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• I was hoping this board may be able to help with some questions and information I am looking for. -- Thanks for all your help., 06:43:32 09/02/12 Sun [2]
  Is there a study book required for the teachers exam? If so where can I get one? Do I need to be currently with a studio or have the backing of a present TCRG in order to take the exmaination? How soon prior to a test date must you submit a request for that date? How do you go about submitting your name for a test date?
  

  
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  • Go to CLRG.ie. You'll find the syllabus and application form in the "Find an Exam" section. You put your name forward by submitting an application. Generally speaking, the sooner you can submit your application and get your name in for an exam date the better. I submitted my application over a year early, and I applied for an exam that hadn't been announced yet. They usually hold an exam in Ireland in November, so on my application I put "Ireland, Nov 2012" for the exam date. -- More inside, 13:48:00 09/02/12 Sun

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• I just got my timetable for the Atlanta exam and under the Teaching Section it says S/T 5:45-6:30, does this just mean that that's the time frame that I will start within? I don't remember my schedule having that the last time.... -- Meg, 21:41:35 08/31/12 Fri [4]
  
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  • my guess is that you are just repeating the solo teaching? but at the same time theres no way that would be 45 min long - i would email clair for clairification (NT) -- ecr, 21:59:13 08/31/12 Fri
  • I got my time table too. The teaching portion said it's 4:15-5:00 and i thought it meant i would do all my teaching during that 45 min interval. (NT) -- atlanta candidate, 23:25:00 08/31/12 Fri
    • Yes, 45 min is allotted for both solo and ceili teaching. If you're only taking one section, though, I'd double check with Claire on your time slot. (NT) -- jh, 23:30:42 08/31/12 Fri

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• Just panicked! I'm teaching my kids in class 8-hand jig and in the Swing into Line, I had them take hands during rise and grind on both feet. The book doesn't say to grab hands, but I feel like I've always seen it that way. Am I imagining it, or is that one of those sections that "the book says this, but traditionally we do that? -- TC, 03:16:14 08/28/12 Tue [12]
  
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  • Mary McElroy said to absolutely NOT take hands on the Rise & Grind... (NT) -- jh, 14:10:35 08/28/12 Tue
  • I would not take hands however at my prep class we suggested if the children were really young allowing them to take hands and explaining to the panel you were just doing that to keep them in their lines for now. (NT) -- Good luck, 14:21:44 08/28/12 Tue
  • No Hands -- TMRF, 14:59:51 08/28/12 Tue
    • Agree. There were several times in Mary's workshop that we would ask, is it ok to teach this part with hands and then tell them to do it without. She said in real life, yes, in the exam, no. (NT) -- jh, 18:35:45 08/28/12 Tue
      • Question: was one of those times the interlace in the duke reel? That's one I did on my first go-round. (NT) -- Aine, 17:48:58 08/29/12 Wed
        • Yes! Someone specifically asked about that part and her answer was the same - yes for real life teaching, no for the exam. (NT) -- jh, 18:26:30 08/29/12 Wed
          • Well, that may clear up some questions about my first exam, I did have the kids do it with hands first. I specified before starting that it was no hands, and the hands were for demonstration only... -- Aine, 15:44:50 08/30/12 Thu
            • I agree with you. I've always taught it with hands first, then without. I suppose they consider it a mistake because they do not all agree that it's a good teaching method. Mary said she thinks it is, but a lot of examiners do not. (NT) -- jh, 22:14:50 08/30/12 Thu
  • What about for competition though? Do teams do it at feis? (NT) -- OP, 04:24:00 08/30/12 Thu
    • I'm sure many do. Thats the way Olive does it in the videos. (NT) -- jh, 05:00:47 08/30/12 Thu
  • I taught this dance in my exam and did not have the dancers take hands. Examiners said that was correct while I was teaching it :) (NT) -- :), 05:26:10 08/30/12 Thu

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• How do two gents hold hands? -- Lady always shows her jewels, 20:10:12 08/28/12 Tue [3]
  For example in the bridge of athlone, when a line of gents takes hands, is there any convention as to which has their hand underneath and which gas fingers curled round the top as the lady usually would? Or is there a different way for two gents to take hands?
  

  
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  • I always do it as gent 1 holds gent 2's hand, so gent 2's hand goes on top then also on top of gent 3's hand who also holds gent 4's hand on top of his, and so on... Hth. (NT) -- jh, 20:44:19 08/28/12 Tue
  • Honestly, it's something to not have to worry about. Examiners won't mind which way gents catch as long as you know the matetial and catch major mistakes (feet, rotations, etc) (NT) -- :), 05:32:19 08/30/12 Thu

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• #6 on points to remember -- back to basics, 18:19:12 08/28/12 Tue [6]
  Have I been holding hands wrong all my life? Just glanced at this one today and it says two things that confuse me: (a) only the lady crosses her wrists (gents do not, so they have RT hand in Rt and LT hand in LET), and (b) that the lady's wrists are turned "palms down" direction. WHAT?
  

