Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
What’s it called?
The governing body is called An Chomhdháil (pronounced an cogal), and our branch is called USA Irish Dance Alliance. There are 29 branches of An Chomhdháil worldwide.
What is Open Platform?
Did you know there are lots of different Irish dance organizations? CLRG is a closed platform, meaning CLRG dancers can’t go to other organizations’ feiseanna and they can’t go to CLRGs. An Chomhdháil is closed platform in Ireland and the UK, but is open platform here in the USA. That means that USA IDA dancers can go to feiseanna hosted by other approved organizations who have the same standard of vetting that we require.
What else do we need to know about An Chomhdháil?
An Chomhdháil has very strict etiquette rules around dancer conduct, covering everything from social media to staying appropriately dressed at a feis. All USA IDA dancers will be expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner that represents our branch and An Chomhdháil well, especially online.
FEISING
What are the competition levels?
Bun Grad A (equivalent to Beginner)
Bun Grad B (equivalent to Advanced Beginner)
Bun Grad C (equivalent to Novice/Prizewinner)
Pre-Open Championship (equivalent to advanced Prizewinner & Preliminary)
Open Championship
How does a dancer move up through the competition levels?
In An Chomhdháil, dancers move up a level as soon as a first place is achieved in each dance. For the win to count, there must be 10 dancers in the competition, and it is possible that competitors will have dances in various levels at any given time.
COSTUMING
What costume rules do I need to know?
All dancers up to and including Under 9 can only wear a class costume (grades and championship level)
All grades dancers of all ages must wear a class costume (if you move from another organization and already have a dress, there is opportunity to be grandfathered in)
Makeup can be worn starting at Under 13
No letters or symbols of achievement (e.g. globes) on dresses/vests
No glitter makeup
I’m coming from another organization and my grades level dancer has a solo dress/vest, can they wear it?
Yes. While the rules in An Chomhdháil state that dancers can’t wear solo costumes in the grade levels, while USA IDA is in its infancy you can wear your costume until it is outgrown. Same goes for U9 championship dancers - they can keep wearing their solo dress/vest until it is outgrown.
Can I wear blackout attire for feising?
Yes, you can wear blackout attire. If you wear a leotard and skirt, you must wear tights if you are U10 or older (applies to both grades and championship).
MAJORS & GRADE EXAMS
Does USA IDA have an Oireachtas?
Yes, we will have a regional qualifying competition called a Provincial Championship and it will be at the end of the year (working date is the weekend after Thanksgiving). All dancers will have an opportunity to do solo and team competitions. While 2020 has been an extraordinary year, we are working hard to put on some kind of event (working within the CDC guidelines). The Provincial Championship will not be held on a holiday weekend.
What about Worlds? Nationals?
The An Chomhdháil World Championships are always Easter Week and they are always held in Ireland. 2021 will be their 50th anniversary celebration (postponed from 2020) and will be at the INEC in Killarney. USA IDA plans to host our own National championships, starting in 2021 (or once the CDC allows mass gatherings).
What if there is no Provincial Championship this year because of COVID-19?
An Chomhdháil have very graciously said that, in the event that our Provincial Championship cannot go ahead this year because of COVID-19, we can send elite dancers to the World Championships based on teacher’s discretion.
What about grade exams?
If you’re a dancer coming from CLRG, most grade exams are transferable, it depends what level you’re up to. Your teacher can help you with this - your previous grades will be submitted to the An Chomhdháil examination committee and they will work out your equivalency. An Chomhdháil have 10 levels for grade exams, and all levels include solo and ceili dancing.
What are the transfer rules?
Dancers moving into An Chomhdháil from another organization will be required to complete a 3 month restyling period. This is not a punishment, but rather a time to learn and perfect new choreography and techniques.
Following completion of 2 years membership with An Chomhdháil, teachers may then accept dancers from another An Chomhdháil teacher - dancers must complete a 3 month restyling period. All restyling will commence from date of notification to Branch Secretary.