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• Looking for a new set dance? Why not try one of these great, rarely-used ones? -- Mark Arrington, 22:59:14 09/24/12 Mon [1]
  I'm giving away these set dances that have fallen out of favor in the past few years. Hopefully some of you will give them a try and shock the judges and audience out of their glazed look after having seen the same set dance 25 times in a row! Choose any or all of the following at these speeds: Youghal Harbor 76 bpm, Rodney's Glory 108, Hurling Boys 70, Rub The Bag 70, Orange Rogue 70. Just email me at mark@markarringtonmusic.com and I'll send them over. Also on my site, check out the "3 rounds for $3 special" until Oireachtas time!
  

  
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• Blackbird- Number of bars. -- AD candidate, 23:18:23 09/17/12 Mon [11]
  Can anyone confirm whether the Blackbird is 15 bar step/30 bar set, or 7.5 bar step, 15 bar set? I have conflicting study material! I got a 100% on the music for my TC exam, and I think I put 7.5/15. Help!
  

  
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  • 7.5/15 (NT) -- Almost Positive!, 23:25:32 09/17/12 Mon
  • I've never heard of 7.5/15. I would put 15/30. I got 98% at my tc and 100% for my ad in the music. (NT) -- maybe they are both right., 23:32:58 09/17/12 Mon
  • 15/30 on the list from the packet (NT) -- Studying, 00:58:07 09/18/12 Tue
  • It's 15/30. There is no such thing as a half-bar of music. (NT) -- jh, 01:37:21 09/18/12 Tue
  • so why is every other set dance written as 8-12, 8-16, 12-16- etc.? they aren't written as 16-24. You must admit it is confusing. You would be answering it correctly whichever way you write it. (NT) -- --, 17:02:16 09/18/12 Tue
    • Because they have full bars of music. None of them stop halfway through a bar. If you email An Com, this is the answer they'll give you. (NT) -- jh, 17:12:06 09/18/12 Tue
  • Study the sheet they sent in the packet, and you'll be fine. (NT) -- studying, 17:05:35 09/18/12 Tue
    • Exactly. Study what was given by An Com, and you'll know what they want. (NT) -- jh, 17:23:48 09/18/12 Tue
  • I asked the committee before we began the music exam to see what answer they were looking for- i forget what they said (NT) -- to be safe would ask them when you sit to take it, 18:58:24 09/18/12 Tue
  • Blackbird is a confusing tune! Details... -- Mark Arrington, 21:01:48 09/24/12 Mon

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• When asked to set up the dances, does it matter where you put the top of the room on your paper? As long as you indicate where the top is?? -- thanks!, 05:55:44 09/22/12 Sat [8]
  
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  • As long as you indicate, it doesn't matter. (NT) -- jh, 07:14:37 09/22/12 Sat
  • I put all my diagrams backward, but marked where the top or front of the room/stage was... And I did very well on the written (NT) -- Aine, 18:14:25 09/23/12 Sun
  • I've just been drawing them out as they're shown in the book, the book doesn't mention top of room so neither have I been doing that. Do you HAVE to put where the top of room is or no? In eight hands I've been putting tops at the bottom of my diagram because that's easier for me to visualise as I'm usually top gent - I number the couples 1-4 but should I put TOP behind couple 1 just to be sure? What about long dances? Is a line of Os on top of a line of Xs not sufficient? (NT) -- ,, 15:54:51 09/24/12 Mon
    • Your eight-hands are set-up fine. However, you should get in the habit of indicating where the top of the room is. They most likely will ask for that if asking for diagrams. Also, most dances in the book say in the first paragraph where the top should be. (NT) -- jh, 16:28:17 09/24/12 Mon
      • Cool, thank you. At least I know now. I feel like every post I'm making on this board at the moment is incredibly frantic and panicked...and I'm not even doing next month's exam. Argghh. (NT) -- ., 17:11:44 09/24/12 Mon
        • Where is the "top" of the room for Gates? Or is it better to specify where the music is because the book says the couple facing the music arches? (NT) -- Atl so close!, 17:35:34 09/24/12 Mon
          • The music is the top. So, really as long as you specify, "this is the top of the room" when teaching, or write TOP on written, you can make the top anywhere you want. Keep in mind, while teaching, if the examiners want to see the dance from a different angle they may ask you to move your top. They did with me when I was teaching Harvest Time Jig. (NT) -- jh, 18:07:06 09/24/12 Mon

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• Doing the Washington 2010 exam. Question #15 asks about the differences in the "Back to Back" in the Cross Reel and the 8-hand Reel. -- thanks, 01:54:58 09/24/12 Mon [2]
  I know obviously the Cross Reel is 8 bars and 8-hand reel is 16 bars. But would you just say that in the 8-hand reel partners take hands and perform the dance around...but that's not the case in the Cross Reel. I know Mary told us that gents take partners right hands to turn in to place for the 8-hand reel, but would you say this on the written exam since it's not specifically stated in the book??? Also do you mention that partners finish facing each other at the end of the first 8 bars in the 8-hand reel, but finish facing inwards in the Cross Reel ready for the next movement??
  
  Just not sure how much I want to include that's not specifically stated in the book! Thanks!
  

