CNRG USA World Qualifier Championships
FEISIANNA
hosted by Rowan Fae Irish Dance Academy
We host two championships and two grades with option for exams annually;
- Vanishing River Feis- Grades & Exams
- Big Foot Feis- World Qualifier Championship
- Rain City Feis- World Qualifier Championship
- Tahoma Feis- Grades & Exams
CNRG USA Western Region Grades & Exams
What is Open Platform?
Open platform Irish dance is open for most Irish dancers to participate, depending on the organization. CNRG is open to all Irish dancers regardless of organization affiliation or the TCRG status of your teacher as well as fully welcoming independent dancers. Open platform Irish dance expands access and opportunity for dancers who may not be part of a closed organization or who experience geographic barriers, and economic barriers.
Organizations and their open/closed status:
CLRG: Closed. Although, as of 2026, CLRG is hosting events in some regions that are open platform.
An Comhdháil (The Congress of Irish Dance Teachers). Open in North American only.
CNRG: Open.
CRDM: Open. Teacher must have TCRG.
CRN: Open.
OPIDF: Open.
WIDA: Open.
Check out the Independent Irish Dance Association at https://www.iidairishdance.com/
What are Championships, Exams, & Grades?
Feis: Irish dance and music competition or gathering
Feisianna: plural of feis
It can be challenging starting out at feisianna, especially if you've only ever experienced an independent Irish dance school or company. Open platform feisianna are some of the most welcoming and inclusive events and are an excellent opportunities for dancers to make friends and build their dance community.
Championships are competitions where dancers get to dance with others of the same age and level. It is important not to compare yourself to others, but to your own progress. These events allow for dancers to advance to another level and they get invaluable feedback from adjudicators.
Exams are tests for dancers who wish to earn their Irish dance teaching certificate, TCRG.
Grades are non-competitive feisianna where dancers from different schools gather to show what they've learned and to gather feedback. Grades are skill-based progression through grades 1-10. Grades 11-12 are for those seeking TCRG.
World qualifiers are events you need to participate in should you wish to compete at Worlds. CNRG World Championships are held in the UK. Rowan Fae Irish Dance Academy provides international travel opportunities for dancers competing at CNRG Worlds. To qualify for CNRG Worlds, dancers need to attend 2 WQ Championships and 1 grades feis.
Scholarships are available for feisianna hosted by Rowan Fae. Please contact Amber Sterland at amber@rowanfae.com
