Grade Exams
​Sponsored by the Early McLoughlin School of Irish Dance 

- ​Upcoming Grade Exams are scheduled for:
  • Saturday, March 26, 2022
  • Sunday, March 27, 2022​ 

​Exams will be held at:
​Sacred Heart School Gymnasium
60 Washington Ave
Suffern, NY, 10901

Further information to come! (this website will be updated accordingly)
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Grade Exams will be held on Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, 27th at (venue to be announced soon).

Permission:  Please consult your TCRG for information and permission to participate in the Grade Exams before applying. Dancers who have successfully completed prior grades must be prepared to present those certificates at the exam. A minimum of three months is required between Grade Exam attempts (Grades 1-6 can at this time be taken in one sitting).

Levels: Grades 1 - 12 will be available at the event. 

Age: There is no age limit on grade exams; adults may participate. 

Examiners:  
Grades 1-12: Rita O' Shea ADCRG, BG

Registering:  Use the Application button below to download the application form. All applications (with the exception of Grades 11 and 12) must be postmarked by March 14, 2022; there is no online registration. Checks must be made payable to James Early. 
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​GRADES 11 & 12:
Applications for Grades 11 and 12 are due to James Early via email at earlyfamily3@aol.com, by February 1st - NO EXCEPTIONS as all applications and necessary documents need to be sent to Ireland to determine Grade Examiner. Please provide electronic record of all previous exam score sheets and certificates via email to James Early.    

Any potential candidate for Grades 1-10 should not wait until the last minute as there will be a cap put on the exams.  

Attire: Candidates should wear a top and skirt, shorts or long pants suitable for dancing. 

If in the event exams have to be postponed due to COVID restrictions, refunds will be made accordingly. Grade exams will be conducted employing social distancing and all other guidelines set by the state. All candidates, should bring a mask with them but will not be required to dance with a mask.

What is the Grade Exam?

The purpose of the Grade Examinations Scheme is to provide a structured framework within which dancers can progress towards an achievable goal.  The syllabus has been designed to provide a strong foundation in Irish Dance by developing a candidate’s physical skills, stamina, expression, musicality and an appreciation and knowledge of the traditional dances and culture.  It provides a worthwhile sense of achievement for individuals whether they dance solely for health, recreation or competitive reasons or hope to pursue a career in Irish Dancing.

Grade examinations are unlike competitions in that each candidate is individually examined and receives a detailed written assessment of their performance and knowledge of the grade being attempted. They are open to both male and female candidates regardless of age and ability.   

The scheme consists of an optional Preliminary Grade followed by a further 12 grades with each grade becoming increasingly more demanding on the candidate’s skill, knowledge and ability. Each Grade must be passed and certificate awarded before a candidate may attempt the next level.  A dancer who successfully completes all Grades will be awarded “The Diploma of the Irish Dancing Commission”.

All 12 Grade Examinations must be completed to be eligible to apply for the TCRG Examination effective from January 1st 2018. 

All candidates must produce previous reports before proceeding to higher grades. Reports must be presented at examinations