  
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  • Normally I'd say think about whether it's a 5 mark or a 10 mark question - the latter would require more detail. However, looking at papers from the past three years or so, a LOT of the ten-markers have seemed really quite straightforward. If it's not specifically stated in the book I wouldn't mention it. (NT) -- ., 10:03:54 09/24/12 Mon

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• Where can I get the study book? -- Thanks!, 07:03:18 09/24/12 Mon [2]
  
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  • www.celticottage.com has it. Also, you can order it straight from CLRG at clrg.ie. Either way, you could just go ahead and apply for the exam and you'll receive a copy of it with your exam packet. (NT) -- jh, 07:23:13 09/24/12 Mon

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• Are the majority of people taking the test high level placers such as Worlds, Nationals, their O's? Is is necessarry to be an open champ or even a recent dancer? -- thinking about it., 07:32:29 09/23/12 Sun [6]
  Also I would like to know how many pass each time and if you don't how long must you wait to re-take portions and do you have to pay again?
  

  
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  • I'm taking mine in November. Was an open dancer, but last competed/took a serious class more than 5 years ago. I am not particularly current! You have to wait 6 months before you can resit any sections and yes, you pay again. Prices downloadable from the clrg website. My own question is - if you're resitting, do you need a teacher's signature again? Seems redundant since they signed you off in the first place. (NT) -- Vdf, 08:12:24 09/23/12 Sun
  • Forgot to add - statistics about pass rates etc don't matter to the individual. A high pass rate doesn't mean that you personally have more chance of passing. Just get your head down and do your best. People do throw figures around but it's all anecdotal. (NT) -- Gg, 08:15:59 09/23/12 Sun
    • I didn't have a teacher sign my application the second time around and they accepted it, you do need to list out your sets if you're re-taking the solo dancing section (NT) -- ., 18:06:52 09/23/12 Sun
  • I was in open, but not a high level placer at any major. I could usually recall at o's but never did at nationals,worlds or anything else. -- Aine, 18:10:50 09/23/12 Sun
  • I haven't competed in about seven years and I took the exam while 7.5 mos pregnant. My dancing apparently was up to par as I passed. As Aine said, they're more looking for good technique and fundamentals in your solo dancing - not fancy footwork and tricky leaps. (NT) -- jh, 06:38:43 09/24/12 Mon

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• LA 2005 Exam, Question 10 -- thanks!, 21:25:22 09/23/12 Sun [2]
  Might seem like a silly Q, but when they ask for a description of the 5th movement of the Bonfire Dance they are looking for E)Side-step In and Out right?
  Just crossed my mind that because 1. Advance & Retire 2. Rings 3. Side-step In and Out and 4. Link Arms are all repeated within the dance, perhaps they are looking for a description of the Rose.. If that makes any sense
  

  
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  • No they're asking for Sidestep in and out... It's the 5th movement. Don't over think it! This movement is "tricky" in the sense that's it's only 4 bars, you have to know the ladies sidestep "in" first, an that it's continuous sevens. (NT) -- Atl so close!, 22:22:37 09/23/12 Sun

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• Solo teaching -- .., 11:53:08 09/18/12 Tue [23]
  Seems everyone gets champ dancers these days. How do you approach teaching if you can't demonstrate a move that you want them to do? For example a girl shows me her own reel and there is a fancy jump in there that I'm not capable of doing anymore. Could I demo my own step and then say, we're going to put that jump of yours in there instead of the lift over that I did? If that makes sense - basically I'm saying could you demonstrate a step but then when teaching, sub in a harder move that you can teach but not dance, for an easier move that you CAN dance?
  

