If you are heading to the 2023 CLRG North American National Irish Dance Championships either as a seasoned pro or for the very first time, here’s what you need to know before taking off to Nashville, Tennessee in just a few weeks’ time.
When is the 2023 NANs Taking Place?
Tuesday, July 4 to Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Where is it Being Held?
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
What to Expect
The NAIDC is the summer’s most anticipated Irish dancing competition, and hosts not only North American dancers, but entrants from all across the world — making it feel almost like a mini World Championships, especially for those who haven’t been able to experience a major over in the UK or Ireland yet. Without a doubt, the best of the best will be there, making for an intense and sometimes nerve-wrecking competition.
With thousands of dancers competing over the five-day competition, the NAIDC is also an extremely fun competition with a great atmosphere. This prestigious competition is only open to dancers who have reached Open Championship level or who have qualified to compete there at their regional qualifier.
If you are a first time competitor or a dancer from outside the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you might notice that this feis runs a little bit differently from other majors that you may have attended.
Competition Splits
The most unique aspect of this competition is the splits. This may be unfamiliar to many who have never danced at a North American Nationals before.
In a competition bigger than 150 participants registered, there will be a ‘split’ in which dancers are randomly sorted into an A and B group. These groups will be split as evenly as possible in regards to entry numbers, but who exactly falls into which half is completely random. Think of it like day one of the Worlds, but as a random assortment without the recall heats.
At the end of the competition, you will end up with an A split champion and a B split champion. These two halves are run as completely separate championships with entirely different scoring and judges, so what happens on each stage has no effect on the other half.
Typically, the NAIDC will issue the splits in the programme book or post them shortly before the competition starts so each dancer will know which hall they will be competing in.
Judging
This year, the competition will be judged by rotating panels of five judges each, so a total of 15 different adjudicators for solos. The highest and lowest scores for each dancer’s rounds will be dropped to even out the scores.
Rotations and Number Check
When a competition is judged by a rotating panel of judges, dancers are required to participate in a ‘number check’, where dancers are lined up onstage in front of the panel so that that judges can check their scores. This is to ensure that the correct scores have been given out to the correct dancers of the judge’s choice.
This is usually completed every 30 dancers or so, and again at the end of each round of competition. This is not required for dancers recalled to the set round or for team competitions, but it is important to remember to be ready and backstage when they call your group for the number check.
Teams and Ceili
This year, all ceili teams will be dancing on the third day of competition, making for a fun atmosphere full of team spirit. In addition to the usual eight-hand, figure choreography, and dance drama teams, the NAIDC 2023 is offering a four-hand competition for the first time in the history of the championships.
Traditional Sets
In another new addition this year, there will also be a traditional set competition. The traditional set will be open only to dancers who are not registered to compete in the solo championships and who have not met the qualification requirements. This is a great opportunity for dancers (or dancing siblings that have come along to watch) to get a taste of what it’s like to be on stage at a North American Championships.
Adult Championships
For the second year running, the competition will hold its popular adult championship. This is open to dancers aged 18 and older and there is no qualification to participate, but they must not have competed in the past five years, other than in previous adult championships. A unique element of this competition is that dancers will compete with traditional sets for the recall rather than championship level set dances, and only dance treble/heavy jig and a soft shoe round of their choice of either reel or slip jig. This is a unique opportunity for dancers who have either previously retired or perhaps started their Irish dancing journey in adulthood showcase their talents onstage, and has become a more common competition category to see on the major circuit.
Hotels and Wristbands
If you have never been to Nashville before, or the last time you were there was for the NAIDC all the way back in 2011, you might need a heads up about how to navigate the maze of rooms that is the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Resort. The competition is held in the convention centre ballrooms, and if you were lucky enough to snag a room in the hotel block, you will be treated to one of thousands of luxury hotel rooms.
The Opryland Hotel hosts 12 different dining options and endless amounts of entertainment opportunities such as shopping, a water park, and shopping. You can even watch a lighted water show, relax in the spa, hit the golf course, or visit the iconic Grand Ole Opry. (Pro tip: download the resort’s app to help find your way around).
The North American Championships always requires wristbands for entry into the competition halls. For those not in the official NAIDC room block, you will not receive a wristband and will be charged a $100 facility usage fee per person, per day if you want to watch any competitions. This fee is waived for residents of Tennessee and for dancers competing at the NAIDC.
Grade Exams
Another unique element of the North American Championships is that grade exams are offered alongside the regular competitions. For dancers who need to take either grade 11 or 12, this is the perfect opportunity as you will rarely find them offered anywhere else in the middle of a major competition. These will be offered on July 6 and 7. Typically, you will find many dancers attending also participate in the grade exams in order to check off those higher levels while they are available.
Explore Beautiful Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee is known for its thriving country music scene. The city offers an abundance of tourist attractions, such as trolley tours, the Country Music Hall of Fame, food tours, bike rides through the city, and of course, line dancing lessons.
When visiting such a fun city for a competition, it’s important to make some time away from the venue to see the sights, so try to build some time in your schedule to plan a fun day out with your dance friends if you can.
Overall, the North American Championships is always a great time with excitement and good summertime vibes. Whether it’s your first NAIDC or your tenth, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date on the happenings around the competition, venue, and the host city. We can’t wait to see everyone there.
Visit the official NAIDC 2023 website to read the syllabus and for additional information.
