Governing Body
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha
The world authority for competitive Irish step dancing
Best For
Competitive Irish step dancers and certified teachers worldwide
Overview
Founded in 1927 by Conradh na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League), CLRG is the oldest and largest governing body for competitive Irish step dance. It sanctions competitions in 26 countries and organizes the Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne — the World Irish Dancing Championships — which has been held annually since 1970.
History
Founded in 1927 as part of Conradh na Gaeilge's mission to preserve and promote Irish cultural traditions.
Established standardized rules for competitive Irish dancing, replacing informal regional variations.
Organized the first Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (World Irish Dancing Championships) in 1970.
Certified Michael Flatley as World Champion in 1975 — the first American to win the title.
The Riverdance phenomenon (1994) brought massive global interest to Irish dancing, dramatically increasing CLRG registrations worldwide.
Today governs competitive Irish dance in 26 countries across five continents.
Governance & Structure
Headquartered in Dublin with a governing council (An Coimisiún) overseeing international operations.
Regional councils manage competitions and teacher registration in each country.
Teachers must pass CLRG examinations (TCRG qualification) to register students for competitions.
Adjudicators must hold the ADCRG qualification to judge at sanctioned events.
Competition Structure
Competitions (feiseanna) are held at local, regional, national, and world levels.
Dancers compete in solo dances (reels, jigs, hornpipes, set dances) and team events (céilí dances).
The Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (World Championships) is the pinnacle event, rotating between cities.
Dancers progress through grade levels based on placement results at qualifying events.
Key Programs
Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne
Annual World Irish Dancing Championships — the sport's most prestigious competition.
TCRG Certification
Teacher certification program required to register students for CLRG competitions.
Grade Examinations
Non-competitive graded syllabus for recreational dancers.
Membership & Access
Dancers register through certified TCRG teachers. Competition entry requires current registration with a CLRG-recognized school.
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