  
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  • If you're going to put a fancy move in, you should at least be able to do it on the right foot - maybe not as well as a champ dancer but enough to demonstrate the movement. (NT) -- studying, 14:02:20 09/18/12 Tue
  • when I did my teaching section, I had not danced any "toes" in my steps. I told the girls when I was teaching them their hornpipe that this is the part where you need to go up on your toes and I beat the rhythm on the balls of my feet. Seamus O'Shea said - now how are you going to teach that because we noticed that you did not do that in any of your own dancing. I also had a tricky jump in a slip jig I was teaching. the girls couldn't do it. I tried to give them an easier one but seamus said"no- these girls can do it. they are very good dancers. you show them how" so there I was, jumping over and over describing how to do it! it was killing me! If I had calmed down I would have grabbed two chairs, hung on to the backs and had them practice it that way- you must have a way to show them the jump. (NT) -- I did end up passing that part, 16:45:17 09/18/12 Tue
    • Ok so if it came to it it's ok to use chairs you think? I hope there are chairs to use. How did you respond to Seamus re toes? Just interested. Love this message board. (NT) -- ., 19:58:34 09/18/12 Tue
    • How long did you spend teaching the SJ -- that jump in particular? -- Did the girls get it in the end?, 14:57:54 09/21/12 Fri
  • I'm not sure exactly what I said to him- I just beat the rhythm and told them to do it on their toes. It seemed to satisfy him- I guess! Yes I would use chairs. The dancers can quickly try it, too- and do the leap in slow motion while holding themselves up with their hands and arms. (NT) -- be confident, 05:04:51 09/19/12 Wed
  • Somewhat related - I was curious if the judges challenge whether or not your step is hard enough for the dancers... is it better to quickly add in a couple difficult moves (like say, let's increase the difficulty by putting a bicycle kick in where I did the overjump down), or scrap the whole dance and try a different one? (NT) -- BB, 01:29:38 09/20/12 Thu
    • They may not challenge it per say, but they may ask you if you think it's appropriate for them. If the dancers seem to be picking it up quicker you could tell the panel that it seems a little easy for them, and if they were in your class you would probably teach them something a little more difficult. Of course, if you haven't even started teaching it, maybe teach a harder step if you have one (NT) -- ., 03:35:46 09/20/12 Thu
      • After I danced my slip jig step in Vancouver, an examiner said "do you have a harder step because these are open dancers -- Aine, 06:34:47 09/20/12 Thu
  • After thinking about this a little: I believe they would assess "footwork" moves like crosskeys and rocks, as more difficult than "athletic" moves like stag jumps or whatever. I think the examiners are a little more rooted in the classical moves than some of the young teachers on the scene. Luckily that suits my style, so I'm starting to worry less because I CAN include difficult footwork. I'm still worried about making my heavy dance difficult enough, but for now I'm SLIGHTLY less panic stricken about the light teaching. (NT) -- ., 11:27:33 09/20/12 Thu
  • I'm not sure what you mean by the examiners being rooted in more classical moves. From my experience (taken the dancing three times) they expect you to dance and teach very current steps. very very high level well executed. On your results sheet they mark an x by every dance that didn't meet their standard, whether it was poor material- or poorly executed. (NT) -- --, 08:45:03 09/21/12 Fri
    • Well, on the syllabus it says you may be asked to show how you'd dance classical moves like crosskeys, rocks and drums. However, I'd say crosskeys were also very current at the moment as they've made a huge comeback. I think if you had a step that was nothing but skips and two hard-ish jumps, they might not think that was as hard as a dance with some slightly easier jumps but lots of intricate footwork. (NT) -- ., 10:50:12 09/21/12 Fri
  • It is a good idea to have a dance that can difficult with a tricky leap, that you can simplify with an easier leap (NT) -- --, 08:52:05 09/21/12 Fri
  • Before you begin teaching are you allowed to straight up ask the dancer what level they currently compete at?? (NT) -- ., 20:47:19 09/22/12 Sat
    • yup! i did in toronto - asked them while i was changing from hard shoes to soft shoes (NT) -- and i passed, 22:03:25 09/22/12 Sat
  • what level did they say?it seems for the hard shoe they give you champs and for the soft-shoe they let you pick 2 girls. When they told you their level - did you also have them show you a right foot? (NT) -- --, 23:28:02 09/22/12 Sat
    • My first two were picked for me, second two I was allowed to pick. Both times I asked them to dance right foot of a step for me. When they finished I asked them what I thought what level they were. I was correct both times and then demonstrated right foot of my step for them before breaking down and teaching it. I also asked the examiners if the step was appropriate before beginning to teach it. They said yes, go ahead. I passed, so I guess my steps were hard or easy enough. First two were champs, second two were Prizewinner. (NT) -- jh, 03:07:01 09/23/12 Sun
  • So you're asked to teach two dancers at the same time? Two for softshoe and two for hardship? (NT) -- Tc hopeful, 15:53:00 09/23/12 Sun
    • Yes. (NT) -- jh, 16:11:53 09/23/12 Sun
    • Hardship, lol. Yes! (NT) -- ., 16:31:49 09/23/12 Sun
      • I know. Just a bit. Too many variables. (NT) -- Studying, 17:52:43 09/23/12 Sun
  • So what if you are given a boy and girl to teach softshoe. You can't necessarily teach them the same step. What would you do in this case? (NT) -- Studying, 16:34:59 09/23/12 Sun
    • You can teach the same step, but for the boy, instead of a wrap around teach his with a double click. Or instead of a helicopter leap teach his with a big front click. Just change out tiny pieces for more boyish moves. (NT) -- jh, 17:44:50 09/23/12 Sun

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• Back to Back- catch partners right hand upon return to place? -- starting to panic!, 04:38:34 09/23/12 Sun [7]
  I have written out to the side of the Back to Back description in my book "returns to own partner with right hand". I am pretty sure I wrote it there during Mary's workshop. Every video I am seeing, they are not catching their partners hand when returning to place, and I kind of remember learning it (many moons ago) without the catch (because I remember it being really hard to maneuver back.) How are you going to teach it? I think she said this was going to be one of the changes in the new book?
  

  
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  • Are you talking about Back to Back in the 8H Reel and Morris Reel or in the Cross Reel? (NT) -- jh, 06:36:27 09/23/12 Sun
    • 8H Reel & Morris Reel (NT) -- starting to panic!, 16:11:11 09/23/12 Sun
      • Yes, I have that note, too. It's because then you swing with your partner around the other couple. In Cross Reel, there is no swinging with partner. You just go back to place and then start the next movement. (NT) -- jh, 16:17:52 09/23/12 Sun
        • Can you clarify -- starting to panic!, 17:04:47 09/23/12 Sun
          • I believe 8HR and Morris reel you do catch hands so that you are headed straight into the swing around in the next 8 bars - I think in the Cross reel you do not take partners hand because there is no swing around after (NT) -- and thats why different, 17:24:51 09/23/12 Sun
            • Yes, that's it. :) (NT) -- jh, 17:42:52 09/23/12 Sun

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• Silly question, when asking the dancers to demonstrate their steps in any dance (solo teaching) should I ask them to dance together whichever step each dancer is comfortable with, or should I have them each dance one by one? -- ., 03:42:04 09/20/12 Thu [10]
  
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  • I had them each dance one at a time, just right foot of their step. Was easier, I thought, to evaluate what each dancer could handle in terms of the steps I har prepared to teach them. (NT) -- jh, 04:57:58 09/20/12 Thu
  • More than one dancer at a time? -- Atl, 21:08:12 09/22/12 Sat
    • Yes, you will have two students for each step. My first two were a boy and a girl about 3 years apart, second two were girls about the same age. My examiners picked the kids but I've heard of times where you can pick your own. (NT) -- ECR, 22:42:46 09/22/12 Sat
      • My first two were picked for me, but for soft shoe they let me pick my own. (NT) -- jh, 03:02:41 09/23/12 Sun
  • The problem is-if you ask them to show you separately and you can see that they are very different levels, you still have to teach them the same dance! I have heard of this (NT) -- --, 23:30:19 09/22/12 Sat
    • Thats why I asked their levels before picking my 2 dancers! (NT) -- ecr, 01:50:59 09/23/12 Sun
      • The panel was okay with that? I'm only asking because then it seems like you can teach the level you want if you find two dancers if in an easier level. (NT) -- Studying, 16:19:04 09/23/12 Sun
        • yup they didn't say anything to me - I picked 2 open/prizewinner kids - they may have interjected had I picked 2 adv beginers (NT) -- but who knows, 17:29:29 09/23/12 Sun
    • True, but you can also teach each a variation. Maybe one can handle a more difficult leap in the middle but the other cant. (NT) -- jh, 03:00:21 09/23/12 Sun

