BunGrád Irish Dance 

At Scoil Rince Ní Haodh, our Bungrád classes are the exciting step from beginner routines to full-length competitive dances. Children develop confidence, musicality, and strong foundational technique while learning essential skills for progression through the CRN grades.

Bungrád is perfect for dancers ready to take the next step after Pre-Beginners, building on their first Irish dance experiences in a fun, structured, and supportive environment.

Competition Dances in Bungrád

Dancers at this level compete in the core light dances:

• Reel

• Slip Jig

• Single Jig

• Light Jig

These dances focus on rhythm, control, and precision, preparing dancers for higher CRN grades and building strong competitive foundations.

Special Award Rounds

At major CRN events, such as Regionals and the Irish Open, dancers may enter a Bungrád Award, which usually includes the Reel and Slip Jig (unless specified otherwise).

• Winning 1st place in the Award may allow progression to the next level in those dances

• Award rounds are often a dancer’s first “big stage” experience, helping build confidence and stage presence
  
  

Progression to Ullmhúchán

CRN progression is dance-by-dance and based on placement and competition size:

A dancer may move from Bungrád → Ullmhúchán in a specific dance when:

• There are more than 7 dancers in that competition, and

• The dancer wins 1st place in either the solo dance or Award round

• Dancers may progress in Reel while remaining in Bungrád for Light Jig until criteria are met for each dance
  
  

What Adjudicators Look For

Adjudicators focus on timing, technique, and tidy carriage:

• Rhythm: Staying perfectly in sync with the music

• Footwork: Strong turn-out (toes out) and clean crossing (legs together)

• Upper Body: Arms held firmly at the sides, no swinging
  
  

These fundamentals build strong habits that support dancers through every grade.

Competition Entry & Teacher Guidance

All competitions follow CRN (Cumann Rince Náisiúnta) rules:

• Your teacher will guide your child, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and ready to compete

• Entries are managed via FeisHost, where families can register for feiseanna

Bungrád Feis Uniform & Appearance

A clear, simple uniform helps dancers feel confident on stage and supports the traditional CRN look.

Boys

• Shoes: Black Irish soft shoes (pumps)

• Uniform: Black trousers and a plain black top (or official school option)

• Appearance: Hair neat and off the face
  
  

Girls

• Shoes: Black Irish light shoes (soft shoes/pumps); heavy shoes are not introduced at this level

• Uniform: Class dress or black in-between dress (same as Pre-Beginners)

• Appearance: Hair tied off the face in curls or bun wig, following traditional CRN style
  
  

Why Parents Choose Scoil Rince Ní Haodh for Bungrád

• Over 10 years teaching Irish dance in St Aengus Community Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24

• New school open in St Catherines Community Centre, Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8

• Beginner-to-competitive pathway in a supportive environment

• Focus on confidence, friendships, and skill-building

• Structured classes preparing dancers for real competition experience

• Opportunities to progress through CRN grades at the right pace
  
  

Ready to Join Bungrád Classes?

Give your child the chance to build confidence, master foundational techniques, and enjoy Irish dance competitions in a friendly, local environment.

 Contact us today