  
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  • When taking hands crossed, technically the lady's wrists are crossed not the gents. As for the palms down, they just mean that the lady's hands go on top of the gent's - so, the gent holds his hands up and the lady places her hands in his. Hth... (NT) -- jh, 18:33:17 08/28/12 Tue
    • Should I correct the dancers when they grab hands another way? Have other come across this issue, or am I being too picky? -- back to basics, 20:09:43 08/28/12 Tue
  • Gents hands are always palms up, ladies palms down. Gent never crosses at wrist. An experienced dancer will just do this automatically (if trained properly), but yes, you should keep an eye out for it and make any necessary corrections just to be sure. (NT) -- Good Luck, 02:38:49 08/29/12 Wed
    • So, to clarify: Even when the book says to take Crossed hands, the Gents hands are not crossed, only the ladies hands are crossed? -- studying, 15:53:14 08/29/12 Wed
      • Yes. (NT) -- jh, 17:12:33 08/29/12 Wed

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• trad sets -- xxx, 15:44:30 08/28/12 Tue [4]
  what trad sets do we need to know for the exam in Atlanta 2012???
  

  
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  • Just the four that have been required - St. Pat's Day, Blackbird, Job, and Garden. Beginning in January, you have to know the other three. (NT) -- jh, 16:34:37 08/28/12 Tue
  • thanks and is it 4 jig sets and five hornpipe? -- .., 18:14:48 08/28/12 Tue
    • It's 9 sets total out of the "non" trads...They will choose from the 9 you selected when you put in your application. You could have selected 5 jigs and 4 hornpipes, or 5 hornpipes and 4 jigs. -- atl, 18:21:22 08/28/12 Tue

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• Steps to prepare -- Wondering, 19:17:13 08/23/12 Thu [3]
  When preparing for your teaching solo and dancing solo portions I was wondering, can you teach the same steps you performed?? That would make things much easier if so!! Thanks.
  

  
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  • Yes. You may only not repeat material between steps and sets in the dancing section. You may teach a step that you danced. (NT) -- jh, 20:45:18 08/23/12 Thu
  • Thank you!! Very helpful (NT) -- OP, 18:11:47 08/28/12 Tue

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• Does anyone have contact details for Mary McElroy?? Do you have information about her TCRG classes? -- Any info would be much appreciated please., 15:28:15 08/27/12 Mon [2]
  
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  • I have it somewhere, but if you go to CLRG.ie in the latest news section, her info is posted for a workshop she's holding over in Ireland soon. (NT) -- jh, 02:58:17 08/28/12 Tue

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• Can anyone recommend a CD to buy for sets? -- ., 13:09:04 08/27/12 Mon [3]
  I'm hoping to get started on studying for my TCRG. I'm finding it difficult to locate a CD with the long version of St. Patricks Day and Blackbird. Would also like to have all of the non-trad sets too. Thanks in advance.
  

  
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  • The Final Round by Kevin Joyce, and the New Sets by Gerry & Seamus. You don't *need* the long version of those trad sets as in the exam you only do first step and right foot of first set. In terms of studying for the music listening exam, get the official CD from the Coimisiun as that's what they'll play in the exam - they're not played at usual dancing speed so it's best to get used to the speed and embellishments on the actual exam cd. (NT) -- ., 19:04:58 08/27/12 Mon
    • Agree (NT) -- jh, 20:21:07 08/27/12 Mon

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• For any nonchamp dancers who have taken the exam, were your dancing marks higher/lower than what you typically scored at a competition? Thanks. -- studying, 14:36:13 08/22/12 Wed [22]
  
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  • I LOVE this question! unfortunately I don't remember my old scores when I competed. I would love to hear others respond. (NT) -- I believe my tc exams were lower(taken 3 times), 05:55:02 08/23/12 Thu
  • I'm not sure it's strictly comparable since you're not competing with the other candidates, they're not trying to rank all of the examinees in order which is all raw scores are used for - on their own, the number means nothing. Also they're looking for different things in the exam. (NT) -- ., 09:07:54 08/23/12 Thu
    • Actually, they're looking for the same thing in the exam - arch, cross, placement, turnout, etc. (NT) -- studying, 17:46:28 08/23/12 Thu
      • Yes, of course they are. It even says so in the syllabus. But that's the main thing they're looking for, over and above tricks. Regardless, it still isn't something you can compare. You can't even compare one judge's raw scores to another, so trying to compare a competition to an exam doesn't make sense either. (NT) -- ., 18:35:16 08/23/12 Thu
  • I think it's a great comparison. I'm curious about it. (NT) -- --, 07:24:52 08/24/12 Fri
  • The marks aren't comparable because the marks used in a feis are for comparison purposes, whereas you're only being graded against yourself in the exam. You could get a "60" from a judge a feis, but that's because there were several dancers sharper than you that day. But perhaps your actual ability is more akin to a 70. Your marks change depending on your competition at a feis, but at the exam your mark is meant to be a constant. I took the exam twice and got the same dance mark both times, but at feiseanna my marks depended on how I stacked up against others. (NT) -- c, 12:54:50 08/24/12 Fri
    • But you're still being judged by three people at the exam. Their opinions could vary quite a bit. (NT) -- studying, 14:43:24 08/24/12 Fri
      • Yes, but it doesn't compare to the atmosphere of a feis, where you are marked against other people and your marks change accordingly. Here it is against a standard, not a group of dancers. (NT) -- c, 18:19:46 08/24/12 Fri
    • How did your marks at the exam compare to your competition marks? Just curious. (NT) -- op, 14:52:49 08/24/12 Fri
      • Their first words were "they are not comparable"??? (NT) -- ., 15:08:53 08/24/12 Fri
      • Totally depended on the feis...Sometimes I got high marks and placed in the top 3, other days placed lower and got lower marks. Both times at the exam I got a 73. (NT) -- c, 18:00:59 08/24/12 Fri
        • That's good to know. Thank you. Trying top get an idea of what to expect. (NT) -- op, 20:59:04 08/24/12 Fri
  • I was a Prelim dancer when I stopped competing -- o, 15:44:51 08/24/12 Fri
    • A pass is a pass is a pass :) I'd be over the moon with 71 to be honest! (NT) -- m, 16:53:32 08/24/12 Fri
    • Thanks :) At the time, I was the oldest in my exam group -- o, 17:01:50 08/24/12 Fri
  • Thanks for the repsonses everyone. Stil pushing along, but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect. Hoping to pass with a 70 on the dancing, that's all. (NT) -- op, 21:01:49 08/24/12 Fri
    • I was an open champion multiple world qualifier. However I took the exam 14 years after retiring from competition. I passed with a 72 which I was dellighted with, as I was the oldest in my group too! (NT) -- tcrg, 22:44:07 08/24/12 Fri
  • Has anyone passed in recent years who hasn't been a Prelim/Open dancer? (NT) -- Any hope?, 03:50:14 08/26/12 Sun
  • I know someone who passed as an adult and NEVER EVEN COMPETED! It might be that you have to take it a few times but it can happen! I am an adult dancer, just retook the dancing- I'll let you know in a few weeks if I passed or not! (NT) -- worse not to try,than try and fail, 04:55:23 08/26/12 Sun
    • Thanks for the examples. It's very encouraging. Good luck with your results! (NT) -- op, 15:06:04 08/26/12 Sun
    • I passed and never competed. I was older and had taken as a child. It's possible. (NT) -- ., 05:28:50 08/27/12 Mon