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• Can anyone say how many candidates successfully pass the TC exam on their first attempt? -- Not very common from what I've heard, 04:04:17 09/23/12 Sun [4]
  
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  • I've heard it's a 30% pass rate? Idk where I heard that... (NT) -- jh, 04:13:49 09/23/12 Sun
  • I know at least 8 that did in toronto (NT) -- on 1st attempt, 04:28:11 09/23/12 Sun
  • In Brisbane 2012-I am sure 13 out of the 14 were first timers.. (NT) -- TCRG :-), 07:23:44 09/23/12 Sun

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• Trip to the cottage body -- Glasgow a go go, 22:37:35 09/16/12 Sun [8]
  In the body of trip, does the gent who hasnt been advancing and retiring sidestep over to the ring whilst the two trios are sidestepping in the ring? This isn't mentioned in the book but happens in every video I see..
  

  
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  • Yes, otherwise he'd have a hard time joining the ring. I taught it this way for my exam and the examiners said, very nice, when I did. I passed. (NT) -- jh, 02:59:26 09/17/12 Mon
    • Thank you (NT) -- :), 11:40:05 09/17/12 Mon
  • Be confident when you teach it. -- ceili teaching retaker, 19:01:26 09/21/12 Fri
    • i was told to NEVER mention the videos when asked a question about why we did something! and that they would fail you for that. i think that we should also probably not say "in Mary's workshop" for the same reason (NT) -- .,, 21:27:44 09/21/12 Fri
      • Mary told us that it was okay to state that we learned to teach it this way in her workshop. (NT) -- Studying, 22:11:36 09/21/12 Fri
      • Yes, she did. The difference here is that the videos are full of mistakes. Mary's workshop is not. Mary is an examiner herself and one of the main ppl rewriting the book. (NT) -- jh, 23:59:33 09/21/12 Fri
        • Alternately, you could say "this is how it is done, and the gent would be in the wrong place to do the rest of the movement if it was not done this way" (NT) -- Aine, 06:05:40 09/23/12 Sun

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• Where does one get info on Mary McElroy's workshops? Are upcoming ones just posted on clrg? How far in advance and how often do they occur -- any info appreciated!, 03:25:54 09/23/12 Sun [1]
  
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• Gates of Derry - So, if you set this dance up with gent #1s left shoulder to the panel, then the "first line" that raises hands for the arch is to the panel's right, correct? -- studying, 20:37:12 09/22/12 Sat [1]
  
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• Fiddler and Wandering Musician -- Bridget, 17:24:40 09/22/12 Sat [2]
  Does anyone have little tunes they sing to remember the Fiddler Round the Fairy Tree, or the Wandering Musician?
  

  
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  • Inside... -- ..., 18:04:48 09/22/12 Sat

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• set dance lead -- pmc, 17:58:32 09/22/12 Sat [2]
  does the lead in your set dance ( step part) have to be done in a full circle round the stage or can you move right to left
  

  
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  • It can go anywhere, it's a step not a lead so no circle required unless you want to :) (NT) -- V, 18:00:59 09/22/12 Sat

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• So, for the 4hr, figure 1, when the ladies advance to meet top gent ( for those 2 bars) does the top gent dance forward 2 3s or back 2 3s? -- Tc hopeful, 01:26:27 09/22/12 Sat [4]
  
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  • Gent should not dance until the sidestep in the ring of 3 -- ceili teaching retaker, 04:02:34 09/22/12 Sat
    • My confusion is that he's already dancing the sidestep and back. So, to finish the sidestep should he dance forward 2 3s (to be dancing the same as the other two dancers), or should he dance back 2, 3s to finish his movement before going into the ring? (NT) -- op, 04:10:27 09/22/12 Sat
      • Sorry, misunderstood the question. -- ceili teaching retaker, 05:34:44 09/22/12 Sat

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• For the ceili teaching, should we make sure they know their 3s and 7s before teaching the dance? -- tc hopeful, 19:26:12 09/18/12 Tue [7]
  
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  • Well, I never did, but in Vancouver there was a little girl who could not do 123's -- Aine, 23:49:29 09/18/12 Tue
  • I didn't. Typically, the kids all know those. If not, idk... (NT) -- jh, 00:15:12 09/19/12 Wed
  • Shouldn't we at least try to get dancers at about the same level? Or does that not matter? Has anyone ever just asked for champion dancers to raise hands and picked them for ceilis? -- for atl, 01:34:57 09/19/12 Wed
    • When I taught the ceili portion there were only 8 dancers in the room and both dances they asked me to teach were 8 hands. They most likely will expect you to involve all dancers where possible (if doing a 4 hand put them in 2 groups) (NT) -- ., 03:21:18 09/19/12 Wed
  • I actually had a girl who couldn't do 3's and didn't know until we started. I kept watching her and showing her what to do and it was fine. If you pick a dancer that ends up not being able to do 3s/7s just acknowledge it once they start, keep correcting and you will be fine! (NT) -- T.C.R.G., 04:55:18 09/19/12 Wed
  • I had a wee one who couldn't do the rising step for 8 hand Jig. I asked before they started and quickly showed her the movement before starting. The examiners were very happy with that. (NT) -- Elc, 23:35:34 09/21/12 Fri

