speed.
Intermediate — Dances include all of the above, and last 40 bars each (2.5 steps). Hardshoe dances might move to contemporary/slow speeds at this level.
Open — Dances include all of the above, likely at contemporary speeds, with the exclusion of the Traditional Sets. Dances last 40 bars (2.5 steps) or 48 bars (3 steps) each.
Source: Celtic Association of Irish Dance, "Constitution 2010"
Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa
Beginner — First level. Dances include Light Jig, Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Treble Jig, and Hornpipe. I assume from this being the first level to include hardshoe, that the Treble Jig and Hornpipe are danced at traditional/fast speed at this level.
Intermediate — Dances include all of the above. Hardshoe dances might move to contemporary/slow speeds at this level.
Open — Dances include all of the above, likely at contemporary speeds, with the exclusion of the Single Jig and the additional of the Rally Reel (Treble Reel).
Source: Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa, "Feiseanna," Feile Dea Mheasa 2010 Syllabus
Festival Dance Teachers Assocation
non-prizewinner (NPW) — First level. Dances include Light Jig, Reel, Treble Jig, and Hornpipe. I assume from this being the first level to include hardshoe, that the Treble Jig and Hornpipe are danced at traditional/fast speed at this level.
Intermediate — Dances include all of the above. Hardshoe dances might move to contemporary/slow speeds at this level. This level is for competitors who have been placed 1st or 2nd in their respective NPW class (they have won, hence they are no longer considered a "non-prize winner").
Upper — Dances include all of the above, likely at contemporary speeds. This level is for dancers who have placed 1st or 2nd in their respective Intermediate class.
Championship — Only the competitors in the Upper Treble Jig / Hornpipe class will be eligible to dance the Championship class.
Source: Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa, "Feiseanna," Feile Dea Mheasa 2010 Syllabus
Irish Dancing Net
Performance Levels
Bun Grád — First, basic level. Reel, Light Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig) and Slip Jig as well as Treble Reel, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, "Sling," and the Traditional Sets St Patrick's Day and Three Sea Captains.
Tús Grád — Second, primary level. Reel, Light Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig) and Slip Jig as well as Treble Reel, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, "Sling," and any Traditional Set.
Meán Grád — Third, main or intermediate level. Reel, Light Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig) and Slip Jig as well as Treble Reel, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, "Sling," and any Non-Traditional Set in jig rhythm.
Ard Grád — Fourth and highest, open level. Reel, Light Jig, Hop Jig (Single Jig) and Slip Jig as well as Treble Reel, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, "Sling," and any Non-Traditional Set in hornpipe rhythm.
Grade Levels
Beginner Dancer (IBD) — Grade 1. Dances are the Light Jig and Reel.
Novice Dancer (IND) — Grade 2. Dances are the Light Jig, Reel and Hop Jig (Single Jig).
Intermediate Dancer (IID) — Grade 3. Dances are the Hop Jig (Single Jig), Slip Jig, Treble Reel and Treble Jig.
Advanced Dancer (IAD) — Grade 4. Dances are the Slip Jig, Treble Reel, Treble Jig and Hornpipe.
Regarded Dancer (IRD) — Grade 5. Dances are the Light Jig, Reel, Treble Reel, Treble Jig, Hornpipe. Also includes "Sling," of which I have never heard.
Expert Dancer (IED) — Grade 6. Dances are the Light Jig, Reel, Hop Jig (Single Jig), Treble Jig, Hornpipe and "Sling".
Champion Dancer (ICD) — Grade 7. Dances are the Hop Jig (Single Jig), Slip Jig, Hornpipe and "Sling".
Master Dancer (IMD) — Grade 8, highest. Dances are the Slip Jig and "Sling".
Source: Irish Dancing Net, "Rules" & "Graduation"
North American Irish Dance Federation
Beginner — First level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig, and Single Jig.
Advanced Beginner — Second level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig, Single Jig, and traditional-speed Treble Jig.
Novice — Third level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Treble Reel, and Traditional Set. Hardshoe dances are traditional speed.
Prizewinner — Fourth level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Treble Reel, Traditional Set and Non-Traditional Set. All hardshoe dances except Traditional Sets are contemporary/open speed.
Preliminary Championship — Fifth level. Dances include all of the above.
Open Championship — Sixth and highest level. Dances include all of the above.
Source: North American Irish Dance Federation, "The Rulebook"
World Irish Dance Association
Beginner — First level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig, Single Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and St Patrick's Day.
Primary — Second level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig, Single Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and Traditional Set.
Intermediate — Third level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig, Single Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and Traditional Set.
Open — Fourth and highest level. Dances include Reel, Slip Jig, Treble Jig, Hornpipe, and Traditional Set.