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• Any suggestions on what to wear for the exam? -- tc hopeful, 20:59:56 08/22/12 Wed [15]
  
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  • Business casual or just casual for the written and music. Something comfortable and athletic for the dancing. I went with the same for teaching, but saw others wearing more regular clothes, too. (NT) -- jh, 21:43:49 08/22/12 Wed
  • I remember an old thread about this where one dancer really thought it was important to dress up. I have been to the exam 3 times and I honestly think it doesn't matter. they are not judging your outfit. however, it can't hurt to look neat and tidy. hair done and makeup. most everyone wears black! (NT) -- good luck!, 05:51:46 08/23/12 Thu
    • I don't think it's important to dress up to the nines, but for the situation something like tracksuit bottoms or booty shorts would be inappropriate. I probably won't even wear jeans for the written portion. If I fail I want it to be because of something I did or didn't do, not because of my outfit. (NT) -- ., 09:10:47 08/23/12 Thu
  • I guarantee they do not care what you wear to the written. They score you on your answers, not your jeans. I dressed up- got a 99%- not because of the outfit! because I only made one silly mistake. (NT) -- --, 07:22:52 08/24/12 Fri
    • No but the written exam is when you make your first impression on the examiners. There is a lot of subjectivity in what you can be asked to dance (ie davis, kilkenny, blackthorn vs storyteller, miss browns, sprig) and what you have to teach (walls, sweets vs 2nd figure of 16 hand reel and glencar). Who knows how those decisions are made but I want to make a good first impression that I am ready to represent AnC (NT) -- no sweats or runners for me, 15:47:25 08/24/12 Fri
      • Me too. It's pretty much a job interview, isn't it? You're asking to join their organisation and they're assessing you to see if you're fit to join, because by joining you're representing them. No, they're not going to fail anyone based on jeans or booty shorts alone, but why give them any opportunity to mark down? You're trying to enter the profession of teaching so it's important to look professional, as if you care about what you're doing. Dress for the job you want, not the job you've got. (NT) -- ., 16:51:14 08/24/12 Fri
  • no duh (NT) -- --, 19:40:50 08/24/12 Fri
    • Really?... (NT) -- hopeful, 19:55:17 08/24/12 Fri
  • yes, really- they ARE NOT judging your clothes. (NT) -- --, 06:09:17 08/25/12 Sat
    • Do you think a lawyer would go to his/her bar exam in workout clothes or jeans and a t-shirt? No. You don't have look like you're going to a wedding, but you should put some thought into your appearance and dress nicely. (NT) -- study, 06:16:20 08/25/12 Sat
  • I made it a point to dress professionally for the written and music sections... -- tcrg, 20:05:28 08/25/12 Sat
  • I guess some people can't read. No one ever said to dress bad here- just that it REALLY has no effect on your written test score. People come quite casual and pass with flying colors. (NT) -- --, 04:59:42 08/26/12 Sun
    • ya its obviously not going to impact your written test mark or music mark but it could impact your dancing/teaching section being dressed inappropriately (NT) -- er, 23:31:51 08/26/12 Sun
  • If you are doing the interview for the AD it is important to dress up, but not the TC (NT) -- TCRG, 05:03:22 08/26/12 Sun

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• Does anyone know what the official speeds are for slip jig, light jig, reel, treble jig, single jig, and hornpipe. Thank you. -- studying, 21:02:01 08/23/12 Thu [3]
  