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• help on an answer please....LA 2005 -- .,, 21:33:56 09/21/12 Fri [3]
  Describe the Skip Across in the Eight Hand Jig. List five ways in which the same movement in the Eight Hand Reel differs.
  
  so i can describe, of course, but what would be the 5 differences?
  *skip 2,3's vs. sevens
  *16 bars vs 32 bars
  *left hand turn both times vs right hand turn, then left hand
  *go to land yon right of original position vs go to lady on left of original position
  
  last one? and do these make sense??
  

  
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  • Hands are RLLR in reel and LRLR in jig. In reel gents swap with sidestep and go tops first then sides. In jig they literally skip across and all 4 gents go together, tops only a fraction before sides. (NT) -- Cfy, 21:39:29 09/21/12 Fri
  • Jig timing vs reel timing also (NT) -- Good Luck x, 23:28:37 09/21/12 Fri

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• Passing under arches/bridge -- ceili teaching retaker, 19:06:39 09/21/12 Fri [1]
  In dances such as Waves of Tory and Haymakers Jig, when there is a bridge formed and dancers (couples pass under), do they always take inside hands to pass through?
  Is there any dance when the couples would not catch inside hands when passing under the bridge formed by the top couple?
  

  
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• List five dances in which the same chain is performed. Could you use the Ladies Chain - 4HR, 8 HR, Morris Reel, HCC, Humours, and Saint Patrick's Day? -- studying, 17:29:59 09/21/12 Fri [3]
  
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  • It's the only chain that's in a minimum of five dances I think. (NT) -- ., 17:45:15 09/21/12 Fri
    • okay. Thanks. (NT) -- tc hopeful, 17:50:56 09/21/12 Fri

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• Name five long progressive dances in Jjig time. - Siege of Ennis, Rince Fada, Bridge of Athlone, Haste to the Wedding, and Siege of Carrick? -- tc hopeful, 17:48:22 09/21/12 Fri [1]
  
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• Name all the dances that have "Lead Round" as a movement within the dance (rather than the opening movement). Would it simply be Lannigan's Ball and An Rince Mor or would you also incude Sweets of May and Three Tunes ("Lead Around")? -- So many details. TY, 01:08:13 09/16/12 Sun [3]
  
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  • I was about to post the same Q! Anyone? (NT) -- thanks, 04:56:34 09/21/12 Fri
  • I would include them but put "Lead Around" in brackets. They're essentially the same movement, but then it's good to show you know the slightly different terms too. (NT) -- ., 16:49:30 09/21/12 Fri

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• confirming my answer -- .., 04:43:24 09/19/12 Wed [5]
  the question asks: Identify the total number of bars of music required to complete this figure (centre meet-humours of bandon) from the time it commences until it has been danced completely by all dancers and they are ready to commence the third figure.
  
  so would it be 56 bars? 16(tops)+32(body)+16(opposite couple)+32(body)
  

  
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  • 64+32 = 96 bars (NT) -- jh, 05:09:32 09/19/12 Wed
  • 16+32+16+32 = 96 bars. Your work was correct but the answer wasn't, I assume you mis-typed. (NT) -- ., 11:44:24 09/19/12 Wed
  • oops! was working on that exam late at night...here's hoping my math skills are better at the actually exam :) thanks for correcting my mistake (NT) -- op, 14:25:19 09/20/12 Thu
    • You can take a calculator. :) (NT) -- jh, 17:41:07 09/20/12 Thu

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• Single Jig in Practical Exam -- Atlanta-bound, 00:38:10 09/20/12 Thu [6]
  I am curious if anyone on the forum has been asked to do single jig in their practical dance exam? I never danced single jig growing up and the steps I have prepared are very simplistic. On the off chance that I am asked to perform them... is it expected that they will be lower-level material?
  
  (Also - in the practical exam, is double jig always done as hardshoe? Would it ever be double light jig? Same concern - my light jig steps are very, very simple.)
  

  
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  • In a post below someone had been asked to do a single (hop) jig. I imagine that the single and light jigs aren't expected to be super intricate especially since they are not usually danced beyond the novice/prizewinner level, if even that far. They probably won't ask for a double jig, but a treble jig or a hard jig (NT) -- ., 03:39:12 09/20/12 Thu
  • I had to dance single jig in Toronto last month. My steps were super simple. Agree with above poster that there probably isn't much expectation for that or light jig to be very complex. As for hard shoe, they'll most likely say treble jig or heavy jig, also as above poster said. (NT) -- jh, 05:01:03 09/20/12 Thu
  • light.jig.and single jig.are supposed to be traditional, so fancy modern tricks are not needed... one of my teachers told me that if you were questioned why your light jig.or single jig step was simple to say because they are traditional... -- Aine, 06:39:12 09/20/12 Thu
  • I also think it's expected that these dances are done traditionally. If you throw a rock in there they'll want to know why! If they asked a group to perform light or hop jig, it will be to test their basics in terms of dancing skills, but also to test that they actually know what kind of steps are appropriate for these dances. So if you're bicycling through it, you're giving off a very bad impression indeed! The steps I've prepared for my future students for these dances are verrry classical and really quite repetitive, especially light jig. That is, I would assume, what they're looking for if you're asked to dance/teach it. I would LOVE to be asked! (NT) -- ., 11:24:48 09/20/12 Thu
  • Great - thank you all so much! I feel much better -- BB, 16:22:47 09/20/12 Thu

