Grade examinations are a way to show dance proficiency outside of a competitive environment. Aimed to ensure that dancers of all levels learn the basics of each dance, these exams provide guidance on how to improve in Irish dance. The exams are different from competitions, as the focus is more on the individual’s ability, rather than being directly compared to other dancers.
There are 12 grades plus a preliminary grade. Different dances are specified for each grade. Each grade must be passed before a dancer may attempt the next grade and a certificate is awarded for each grade passed. A dancer who passes all 12 grades will receive the Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission. Credits from the grade exams can be applied toward the solo dance portion of the TCRG and ADCRG examination. Note that dancers do not need to be regular feis competitors in order to participate in the grade examinations.
The IDTACE is offering Grades 1 – 12 Exams during this year’s ECR Oireachtas!
Registration is now open for the 2-day event and will be open until the end of August or when the cap is reached for each of the days. Please note that the cap will be determined based on the length of time it takes to complete a grade.
We are scheduling Grade 11 and 12 exams on both days. Please complete the attached registration form for Grade 11 or Grade 12 as soon as possible, and send to idtace.grades@gmail.com along with comment pages from Grades 1-10 (for Grade 11) or comment page from Grade 11 (for Grade 12).
Note: there is a limit of 3 exams for grades 1 – 6 and 2 exams for grades 7 – 10.
Talk to your TCRG/ADCRG if you have any questions about the exams. Further information can also be found on the CLRG website under ‘Find an exam’ in the ‘Feiseanna & Exams’ tab.
Examiner: TBD
Fees: Grades 1 – 2 – 3: $25 each
Grades 4 – 5 – 6: $35.00 each
Grades 7 – 10: $45.00 each
Grades 11 – 12: $90.00 each
Location: Westin Harbour Castle
1 Harbour Square, Toronto
Room: TBA
Date & Time: Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th 2022
Start time TBA – will be emailed to dancers after registrations close
Feis rules apply: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to starting if you are not present when your grade examination starts you may be disqualified. The examinations are closed to spectators. This rule will be enforced by the volunteers. If you are dancing set dances, please bring your music on your phone/ipod.
Dancers must be dropped off with their own with water and shoes. More details regarding time and schedule will be emailed to prior to the exams. Teachers will not receive a schedule in advance as dancers are accommodated as best as possible with like grades, however with conflicts, etc. the schedule might change and you will be notified directly by email.
Please contact idtace.grades@gmail.com if you have any scheduling questions/concerns.
| Preliminary | $15 |
| Grade 1 | $25 |
| Grade 2 | $25 |
| Grade 3 | $25 |
| Grade 4 | $35 |
| Grade 5 | $35 |
| Grade 6 | $35 |
| Grade 7 | $45 |
| Grade 8 | $45 |
| Grade 9 | $45 |
| Grade 10 | $45 |
| Grade 11 | $90 |
| Grade 12 | $90 |