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  • It depends on your country, region, age and grade. Speeds vary by region, and also lower grades and very young dancers have faster music. I currently use this cd (inside) that lists all the speeds -- covers everything I need for my pupils in class, 21:12:01 08/23/12 Thu
    • That's covers all the speeds I need for teaching in Ireland. (NT) -- ., 21:14:07 08/23/12 Thu

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• Haste to the wedding -- studying, 03:59:29 08/22/12 Wed [4]
  When dancing the second movement of Haste to the wedding, Right wheel, do you begin the wheel with skipping with your right foot (to follow rule where all odd numbers are danced with right and even numbers with left) or your left foot? The reason I ask is that dancing with your Right foot seems to be consistent with how ceili dancing is usually danced, however it makes the transition from this movement to the Rising Step a little awkward when you start the rising step with your left foot. If you start the Right Wheel with your left foot, it does not follow normal dancing rules, but the transition to the Rising Step is much more natural with the left foot.
  

  
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  • it is right foot to start the skips and it is awkward going into the rising step the 2nd time - mary mcleroy said it was awkward but how it is for now, will be one thing that is changed (NT) -- er, 04:04:52 08/22/12 Wed
    • And on the left wheel you still start with right foot for the skips? (NT) -- Ta, 09:39:22 08/22/12 Wed
      • yup (NT) -- er, 18:28:33 08/22/12 Wed

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• Traditional set dances -- :), 15:15:57 08/22/12 Wed [2]
  Hey can somebody post up the list of traitonal set dances we need to know for the tcrg exam thanks
  

  
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  • If you're taking it this year it's just four - St Patrick's Day, Blackbird, Job of Journeywork and Garden of Daisies. If you're taking it next year or thereafter, then you need to know three additional ones: King of the Fairies, Jockey to the Fair, and Three Sea Captains. (NT) -- ., 15:42:39 08/22/12 Wed

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• Trip to the Cottage -- Studying, 09:48:26 08/22/12 Wed [2]
  Cross over and lead around - tops cross, and turn into place ready to cross again. Then sides cross- do they turn into place or remain sideways in lead round position? And the same for the tops second cross, turn into place or turn part way ready for the lead around?
  
  And vice versa for the second time through when sides go first.
  

  
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  • In competition, teams usually remain sideways in lead around position and dance in place. If the book doesn't specify you can just say "this is how it's usually done in competition so I'll teach it that way as the book doesn't specify". From what I can gather they're ok with that. (NT) -- ., 10:47:00 08/22/12 Wed

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• May seem like a silly question , but do we set up and play the music during our sets, or does someone else take care of the music? Thanks. -- tc hopeful, 20:12:16 08/21/12 Tue [3]
  
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  • Have your CD or iPod ready to hand to the examiners. They will start it for you. (NT) -- jh, 20:21:41 08/21/12 Tue
  • It will depend on the exam. I took it in Glasgow, and they left us in charge of our own music. We also had a choice of CD or iPod. If given the choice, I'd recommend using your iPod to make sure the music doesn't skip while you're dancing! (NT) -- Recent TC, 03:36:19 08/22/12 Wed

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• Practical bits of the exam. -- ..., 12:28:21 08/21/12 Tue [4]
  Would anybody mind holding my hand and walking me through exactly what happens at these sections?
  
  For example the dancing - do you gather outside your allotted room then go in and put your shoes on, or are you expected to arrive ready to dance? Are you allowed to have water? Does the step down the line happen as it does in competition, ie no break between dancers? Will there be a break between first step and second step, or is the first dancer expected to start their second step immediately after the last dancer finishes their first step? Do you wear anything to identify you or do you have to tell the examiners your name/candidate number before you start? Is there much interaction with the examiners in the dancing exam, much chat?
  
  For teaching likewise, do you arrive with shoes on? Is it hard solo, light solo, ceili or ceili, light solo, hard solo?
  
  I am much more relaxed if I know more about what to expect. Wish I could sit in on an exam before actually taking the thing :/
  

  
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  • inside -- Toronto Candidate, 14:11:28 08/21/12 Tue
    • So for dancing you arrive with soft shoes on? Is there a break between each step down the line? Thank you! (NT) -- ., 14:13:56 08/21/12 Tue
      • Just arrive with both your shoes and they will tell you which to put on, but it's gonna be softshoe first, likely. No break between steps down the line. (NT) -- x, 02:53:08 08/22/12 Wed

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• Lead round vs lead around.. -- Studying, 20:35:00 08/16/12 Thu [5]
  Would they mark you down for writing lead round if the book says lead around and vice versa? I can't keep them straight in my head.
  

  
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  • I'd very much doubt it. They would however mark you down if you mixed up hands across and right hands across. (NT) -- TC, 20:51:36 08/16/12 Thu
  • How about ring and rings? (NT) -- Pernickety or not?!, 20:59:48 08/16/12 Thu
    • I've seen a question asking for ring mvoements and rings movements so I'd remember those ones! (NT) -- Good luck!, 21:36:35 08/16/12 Thu
  • what about right and left wheel and right and left wheels? (NT) -- studying, 15:22:33 08/21/12 Tue

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• Payment for choreography -- TCRG, 18:03:16 08/16/12 Thu [5]
  Hi all,
  
  I was hoping someone could help me out with this. I just joined a small school as a co-teacher. My co-teacher has asked me to make up new steps for some of the advanced dancers (prizewinner and up). Can I expect to be paid for my time and steps? Obviously, I am not a workshop teacher coming in to teach new steps, but is there something I can negotiate for my time and choreography? If so, what? Thank you for any suggestions!
  