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• anybpdy got rhymes for the set dances -- struggling, 14:39:41 09/20/12 Thu [6]
  esp bonparte retreat, and ace and duce
  

  
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  • See Inside -- atl...Getting pumped!, 14:53:34 09/20/12 Thu
  • Okay I gave you mine..I've been having trouble with beinging able to sing "The Quaker's Wife" off the top of my head. I know it, but half the time it won't come to me! Any rhymes or tricks? -- ATL, 15:07:57 09/20/12 Thu
    • The intro to the Quakers wife on the olive céilí cd plays the same note three times, I just hum that in my head and the tune appears. -- GLA, 15:30:18 09/20/12 Thu
      • for gates i sing..."have you ever been to the gates of derry, more quakers there then you've seen in your lift. if you want the way to make everyone merry, merrily kiss the quakers wife" (NT) -- .,, 15:55:09 09/20/12 Thu
        • mean LIFE not lift. (NT) -- ., 16:12:25 09/20/12 Thu

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• Morri Reel - After the ladies are finished the hands across in the center and return to their gent it states to "turn once." Is this a full turn or just a turn into place? Olive Hurley simply has them turn into place; not sure if that's correct though. Thanks. -- tc hopeful, 13:05:17 09/19/12 Wed [1]
  
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• Gentlemen Interlace (inside) -- studying ATL, 21:04:04 09/18/12 Tue [3]
  In the Cross reel, Gentlemen Interlace says: Gentlemen dance to the right in front of partners (2 bars). Promenade round behind the ladies ON THEIR RIGHT (2 bars); left-hand full turn with the same ladies (4 bars).
  
  Does that mean that the gent passes in FRONT of the side lady to get pass by her right side first, OR, does he pass as he does in the HCC and dances BEHIND AND AROUND IN FRONT OF HER (thus passing on the RIGHT AT THE END)?.
  
  The second makes more sense in my head because it's easier for the gent to give his left hand. Help!
  

  
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  • Behind and around in front of her. (NT) -- jh, 21:23:09 09/18/12 Tue
  • "On their right" refers to the gent. The gent dances to the lady who is in the next position when the gent dances to the right. It doesn't mean the lady's right side. (NT) -- Gu, 08:29:39 09/19/12 Wed

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• Music Portion -- Bridie, 02:09:06 09/19/12 Wed [5]
  I just want to confirm... is each of the 19 set dances played twice... or three times during the music exam? And the other five tunes... are they each played just once?
  

  
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  • The first time the 19 sets are played with the step part right and left, then the set part. The second time it's step part once then set. The other 5 tunes are played once. (NT) -- AD Candidate, 04:20:03 09/19/12 Wed
  • If I'm remembering correctly, in Toronto last month they player everything twice all the way through... (NT) -- jh, 05:11:46 09/19/12 Wed
  • Are the sets played at a faster pace? (NT) -- Thanks, 05:31:26 09/19/12 Wed
    • They're played at the same pace as the set CD you receive in your exam packet after you've applied to take the exam. Definitely faster than danced. (NT) -- jh, 06:58:05 09/19/12 Wed

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• this might be silly, but starting to question everything now that we are close..... -- ., 04:36:24 09/19/12 Wed [2]
  when the written exam asks for the "final movement" it does mean the very last in the dance, correct? so if they ask you do describe the final movement of the 8hand jig, you would describe the 40 bar finish?
  
  and if they ask the name of the final movement and #of bars, you would say "finish-40 bars"
  
  thanks!
  

  
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  • Yes! I was asked while teaching ceilis for "the final movement" and stated the last one in the body and was told it was the 40 bar finish! So final movement would be the absolute last :) (NT) -- TCRG, 04:50:20 09/19/12 Wed

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• 16 H Reel- ARCH ARMS -- atl so close!, 01:47:55 09/19/12 Wed [1]
  The end of this movement says "again dance into center" and then later "partners take hands and dance back to place"
  
  ...Do they just dance straight in and straight back, or do they turn as specified in the beginning of this movement?
  

  
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• For everyone who recently took the exam, what would be appropriate to wear during the teaching portion. Would a tennis skort with some type of blouse work? Or is it necessary to dress up a bit more for this part. -- Atlanta candidate, 13:40:19 09/13/12 Thu [11]
  
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  • That would work fine. I wore athletic capris, a fitted tee, and ankle socks. Wear something comfortable and presentable. :) good luck!!! (NT) -- jh, 14:33:13 09/13/12 Thu
    • Keep in mind I'm pregnant, so I was limited in what I could wear, lol. ;) (NT) -- jh, 06:17:18 09/14/12 Fri
  • I would look professional but be comfortable. I wore a black long blouse with leggings and hair pulled back. You want to differ in your outfit from the students you are teaching. Good luck :) (NT) -- TCRG, 22:15:09 09/13/12 Thu
  • I wore a golf/tennis skort with an athletic polo. The collar on the polo and the skirt dresses it up a bit, but it was still comfortable and practical for demonstrating. -- Aine, 06:56:10 09/14/12 Fri
  • Thanks for the responses everyone. That's my mission for this weekend. (NT) -- op, 13:16:59 09/14/12 Fri
  • i wore black tights and a black skirt and a fitted tshirt. I hate tights but it worked out ok (NT) -- ., 16:26:07 09/17/12 Mon
  • How about a polo with a dance class logo? Is this a no-no? Not the name, just a logo. (NT) -- Studying, 14:08:36 09/18/12 Tue
  • I would not wear a logo (NT) -- don't risk it, 16:47:21 09/18/12 Tue
    • Me neither, you don't even write your own name on the ceili paper so probably not a good idea. (NT) -- ., 20:00:40 09/18/12 Tue
    • I would just steer clear of anything with any kind of writing or picture on it. Better safe than sorry. (NT) -- jh, 00:17:39 09/19/12 Wed

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• Own dancing - step down the line -- Nervous, 15:37:47 09/07/12 Fri [5]
  In the own dancing section, for the hard/soft shoe step about, do you start steps from just in front of the line of dancers, or walk to the front of the stage to start where you'd start the step in competition? Some of my planned steps go backwards at the beginning!
  

