TMRF Examinations
General & Eligibility
To become a candidate in the WIDA examination process, you must first be an affiliate of the organisation. This does not preclude anyone taking part in our open platform competitions upon meeting entry criteria that may be required. The candidate must be at least 16 years of age (on date of exam) to attempt the first part of the Ceili Dance Teacher examination (TMRF) and at least 18 years of age (on date of exam) to attempt part 4 of the TMRF and receive their TMRF certificate. Candidates can apply at www.irish.dance. The fee for each part of the examination is EUR 100 (total of EUR 400 for all four parts). The fee, once paid, is non-refundable*.
New teachers/affiliates must embark on their TCRG and/or TMRF exams within 2 years of joining the organisation (ie attempt at least one part of either exam process).
After successful completion of each TCRG or TMRF part, a candidate has a period of three years in which to attempt a further part (either the next in that exam process, or the first of the other); otherwise the previous part will expire and will need to be repeated. For example, after successful completion of TCRG 1, a candidate must attempt either TCRG 2 or TMRF 1 within 3 years to avoid the expiry of that part.
Teachers who have completed the TMRF exam are still allowed to participate in any competitions.
*Fee is non-refundable unless the exam session has been cancelled by WIDA, in which case it can be deferred to a following exam session or refunded.
Syllabus
TMRF Part 1
A candidate will be required to teach part of two of the following ceili dances (from Ar Rince Foirne, Irish Ceili Dance Book) which will be selected during the exam session by the examiners. One ceili dance will be taught from outside of the team and one further dance as part of the team. The position within the team will be nominated by the examiners. A candidate may be required to dance the following ceili dances (dances selected are at the discretion of the examiners). The pass mark for this section is 70%.
The candidate must be able to dance and teach the following 8 dances:
The Walls of Limerick
The Fairy Reel
Bonfire Dance
The Sweets of May
An Rince Mor
The Siege of Carrick
Rince Fada
Harvesttime Jig
The candidate will also have to sit a written paper of 10 questions in relation to the above dances. A minimum pass mark of 70% is required. Successful completion of both sections (practical and written) will enable the candidate to attempt part two of the TMRF qualification.
TMRF Part 2
A candidate will be required to teach part of two of the following ceili dances (from Ar Rince Foirne, Irish Ceili Dance Book) which will be selected during the exam session by the examiners. One ceili dance will be taught from outside of the team and one further dance as part of the team. The position within the team will be nominated by the examiners. A candidate may be required to dance the following ceili dances (dances selected are at the discretion of the examiners). The pass mark for this section is 70%.
The candidate must be able to dance and teach the following 8 dances:
The Siege of Ennis
The Humours of Bandon
The High Cauled Cap
The Morris Reel
The Cross Reel
The Four-Hand Reel
The Eight-Hand Reel
Haymakers’ Jig
The candidate will also have to sit a written paper of 10 questions in relation to the above dances. A minimum pass mark of 70% is required. Successful completion of both sections (practical and written) will enable the candidate to attempt part three of the TMRF qualification.
TMRF Part 3
A candidate will be required to teach part of TWO of the following ceili dances (from Ar Rince Foirne, Irish Ceili Dance Book & the WIDA notation for the Tara Reel) which will be selected during the exam session by the examiners. One ceili dance will be taught from outside of the team and one further dance as part of the team. The position within the team will be nominated by the examiners. A candidate may be required to dance the following ceili dances (dances selected are at the discretion of the examiners). The pass mark for this section is 70%.
The candidate must be able to dance and teach the following 7 dances:
Sixteen-Hand Reel
Eight-Hand Jig
The Gates of Derry
Lannigan’s Ball
The Tara Reel
Haste to the Wedding
The Rakes of Mallow
The candidate will also have to sit a written paper of 10 questions in relation to the above dances. A minimum pass mark of 70% is required. Successful completion of both sections (practical and written) will enable the candidate to attempt part four of the TMRF qualification.
TMRF Part 4
A candidate will be required to teach part of TWO of the following ceili dances (from Ar Rince Foirne, Irish Ceili Dance Book & the WIDA notation for the Tara Reel) which will be selected during the exam session by the examiners. One ceili dance will be taught from outside of the team and one further dance as part of the team. The position within the team will be nominated by the examiners. A candidate may be required to dance the following ceili dances (dances selected are at the discretion of the examiners). The pass mark for this section is 70%.
The candidate must be able to dance and teach the following 7 dances:
The Bridge of Athlone
The Waves of Tory
Antrim Reel
Glencar Reel
The Three Tunes
St. Patrick’s Day
Trip to the Cottage
Duke Reel
The candidate will also have to sit a written paper of 10 questions in relation to the above dances. A minimum pass mark of 70% is required.
Upon satisfactory and successful completion of the four parts of the Ceili Dance Teacher examination, the candidate will be awarded their TMRF certification with the World Irish Dance Association.
All candidates for the Ceili Teacher Examination are strongly encouraged to attend the figure dance workshop offered by WIDA to consolidate their skills regarding figure dancing choreography.
For more information check the Guidelines for TCRG/TMRF candidates.