  
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  • are you being paid as a teacher? if so than i wouldn't expect to be paid extra as making steps are part of being a teacher (NT) -- my opinion, 19:21:36 08/16/12 Thu
    • Agreed. If you are co-teacher at the school already, coming up with choreography is already part of the job description. (NT) -- jh, 19:49:01 08/16/12 Thu
  • No, that's what being a teacher is all about.That's part of your job. (NT) -- ., 19:53:26 08/16/12 Thu
  • If that were the case, then any teachers who create an innovative move, would be going all the way to the bank. If you were going to be doing special workshops, that would be one thing where yes, you would factor it into your fee. If you're going to be part of the school, then no. (NT) -- My guess, 14:10:12 08/21/12 Tue

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• Getting a TC to sign your form -- wondering, 23:02:36 08/20/12 Mon [4]
  Hi,
  
  Is it true that you have to get a TC to sign your form before you can apply to do the exam? Does it have to be the TC you danced with? what if you've moved and you are not in contact with them anymore?? who can you get to sign?? thanx
  

  
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  • You do need to have a TCRG sign off on your application. It does not need to be the teacher you had, but the teacher has to be registered and in good standing with An Coimisiun (NT) -- Good Luck, 23:13:20 08/20/12 Mon
    • thanx! does it have to be a TC that I've done classes with, or just someone that i know?? (NT) -- op, 23:16:23 08/20/12 Mon
      • just someone that know's you well enough to be able to recommend you (for lack of a better phrase) as a candidate for the exam (NT) -- er, 01:29:21 08/21/12 Tue

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• What are the rules on using students (non TCRG, 18 yr old) to help teach? Can you pay them, does TCRG need be present, etc? thanks -- x, 18:32:52 08/19/12 Sun [6]
  
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  • Yes you can pay them. If they are teaching a class a TCRG needs to be present. But know a big name school in my region that doesnt have TC teaching classes. No idea how they get away with it (NT) -- who knoes, 04:21:09 08/20/12 Mon
    • region -- curious mom, 19:33:13 08/20/12 Mon
      • No, let's not play that game. This isn't a gossip board. That's not why we come here. (NT) -- ., 22:44:31 08/20/12 Mon
    • Some schools open branches in areas that don't have another school in reasonable driving distance and then get permission from CLRG to travel to it once or twice a month. Regular classes are run by a non-TC. There are several examples throughout the world. (NT) -- TC hopeful, 20:13:27 08/20/12 Mon
      • Yes this is true. Some are even granted provisional TCRG status so that rural regions can be serviced. The example I was talking about is in a major metropolitan city with at least 4 TC's within a 20 minute drive or at their other location where TC does teach reguairly (NT) -- x, 22:46:50 08/20/12 Mon

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• High cauled cap -- Studying, 20:16:45 08/17/12 Fri [9]
  Has anyone ever been teaching one version of the second figure (circle and cross) and been asked about the other version?
  

  
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  • I haven't done the exam but I have always worked on the assumption that if you have to teach it, you must tell them whether you're teaching a or b to prove you know both versions. Do NOT just learn one. It's easier than it looks, honest. I was terrified of it but after dancing it both ways I find it one of the easier figures to explain. (NT) -- ., 22:55:02 08/17/12 Fri
  • I've not heard first-hand of that happening, but anything is possible in there. Good to know both, but focus on the one that makes most sense to you. I personally prefer version b (NT) -- jh, 01:50:55 08/18/12 Sat
  • I was asked to teach this last year. I taught the A version and then asked them if they wanted the B version as well....they said what they had seen was sufficient. Good luck! (NT) -- T.C.R.G., 02:14:38 08/18/12 Sat
    • In Toronto they asked me questions after teaching Trip (what comes next etc) and after solo hard shoe teaching (what would you do during next 15 min in cass) so i would def know both (NT) -- ect, 22:41:08 08/18/12 Sat
      • I can understand the first question, but what was the point of the second question? (NT) -- Studying, 12:05:21 08/19/12 Sun
        • They want to know how you'd run a class, because you get so little time to show them anything in the exam. When I did mine, they asked me how I would approach teaching the rest of the step I was showing the students, and other questions like that. (NT) -- x, 17:08:39 08/19/12 Sun
  • What about when describing the second figure for a written exam q? Would you describe both or just one version? (NT) -- Studying, 18:40:43 08/19/12 Sun
    • Depends on the question. If it just says describe the second figure then absolutely describe part a AND part b, same as in the book. If it only asks for one version (and I don't recall a past paper that has asked for only a or b but that doesn't mean it wouldn't happen), then only answer with the one they asked for. If they just ask you to describe the figure and you only give a or b, then you haven't fully answered the question and I would imagine a large number of points would be knocked off for that. Could be a costly error in a 10-mark question. (NT) -- ., 09:21:17 08/20/12 Mon

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• Does anyone know the exact date of the next CLRG meeting? I know it's in September... -- ..., 08:31:20 08/18/12 Sat [3]
  
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  • September 7-9 (NT) -- Good Luck, 15:01:25 08/18/12 Sat
    • Thanks! (NT) -- Good luck to you, too!!!, 15:08:23 08/18/12 Sat

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• Non Trad sets -- Atlanta Canidate, 00:54:04 08/12/12 Sun [3]
  Has anyone ever been asked to dance either 3 hornpipe or 3 treble jig sets in the exam? (as opposed to 2 of one and 1 of the other). I plan on being ready, but was wondering if it's common.
  