  
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  • do whatever you need to to dance your step correctly. If you are worried, tell the examiners before you start that part that you will start a step at the front. They are very kind and want to help. (NT) -- the nerves are your worst enemy!, 18:50:18 09/07/12 Fri
    • So you could say - "my first step starts at the back of the stage but for my second step, I need to begin at the front," and that would be ok? How would you not get in the way of the dancer before you? Would you wait 8 bars instead of picking up where they left off? What if you don't get the opportunity to talk to them before the music starts? I'm not sitting until November and I'm just beginning to freak out - I can't freak out for two months straight, surely?! (NT) -- ., 11:50:33 09/18/12 Tue
  • I have taken the dancing three times. You really will get a chance to tell them. Or just walk forward confidently and start in time with the music. Confidence is really important. More so in the teaching- but still VERY important (NT) -- You can do it!, 16:51:08 09/18/12 Tue
  • They like to keep things moving along but it's really not the end of the world to wait 8 bars either. (NT) -- --, 16:52:39 09/18/12 Tue

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• When asked to describe the 3rd movement in lannigans ball, should you describe how to actually do the rise and grind, or just that you do rise and fei d on right them left, throw right, throw left, rise and grind on right again then turn and repeat? -- Obv more padded out than that!, 14:52:03 09/18/12 Tue [2]
  
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  • I don't plan to explain the minute detail of the rise and grind unless they ask it of me (and I have seen that question on a fairly recent paper). For describing a movement that contains the rise and grind, I'd just say that they perform it same as I'd just say "two short threes" without explaining in huge detail how to do a back 23, you know? (NT) -- ,., 16:36:03 09/18/12 Tue

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• Studying for my TC- non-compete agreement? -- Anon, 21:53:04 09/17/12 Mon [6]
  I'm planning on studying for my TCRG. I'm pretty much done competing somthis seems like the next logical step. I've talked to my teacher and she says that I can start teaching classes for her school for experience and she'll help me study. But she'd also like me to sign a non-compete contract that basically states that I agree not to leave and start my own strip within 200 miles unless I quit and teach nowhere in the 200 mile radius for 2 years.
  
  Is this allowed in the commission?
  

  
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  • It's got nothing to do with the Coimisiun - that's how she wants to run her business. Whether she could actually enforce such a thing is doubtful, but it's ok for her to ask. (NT) -- Gg, 23:13:58 09/17/12 Mon
  • I've heard of other TCs doing this. It's to protect what they've built. It's not through An Com, however of you sign it, it can legally be enforced as it is a written contract. (NT) -- TC, 07:29:36 09/18/12 Tue
  • You could suggest an alternative. Instead of disallowing you from setting your own school up, just say you won't take transfers from her school for two years. That actually used to be the rule for new schools anyway, no transfers for two years. I guess it depends on whether you actually want to teach with her long term or not, and also how long this contract lasts for. If you pass and teach with her for twenty years and then decide to branch out, will this contract still be in force? (NT) -- ,, 09:14:55 09/18/12 Tue
  • I'm an Attorney and teacher...see inside -- attytcrg, 15:50:42 09/18/12 Tue
  • do people really drive to her classes from 200 miles away? that is about 2 1/2 hours of driving one way. Maybe 100 miles would be more reasonable. (NT) -- --, 16:29:00 09/18/12 Tue

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• So, has anyone received their mailed results yet? I've been checking the mailbox like a maniac, lol. -- jh, 18:27:04 09/17/12 Mon [12]
  
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  • Yes, got them saturday. Nice. (NT) -- xx, 20:28:52 09/17/12 Mon
    • Ok, cool. Hopefully, they'll show up today or tomorrow. Were your scores what you expected? (NT) -- jh, 20:35:12 09/17/12 Mon
  • Yay, they're here! :) (NT) -- jh, 21:00:58 09/17/12 Mon
    • I got my results today and although I thought I did worse then last time, I did better! So, I feel ok and will try again. I'm so close now. (NT) -- nwebster, 14:26:29 09/18/12 Tue
      • Good job!!! Persevere! :) (NT) -- jh, 15:04:45 09/18/12 Tue
  • yes I did. there was a group with 3 doing their tc and a whole bunch more ladies that were doing their ad. I would love to hear how everyone did. They did not mark that anyone of my dances was done to the their standard. I know that I AT LEAST did St. Patrick's day correctly and well enough. It is absolutely ridiculous. (NT) -- dont understand, 23:56:54 09/17/12 Mon
    • I also received some curious results in my dancing section including that I stopped which I know for a fact did not happen. Also had some standard comments too that I felt were unfair. Ah well, on to try 2! (NT) -- Such is life, 01:49:17 09/18/12 Tue
  • Got mine! a little surprised at the results as i know that i messed up the ceili teaching but my ceili teaching was higher than my solo teaching that i thought i did great on! oi.... (NT) -- flustered, 00:28:03 09/18/12 Tue
  • did you pass? (NT) -- --, 00:35:53 09/18/12 Tue
    • nope... gotta redo the teaching... (NT) -- :(, 00:37:29 09/18/12 Tue
  • I seriously feel like they were just too happy to go down the list and check boxes that I did not complete everything to their standard. They did at least grant me that I did not stop dancing, and that I did not repeat material in my sets. When you are spending sometimes thousands of dollars to take the exam- they should at least do you the courtesy of giving more feedback of what exactly was wrong. (NT) -- dont understand, 16:26:15 09/18/12 Tue

