Parents have the power to choose! -- Australian Irish Dance Message Board

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Date Posted: Thu, May 14 2026, 9:57:12"
Author: Little Boots
Subject: Parents have the power to choose!
In reply to: 0 's message, "Ok so let's discuss...." on Sat, May 09 2026, 21:30:58"

I agree with a lot of what you're saying about the culture inside Irish dancing in Australia. Something feels off between what this community says it stands for and what actually happens when it comes to competition.

From where I'm standing, it feels like some teachers and adjudicators are more focused on their own reputation and who they're connected to, rather than what's actually best for the kids. When that happens, it stops being about the dancers and the culture of Irish dancing, and starts being about adult egos and politics.

A lot of people ask why CLRG doesn't just step in and do something about it. From what I've come to understand, it's not that simple. Any formal action can be legally complicated and expensive. Maybe that helps to explain why things don't seem to change.

What really worries me is what this is doing to the kids and to the sport they love. Everyone talks about "community" but what I see is kids being positioned, promoted, and pushed through a system that sometimes rewards who you're connected to more than how you dance. Whether it's the teacher you're with, how you look on social media, or even what costume identification you're wearing — it all seems to play a role that it shouldn't.

That said, I know there are adjudicators out there who genuinely do the right thing. They watch the dancer in front of them and judge what they see, nothing more. No favourites, no politics, no outside noise. That's all any of us are asking for — and it's not too much to ask. If an adjudicator can't do that, can't put the kids first and judge fairly, then honestly they need to think hard about whether this is the right role for them. The whole thing falls apart if parents and dancers can't trust that the system is fair.

Regarding teachers, I'm staying clear of those who are beating the system. It's pretty obvious who are the teachers playing by the rules. If we're going to make a change, a good start might be choosing your dance school wisely - one that cares about the dancer first, and then expresses their studio's values through their actions. Silence and inaction is maintained through fear of retaliation against dancers. Be part of the culture that weakens when parents collectively refuse to participate in intimidation, gossip, or political games. Avoid competitions that exhibit a culture that is toxic and instead support those comps which can be perceived as fair. Parents, let's shift the culture, and calmly insist that standards matter more than politics.

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Replies:

People need to know that you have options. CLRG is not the only organisation, it's just that Irish dancing is so small in Australia that it's easiest to all be in one org for feising opportunities. An Chomhdhail, CRDM and WIDA all have a presence in Australia, and TCs have the choice to move if they're fed up with CLRG. You'll still be able to do Worlds, All Irelands, North American's etc in those other orgs if you want to do the travel comps. (NT) -- Something to think about, Tue, May 26 2026, 21:05:23"

CRN also have a presence and have had for over 15 years (NT) -- Dance friend, Thu, May 28 2026, 10:40:59"

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