  
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  • I have heard of that happening- however, I have now taken the dancing 3 times and they never asked me for that - and I don't know anyone personally else that was asked for that. One time they did mark on my results that I had repeated material, but I couldn't figure out why. It seems like they really do ask for a random sampling of your set dances. (NT) -- waiting for my results, 14:35:34 08/17/12 Fri
  • Thank you! (NT) -- Atlanta Candiate, 03:37:41 08/18/12 Sat

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• Question about ceili teaching portion -- Studying hard!, 19:04:26 08/17/12 Fri [3]
  I was just reading the Syllabus for the requirements and it just says "candidates will be required to teach parts of different dances from ARF To a group df dancers. Examiners will choose the dances and their parts."
  
  How many parts and of how many dances is average? Like are they going to go through a portion (considerable in length) of more than half of these to see your knowledge?? Or is this more to see that you can simply teach ceili in a way that is easy to understand to a group of dancers, without error and with the ability to correct misunderstandings/errors?
  
  Just want to prepare for what they're looking for -- thanks!!!
  

  
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  • Yep, they basically want to see that you know the material, can teach it effectively, and catch and correct mistakes. I had Harvest Time Jig and taught it all except the final movement. Then I had Trip to the Cottage and got through Cross Over & Lead Around and the body. (NT) -- jh, 19:13:35 08/17/12 Fri
  • You will only get asked to teach two dances and typically it seems one is always an 8 hand, but that isn't a rule. It seems to be common though to go through a body of an 8 hand and take another dance from the beginning. You only have ten minutes for each dance so you probably won't complete the whole thing. (NT) -- Good luck!, 20:13:43 08/17/12 Fri

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• past paper -- .......................seth......................, 16:06:25 08/17/12 Fri [2]
  question asks name the final movement of the gates of derry. would you say swing around as that completes one repeat, or advance and retire since the book says repeat this to finish?
  

  
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  • The Finish (16 bars) is the final movement in Gates of Derry which is a repeat of the opening movement, Advance and Retire (NT) -- er, 16:49:11 08/17/12 Fri

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• For those who just passed their exam, did you dance Novice/Prizewinner steps or championship level for sets and solos? Thanks. -- studying, 22:11:10 08/15/12 Wed [4]
  
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  • Championship steps (NT) -- Be tough to pass with less I think, 02:39:06 08/16/12 Thu
    • Not necessarily true--I've taken the exams twice and have seen plenty of people with PW-level steps. I myself passed that section twice with steps I would describe as "easy prelim with a dash of PW." (NT) -- c, 13:00:19 08/16/12 Thu
      • Good to know. Thank you. Working on a harder set right now, just in case. I've heard it's better to dance a slightly easier set and make sure you're on time. (NT) -- studying, 04:04:36 08/17/12 Fri

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• What is everyone's favourite set dance tune and ceili dance? And conversely your least favourite of each? -- ., 11:43:53 08/02/12 Thu [7]
  
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  • I love Hurry the Jug and also Ace & Deuce. Don't care as much for Rambling Rake. Love Trip and again don't really care for Antrim Reel and Waves of Tory. (NT) -- -, 13:21:43 08/02/12 Thu
  • I dont really have a favorite ceili, but I think my favorite set(s) would have to be either Drunken Gauger or Lodge Road. Least favorite ceili would be haymaker's jig, and least favorite set would be Downfall of Paris or King of the Fairies. (NT) -- west coast dancer, 23:17:37 08/02/12 Thu
  • My favorite set tune is Orange Rogue. when i was a teen in prelims i did that set, and a friend painted a Rogue (xmen action figure) orange for me. -- Aine, 00:49:58 08/03/12 Fri
  • I don't know about least favorite, but in my opinion the most Un-Irish sounding set dance is Rub the Bag. (NT) -- old adult dancer, 13:37:07 08/16/12 Thu
  • My favourite sets are Kilkenny Races, Planxty Davis and Blackthorn Stick. However, I would never be brave enough to dance any of them! Out of the sets I WOULD be brave enough to dance, I think maybe the Piper and Hurling Boys. I actually quite like Rub the Bag too! Ceilis, I love Humours to dance and I'd love it even more if you didn't have to repeat the body every time. I like all the eight hands I think, Sweets and Tunes are adorable too. Lannigan's I haven't done for a while but that's ace. Glencar Reel I'm not a huge fan of as I can never remember who turns and who commences in the figures of eight. But it's a nice dance, that's just my own issue. (NT) -- ., 19:57:19 08/16/12 Thu
  • Favorite - Trip to the Cottage; Least - Humours (NT) -- tc hopeful, 03:34:56 08/17/12 Fri

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• 16 hand reel -- Tcrg atl, 03:09:20 08/16/12 Thu [4]
  16 hand Reel- in the 3rd Figure Arch Arms... It says "partners take hands and dance complete turn TO POSITION OPPOSITE THAT AT START." would that mean that the opposite gent and lady are Literally opposite where they started?? As in the gents end up facing eachother?
  
