What Are the Levels?

BEGINNER DANCER

Any dancer who has not been dancing for more than a year. They will have the opportunity to dance their reel, light jig and slip jig (girls only). The girls will wear the McElligott School skirt with leotard, poodle socks, and soft shoes.  Boys wear black slacks, black long-sleeve button down shirt, a gold tie, long black socks, and a jazz shoe.

ADVANCED BEGINNER DANCER

Dancer will now have the opportunity to dance their reel, light jig, slip jig (girls only), as well as fast treble jig and fast hornpipe. The girls will usually progress to the full embroidered school costume, or they can wear the school skirt with leotard. They all wear poodle socks and soft/hard shoes. They usually wear a bun or a full wig. Boys wear black slacks, black long sleeve button down shirt, a gold tie, long black socks, and a jazz/hard shoes.

NOVICE DANCER

Dancers will be competing in their reel, light jig, slip jig (girls only), and also progress to slow treble jigs and slow hornpipes. The girls wear the full embroidered school costume, poodle socks, and soft/hard shoes. They can wear a bun or a full wig. Boys wear black slacks, black long sleeve button down shirt, a gold tie, long black socks, and a jazz shoe with heel/hard shoes.

PRIZEWINNER DANCER

Dancer will be competing in their reel and slip jig (girls only), and all hard shoe dances will be to slow music. The girls can choose to wear a solo dress or wear the full embroidered school costume, poodle socks and soft/hard shoes. They can wear a bun or a full wig. Boys can choose to wear a solo costume or wear black slacks, black long sleeve button down shirt, a gold tie, long black socks, and a jazz shoe with heal/hard shoes.

PRELIMINARY CHAMPIONSHIP DANCER

A dancer will dance one soft shoe (reel/slip jig) and one hard shoe (treble jig/hornpipe). This is a very challenging level and requires dedication and commitment to practicing in the studio and at home. The girls wear a solo dress, poodle socks, and soft/hard shoes. They can wear a bun or a full wig. Boys wear a solo costume, long black socks, and a jazz shoe with heel /hard shoes.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP DANCER

Congratulations, you have reached the highest level of Irish Dancing! Your hard work and dedication has paid off! The dancer will dance one soft shoe (reel/slip jig), one hard shoe (treble jig/hornpipe), and a contemporary set dance. The costume is the same as Preliminary Championship.