Cumann Rince Náisiúnta
Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN) is an Irish dancing organisation that was established in 1982. CRN is notable for its concept of the "open platform", meaning all-comers from any organisation and dance at CRN feiseanna, and at the Irish Open Championships and the World Open Championships. CRN espouses fairness and excellence in Irish Dance. CRN trained teachers bear the title of ODCRN, granted after the teacher successfully passes standard examinations. CRN trained adjudicators bear the title of ADCRN, granted after the judge successfully passes standard examinations.
Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN) was founded in 1982 by Ita Cadwell along with 11 other teachers. They believed that all teachers should be protected and that all dancers should be afforded the right to dance.
Since its formation CRN has encouraged an open platform for all dancers and provides an organisation that gives a voice to young teachers, most importantly it provides a stage where every dancer can perform in a competitive but friendly environment. CRN is governed by an Executive Committee who is elected by CRN's members to uphold the Constitution. All CRN's Feile’s and Feiseanna are run under the CRN Rules of Competition.
Thirty years ago Ita Cadwell had a vision of an organisation that would grow worldwide, an organisation that would promote an open platform to all dancers in the hope that this organisation, while encouraging choreography of new work, would still maintain our traditions. This is now being realised. CRN has expanded throughout Ireland and is now quite a force to be reckoned with throughout the World, with teachers and adjudicators based in England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and as far afield as China and indeed CRN is rapidly expanding throughout the USA.
In 2012 Cumann Rince Náisiúnta celebrated its 30th anniversary and launched the CRN Worlds Craobhacha Oscailte na Cruinne. CRN’s very first worlds took place over the June bank holiday weekend in the very prestigious world-renowned Wexford Opera House. This has now become an annual event. Over the past couple of years CRN has moved its Irish Open Championships base to the magnificent City west Hotel Conference Centre and has expanded its Calendar of Events to include the North American Open Championships.
Irish Open Championships
The Irish Open Championships is Cumann Rince Naisiuntas largest event on our yearly calendar. Over the past couple of years CRN has moved its Irish Open Championships base to the magnificent Citywest Hotel Conference Centre. The Irish Open Championships cater for all grades from Bungrads up to our championship level. The 2015 Irish Open Championships will taken place over the following weekends;
Irish Open Championship Solo Weekend: 18 & 19 April 2015 Irish Open Championship Weekend: 1-5 May 2015
North American Open Championships
Over the past decade we have seen the rapid growth of CRN in North America. With this growth came the North American Open Championships being upgraded to the same status as the Irish Open Championships. The North American Opens syllabus now offers awards for every grade and figure championships to cater to the large number of dancers in the Region. Dancers from all over the World have travelled to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia to compete in this event.
In February 2015 the city of entertainment Las Vegas hosted the 6th North American Open Championships in the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel.
World Open Championships
Cumann Rince Náisiúnta celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2012 by launching the CRN World Open Championships ‘Craobhacha Oscailte na Cruinne’.
The 1st World Open Championships took place over the 2012 June Bank Holiday weekend in the very prestigious world renowned Wexford Opera House. The event was such a success the 2nd World Open Championships were also staged in the Wexford Opera House in 2013 from Friday 28th- Sunday 30 June.
As an organisation we were very proud to take the 2014 World Open Championships on the road. The 3rd annual Championships were held in Castlebar, Co. Mayo from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th. The Theatre Royal provided an excellent venue to stage the event. We are proud to announce the 2015 World Open Championships will also take place in the Theatre Royal Castlebar.