  It's confusing because the couples 1. Turn a full circle to center (opposite gent ends on same side as he started) 2. Dance through arches (opposite gent STILL on same side as he started) then 3. Full turn (opposite gent STILL on same side as he started???) or does the opposite couple continue to turn into the usually lady/gent positions?
  

  
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  • Full turn so gent is still on same side, opp lady passes through, half turn so gent is now in lady's position, opp gent passes through and then full turn from there so gent is still on the same side but because they are then in the position of opp sides and facing the opp direction to where they were when they started the last turn the gent ends up in the opp gents place if that makes sense. (NT) -- AD candidate, 07:50:50 08/16/12 Thu
  • After passing under arches, opp lady goes to leading ladies position and opp gent goes to leading gents position. (NT) -- AD candidate, 07:54:03 08/16/12 Thu
    • Great! Thanks you! (NT) -- Atl tcrg, 12:32:23 08/16/12 Thu

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• question from limerick 2010 -- ., 20:45:55 08/15/12 Wed [2]
  i'm doing a past paper from limerick 2010. question asks rings is the first figure of which dance - it's sweets. part b, how many bars - it's 16. part c says 'describle the music'. i'm at a bit of a loss here! is it enough to say single/double jig (whichever it is), and that it's a tune of the same name?
  

  
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  • Yeah, I'd say double jig timing and tune of the same name. Idk what else you could say... (NT) -- jh, 21:02:35 08/15/12 Wed

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• In 8 Hand Jig, Set All Around, do dancers use skip 2, 3 or sidestep to dance into the circle? Book is not clear. When it says "as in Back to Back," I take this to refer to the ring - gents facing outward, ladies inward. -- studying, 02:28:38 08/10/12 Fri [14]
  
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  • I was taught it as skips - the 'as in backto back' refers to the ring etc. (NT) -- Good Luck, 07:20:20 08/10/12 Fri
  • Hmm, we have always done sevens because it's basically a big version of back to back. I was told the only difference is rising step as opposed to back 23s. (NT) -- ., 10:53:50 08/10/12 Fri
  • I believe in Mary's workshop we danced skip 2, 3s for that part. Does anyone remember for sure? (NT) -- studying, 13:47:33 08/10/12 Fri
  • We used skips instead of sidestep (taught from an examiner). I think the reasoning is because it does not specify sidestep (I also think it looks nice since that was what couple 1 does on swing into line). (NT) -- -, 14:04:41 08/10/12 Fri
  • It's skips. If sidestep, it would specify. Also, Mary McElroy taught it with skips. (NT) -- jh, 19:50:30 08/10/12 Fri
  • We were taught in Australia by an examiner the it is a side step leading with left foot, that's how I taught it In my exam and I passed with 80% in ceili teaching in recent Brisbane exam (NT) -- New tcrg, 00:38:05 08/11/12 Sat
    • Well that is incorrect!!!!!! It is definitely 2 skips not sidestep!!! (NT) -- ADCRG/EXAMINER, 03:28:13 08/13/12 Mon
      • Thank you very much! (NT) -- tc hopeful, 03:33:31 08/13/12 Mon
      • TY! Could you answer one more question? Are the "two threes" in the First Ring and the Second Ring of Haste to the Wedding back two threes or forward two threes? Thanks. (NT) -- studying, 00:50:30 08/14/12 Tue
        • Forward is easiest and makes the most sense for getting to the next spot. (NT) -- jh, 03:27:23 08/14/12 Tue
  • What hope do candidates have if examiners cannot even agree on the Interpretation of the book. Hopefully the new copy clears up these inconsistencies. (NT) -- Fingers crossed, 00:53:54 08/14/12 Tue
    • Anyone can sign off as an examiner. (NT) -- ., 09:30:17 08/14/12 Tue
  • The examiners I worked with (one US/one Irish) said skips. Though we competed sidestep and won Nationals. Go figure. (NT) -- passed, 01:44:01 08/15/12 Wed

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• Sets -- Annie, 00:30:33 08/15/12 Wed [2]
  Can someone post Exactly what I need to know for each trad. set? not each dance but how much of each ....
  Do I need know know every set portion for each dance? or only what is used in competition ? Should I just learn everything on the Oilve Hurly video ?
  HELP please !? Thanks
  

  
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  • Just the first step r and l and the first set r. (NT) -- jh, 00:54:12 08/15/12 Wed

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• New/updated/revamped ARF?!? -- Anonymous, 22:14:35 08/14/12 Tue [2]
  I keep hearing rumblings of a new version of the ARF coming out... Can anyone confirm this and does anyone know when that might be? I'm looking to take the exam next year, so it would be so totally super awesome if the new copy comes out relatively soon!!
  

  
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  • Even if they release it soon, it probably won't go into effect for exams for at least another year or two. They will have to give ppl time to acclimate themselves to the new terms and names, etc. (NT) -- jh, 23:04:42 08/14/12 Tue

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• Any suggestions on an easy light jig to lilt? Every time I think I have found one I realize it's a single jig. Going crazy. -- Thank you., 19:53:00 08/09/12 Thu [4]
  
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  • my go to tune is the lord of the dance/river dance treble jig sped up (cant remember which show its from) (NT) -- ecr, 20:26:25 08/09/12 Thu
  • Haste to the Wedding is a light jig. (NT) -- old adult dancer, 13:59:06 08/14/12 Tue
    • Oh, and another classic light jig is The Irish Washerwoman! (NT) -- old adult dancer, 14:02:20 08/14/12 Tue

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• Atlanta Exam -- TC hopeful, 20:17:29 08/07/12 Tue [6]
  So...I'm booking the hotel and CLRG says exam is the 27th-30th but Westin says it's the 29th-1st. And then when I try to book the 26th-30th, it says the block is sold out. What am I doing wrong? And it is the 27th-30th correct?
  

