Starting Irish dancing as an adult comes with its own set of unique challenges. Many of us have full time jobs and families to take care of, while also going to dance class and — for some — competing. And for our bodies, we wish they could keep up with our love of Irish dance but sometimes, they simply can’t.
It’s also a world that caters mostly to children and young adults, with adults seemingly only truly being recognised in some capacity over the last ten years or so.
However, many choose to take the next step to become a TCRG, which includes taking twelve grades and sitting for the exam. It’s a daunting task, but it’s doable at any age.
We meet some of the extraordinary dancers who are now certified teachers of Irish dance.
Christy Dorrity – USA, Western Region
When did you start dancing? I started Irish dancing at 24 years old.
Did you compete as an adult? Yes! The highest I competed in WIDA was Worlds in the U35 age group, placing third (2014). In CLRG, the highest was adult championships at Nationals.
How long did it take for you to get your TCRG? It took me three years to get my TC in WIDA. It has taken me seven years so far to take my grades and TC exam in CLRG. I sat my TC exam in 2022 and failed. I’ve been gearing up since then to try it again.
Where are you now? I teach in my home state of Utah. My studio has almost 200 enrolments. I have 12 teachers, besides me. We compete locally, nationally and internationally. We have a professional performance group and a branded preschool program, as well as a large adult group.
Any advice for adult dancers who aspire to get their teaching certification? Begin taking your grades exams a few at a time, even if you don’t know if you want to take the big exam. Take ceili workshops and form study groups. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old to dance, or to take your exam. And you don’t need a teaching certificate from others to know that you are a good teacher.
Sara Gutis – USA, New England Region
When did you start dancing? I was 22 when I started Irish dancing.
Did you compete as an adult? I started competing with CLRG in the New England region. I competed as an adult in the adult levels; I consistently placed first or second after my first year of dancing.
How long did it take for you to get your TCRG? I took the CLRG test twice over the course of five years; I failed both times but passed certain parts. I finally decided to become independent. After a couple years just running my school and sharing culture and dance, I encountered CRG in Ireland. I tested with them and passed while I was pregnant.
Where are you now? I am now a TC, judge and examiner as well as the North American Rep for the organisation. Sometimes, it’s all about finding the right environment to grow.
Any advice for adult dancers who aspire to get their teaching certification? Not everyone is meant to be a teacher. If you are, then find the right environment for you. When someone offers help to study, take it. You will not regret it, no matter what organisation you belong to.
Megan Moloney – USA, Mid-America
When did you start dancing? I was 27-years-old.
Did you compete as an adult? I competed as an adult through Prizewinner and then dropped down to compete in the &Overs, earning my way to Prelims. I qualified for the North American championships and placed second to last. Coincidentally, both me and the dancer behind me are now certified instructors, which I think is a great accomplishment!
How long did it take for you to get your TCRG? I passed the TMRF exam on the first try. It was before grade exams were required, so once I decided to take the test, it was about a year of preparation.
Where are you now? I am the founder and director of Bluegrass Ceili Academy, a community-based Irish dance school in Lexington, Kentucky.
Any advice for adult dancers who aspire to get their teaching certification? Start working on your grade exams and stick with it. Assistant teach when you can and if you get the chance to be a dancer for an exam, absolutely do that. It really helps to see the behind-the-scenes to get you ready. You can do it!
Mara Cernat – Romania, Regional Council Continental Europe & Asia
When did you start dancing? I was 18-years-old.
Did you compete as an adult? I only competed in five feiseanna before I quit competing to dedicate myself to teaching and taking the TC exam. For my last Oireachtas, I competed in Senior Ladies.
How long did it take for you to get your TCRG? In 2014 I successfully passed my CLRG TCRG [for teachers in continental Europe and Asia] exam on the first try, so it was a very intense six years from complete beginner to being a fully-qualified TCRG.
Where are you now? I am in Bucharest, Romania. I am still the only school and only resident TC in my country and the immediate region of Southeastern Europe (RCCEA). I am currently working on developing another school branch in another Romanian town.
Any advice for adult dancers who aspire to get their teaching certification? Allow yourself not to be perfect and go into your TCRG journey as the strong adult you are — no one expects you to be World Championship level in the exam. Study your material, practice your lilting and train your voice to be strong enough. Life after the TCRG exam is still a journey of continuous learning, so don’t worry if you feel like you are not perfect yet when sitting your exam. You will have all the time in the world to learn so much more after this milestone in your life.