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• has anyone ever really danced a slip jig for their exam? -- --, 04:28:31 09/18/12 Tue [5]
  
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  • slip jig? absolutely ! if you mean SINGLE (HOP) jig then the answer is yes as well! one group at the Toronto exam had to (NT) -- ecr, 04:46:39 09/18/12 Tue
    • Yes, I was in that group. My jaw hit the floor when they said single jig! Was not expecting that at all! (NT) -- jh, 05:33:14 09/18/12 Tue
      • Was that on the syllabus? I know for the new one starting 2013 it only says reel or slip jig. (NT) -- I'll get one anyway!, 14:13:17 09/18/12 Tue
        • Yes, the old syllabus had both hop and light jig on it. PRAYING something like that happens to me, light jig is my favourite dance, lol. Oh and if I could teach a primary reel and maybe St Patrick's Day trad set as well that would make my life, thank you Gods of ID. How about Rakes and Walls for my ceili teaching too? A girl can dream. (NT) -- ., 14:45:34 09/18/12 Tue

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• Stumped. The question states: Name the five dances that are danced to one (only) specific tune. I have seven, excluding Gates because that's a "favorite tune." - Humours, Haste to the Wedding, Siege of Carrick, Saint Patrrick's Day, Trip, Lannigan's Ball, Sweets of May. Any ideas on which 5 they are looking for? -- Two more weeks and I can stop this insanity. lol, 02:44:10 09/16/12 Sun [5]
  
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  • Maybe leave out Haste to the Wedding and Siege of Carrick as they are both danced to Haste to the wedding and maybe they mean one (only) as in not repeated for another dance (NT) -- tcrg, 04:51:57 09/18/12 Tue
  • Candidates in Brisbane also had to teach the Single Jig (NT) -- tcrg, 04:54:08 09/18/12 Tue
  • If you got that question in reality, I would definitely raise my hand and ask for clarification. (NT) -- jh, 05:35:14 09/18/12 Tue
  • Thank you for the help. I'll probably ask, but it does make sense to remove Haste and Siege of C (NT) -- op, 14:04:41 09/18/12 Tue

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• Three tunes hook and chain. -- Thanks, 21:36:30 09/17/12 Mon [4]
  Do partners turn in place at the end of the chain? Book just says 'return to place'.
  

  
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  • Think of any other chain movement. When partners meet back in their position, they're in each others places. They need to turn a little to get back into the right place ie lady on right of gent. They can't just stop when they get to each other as the lady would be on the wrong side. (NT) -- ., 11:47:58 09/18/12 Tue
    • except in the hook and chain you hook on the corner and then return to your partner so the gents are actually going round the circle chaining anticlockwise and passing into place through their position not the ladies (NT) -- i would have them turn, 13:42:45 09/18/12 Tue
      • They dance through a Full Chain in their position as well, and then turn into place with their partner. It's not any different. (NT) -- tc hopeful, 14:00:16 09/18/12 Tue

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• Atlanta candidates, how are you getting from the airport to the hotel? I've reserved a car, as public transport is pretty limited when my flight arrives and leaves, but has anyone else come upon a more cost effective option? -- Looking to save a few, 04:57:14 09/18/12 Tue [3]
  
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  • Planing on getting taxi when I arrive and maybe sharing one on Sunday back. (NT) -- Not too many options, 08:47:13 09/18/12 Tue
  • That was supposed to read: Planning on getting a taxi from airport to hotel and then hoping to share a taxi to the airport on Sunday (NT) -- OP, brain fried, 08:49:25 09/18/12 Tue

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• For those who have taken the exam.. -- Glasgow, 22:30:07 09/07/12 Fri [4]
  How did your past paper marks compare to your actual mark for the céilí written exam? The same, better, worse?
  

  
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  • Maybe a little better? My self-graded scores on practice tests were usually mid 80's, and I got a 98 -- Aine, 00:23:45 09/08/12 Sat
  • Thanks Aine. Hoping some more of you Toronto folk can answer when you get your envelopes :) (NT) -- Glasgow, 14:49:11 09/13/12 Thu
  • mid 80s got a 95! (NT) -- Toronto candidate, 23:57:51 09/17/12 Mon

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• gates of derry-written question. -- dublin 2009 exam question, 21:24:30 09/17/12 Mon [1]
  when they ask for the order of the movements and # of bars on gates of derry, would you stop at "swing around" ?
  or would you continue and mention the 1st repeat, 2nd repeat and finish......
  
  also, the next part says to describe how couples 1 & 3 perform the gates. would you describe the gates at B and then at D? as in first time the gates are performed and then 2nd time?
  
  thanks!
  

  
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• All adcrg candidates what advice can you give on what to write on your result sheets and how is the interview structured -- Help getting nervous, 08:33:27 09/14/12 Fri [2]
  
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  • Write as much as you can on the exam sheet in terms of comments but make sure your comments are distinguishing one dancer from another. i.e. if you give one 'great turn out' and give dancer 2st and another 'turn feet out more' and give them 2nd it wouldn't be write. Make sure you qualify all of your results/comments with a corresponing mark -- more inside, 16:16:46 09/17/12 Mon

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