Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance Competition Standards

In 2008, in accordance with national rules, the Culkin School revised its rules regarding competitions.  In the past, dancers were required to win two first place in each of their dances before being eligible to move up into the next competition.

Dancers from novice level and up are required to win one first in order to move up in each dance. To advance from prizewinner to preliminary championships, dancers need two firsts in each of the core dances -- reel, treble jig and hornpipe for all dancers, as well as slip jig for girls.

The Culkin School has always had higher standards than many other schools within our region. Our success in the past is in part due to this strategy. Our dancers are held to the highest of standards and as a result, we have grown to be incredibly competitive at our Oireachtas.  We have had a number of dancers qualify for both the National and World Championships.  And let’s not forget one of our very own Culkin dancers was in Riverdance!

Each school jockeys for its place in line within the region and within the nation.  The Culkin School is working to climb the ladder of success.  We couldn’t have made it this far without the dancers who travel to different feiseanna each weekend and represent us with such vigor and poise – so thank you! 

We highly encourage dancers who compete in feiseanna to dance as many dances as possible.  Please pass on all feis scores to Sean and/or Nicki.

Standards for Regular Competitions

*Beginners will automatically move into the Advanced Beginner level after one year.

The Culkin School also has an active adult program and our competition standards for adults reflect the wide range of skills present in our dancers. Any dancer who begins dance at the Culkin School after the age of 18 will be directed towards our adult competition track.*

Adult Competition Standards

*Former championship level dancers who begin dancing with the Culkin School as adults will be evaluated on an individual basis as to placement in either the regular or adult competition track.

**Beginners will automatically move into the Advance Beginner level after one year.