BunGrád Irish Dance 

At Scoil Rince Ní Haodh, our Bungrád classes are the exciting next step after Pre‑Beginners. This is where dancers move from short beginner routines into full-length competitive dances, developing confidence, musicality, and strong foundational technique.

Bungrád is perfect for dancers who are ready for more structure, more challenge, and their first real experience of CRN competition — all within a warm, supportive environment.

Bungrád Competition Dances

Dancers at Bungrád learn and compete in the four core CRN light dances:

• Reel

• Slip Jig

• Single Jig

• Light Jig

These dances build rhythm, control, precision, and the technical habits needed for progression through the CRN grades.

Special Award Rounds

At major CRN events (Regionals, Irish Open, etc.), dancers may enter a Bungrád Award, usually consisting of:

• Reel & Slip Jig  (unless the feis specifies 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” moment, helping build confidence and stage presence.

Progression to Ullmhúchán

CRN progression is dance-by-dance, 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 the competition and

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

This means a dancer may progress in Reel, while still remaining in Bungrád for Light Jig, until criteria are met for each dance.

What Adjudicators Look For

CRN adjudicators focus on:

• Rhythm: Staying perfectly in time with the music.

• Footwork: Strong turnout (toes out), clean crossing, tidy feet.

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

These fundamentals build the strong habits dancers need for every grade ahead.

Competition Entry & Teacher Guidance

All competitions follow CRN (Cumann Rince Náisiúnta) rules.

• Your teacher will guide your child and ensure they feel confident and prepared

• Families enter feiseanna through FeisHost

• Dancers progress at the pace that is right for them

Bungrád Feis Uniform & Appearance

A simple, traditional look helps dancers feel confident and stage‑ready.

Boys

• Shoes: Black Irish soft shoes (pumps)

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

• Appearance: Hair neat and off the face

Girls

• Shoes: Black Irish light shoes (soft shoes/pumps)

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

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

Heavy shoes are not introduced at Bungrád level.

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 Catherine’s Community Centre, Marrowbone Lane (Dublin 8)

• A clear, supportive pathway from Beginner → Competitive

• Focus on confidence, friendships, and skill‑building

• Structured classes preparing dancers for real CRN competition

• Progression through grades at the right pace for each child

Ready to Join Bungrád Classes?

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

View our class timetable or contact us to join Bungrád at Scoil Rince Ní Haodh.