ArdGrad

Ardgrád is the fourth competitive grade in the CRN system. At this level, dancers demonstrate strong technical ability, confident performance quality, and a mature understanding of rhythm and musicality. Steps become more demanding, with higher elevation, sharper beats, and increased stamina required across all dances.

Competition Dances

Ardgrád dancers perform a full range of advanced light and heavy dances, with increased complexity and performance expectations.

• Light Dances — Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig

• Heavy Dances — Heavy Jig, Hornpipe

• Traditional Set Dance — A traditional set is required at this level (e.g., The Blackbird, Job of Journeywork, Garden of Daisies, depending on readiness and teacher guidance)

Dancers at this level show strong control, stamina, and expressive performance quality.

Special Award Rounds

Major CRN events such as the Regionals and the Irish Open offer an Ardgrád Award.

• The Award typically includes Reel and Set Dance, unless otherwise stated by the event.

• Progression: A dancer who wins 1st place in the Award may move up to the next level in the dances performed.

Award rounds at this level test both technical mastery and confident stage presence.

What Adjudicators Look For

Ardgrád dancers are expected to demonstrate a high level of refinement, strength, and artistry.

• Precision — Clean, accurate footwork with strong turnout and tight crossing.

• Heavy Shoe Clarity — Sharp, powerful beats with consistent rhythm and volume.

• Elevation — High, controlled jumps with tidy landings.

• Musicality — Confident phrasing, accents, and expression.

• Presentation — Strong stage presence, tidy carriage, and polished performance quality.

These qualities prepare dancers for the final competitive level: Craobhghrád.

Competition Entry & Progression

All entries continue to be managed through crn.feishost.com.

• Teacher Guidance — Your dance teacher will advise when your child is ready to compete in Ardgrád and when they are ready to progress further.

• Grading Out — To move to Craobhghrád, a dancer must place 1st in a round with enough competitors to qualify.

• Three‑Win Rule — If there are not enough dancers to grade out automatically, a dancer may move up after winning 1st place three times in that specific dance.