  
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  • Try Westin again. If you have a problem, ask for Erin Wehmer. There are unused rooms. Exam is 27th through 30th. (NT) -- I spoke to an organizer just now., 22:59:08 08/07/12 Tue
    • What name is the room block listed under at the Westin? Trying to book a room. (NT) -- .,, 14:01:54 08/13/12 Mon
  • Thank you, also for the TC test we are done after Saturday correct? I can plan to fly home Sunday? (NT) -- TC hopeful, 15:45:15 08/08/12 Wed
    • yes only mini feis on sunday (NT) -- ecr, 17:06:52 08/08/12 Wed
  • IDTANA Southern Region (NT) -- .., 16:48:29 08/13/12 Mon

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• Is Saddle the Pony a light jig or single jig? -- Tc hopeful, 23:46:30 08/10/12 Fri [6]
  
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  • Doesn't matter since it's not in ARF, have you started studying the book? (NT) -- l, 11:12:19 08/11/12 Sat
    • It's a song. I'm trying to decide on the songs I'm going to lilt for the exam. Not sure if it's a single jig or light jig. (NT) -- op, 14:27:05 08/11/12 Sat
  • Not sure about this song, but Pop Goes the Weasel is a single jig. (NT) -- TC, 14:38:06 08/11/12 Sat
  • I would say def a light jig - heres the link for everyone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDNatVYvpeA (NT) -- ecr, 15:38:08 08/11/12 Sat
    • Thank you! (NT) -- tc hopeful, 13:45:07 08/13/12 Mon

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• Specific Movement Names -- Reviewing Limerick exam, 00:56:55 08/10/12 Fri [1]
  If the question asks something like...
  
  6th movement of Bonfire and 4th of Haymaker's (Link Arms)
  Name all the dances with a movement of the same name
  Would you include Rakes of Mallow with Link Arms in Centre? Or do they just want 16HR, ARM, Duke with exactly "Link Arms"
  
  Or
  
  Advance and Retire as opening movement, name the dances.
  Do you include Bridge of Athlone with Rising Step and A&R? Or just Walls, SiegeOfE, HtJ, HJ, Bonfire, Glencar, Fairy, Waves, Rakes, Gates?
  

  
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• Humours of Bandon question -- Atlanta candidate, 19:38:25 08/09/12 Thu [4]
  Ok, I'm being really nitpicky but...in the 1st Figure (Advance Through Centre) at the very end the book says "Leading couple dance back to place and turn once (4 bars)" In all of the videos I've seen, all couples turn once in place at the end of the figure. Is this wrong or is this a "something the book doesn't specify" so you tell your panel that and have all turn once?
  
  -Driving myself nuts
  

  
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  • From memory does it say "opposite couple may also dance a turn in place if wished?" Or am I thinking of another dance? (NT) -- ,, 19:43:33 08/09/12 Thu
    • Yes. This is correct. (NT) -- studying, 20:00:06 08/09/12 Thu
  • Ah! My version of the book does not say this. THANK YOU!! (NT) -- Atlanta candidate, 22:00:20 08/09/12 Thu

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• Boyd School Website -- In study mode, 11:57:36 08/09/12 Thu [2]
  I have been going through the Boyd School's "dance a day" for ceilis and then on Sunday the website was down...and continues to be...anyone know why that might be?
  

  
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  • I think the lady who created the website isn't part of the school anymore. The dance-a-day section was unfinished anyway, it only went up to the start of book 2 from memory. (NT) -- ., 12:01:07 08/09/12 Thu

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• wondering who were the examiners for the toronto exam last weekend? -- --, 17:48:17 08/07/12 Tue [9]
  
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  • russel beaton, mona roddy, christine (cant remember her last name but she is head of AIDA), anna o'sullivan, maire connel(? - the teacher at claddagh in california) and 'dan armstrong' (NT) -- ecr, 18:04:12 08/07/12 Tue
    • Christine Ayres maybe? Dan Armstrong, think I've heard of him lol! Legend, hope he's at my exam this winter. (NT) -- ., 18:20:52 08/07/12 Tue
      • just checked and its Christine Portbury (NT) -- ecr, 18:59:14 08/07/12 Tue
    • Dan wasn't there, I thought. His flight from Ireland got cancelled. Because, I only had two on my panel - Anne O'Sullivan and Christine Portbury. (NT) -- jh, 23:32:26 08/07/12 Tue
      • he wasn't - thats why i put him in " " lol - the examiners are on a rotation so not sure if this will count as his turn (ie he wont be on next pannel) (NT) -- thats why i mentioned him!, 01:04:27 08/08/12 Wed
        • Oh, lol, gotcha. ;) (NT) -- jh, 03:24:31 08/08/12 Wed
  • Russel Beaton had his eagle eye on my feet!! very unnerving! was I good enough for him? (NT) -- I dont know....., 19:23:15 08/08/12 Wed
    • i'm sure you were -- ., 19:41:58 08/08/12 Wed

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