THE prestigious global body that regulates Irish dance has been rocked by allegations of anti-competition and cheating.
n Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG) faces the biggest ever alleged cheating scandal, in which some of Ireland’s most successful and highly regarded dance teachers and schools were accused of hosting competitions for their own students.
The CLRG, the largest and oldest Irish dance body in the world, has now announced it has appointed a former Court of Appeal judge to oversee an investigation into the allegations of cheating.
It is known that screenshots of text conversations with 12 Irish dance teachers who either asked for or offered to repair competitions were handed over to the CLRG in July.
Separately, the Irish Independent has seen additional screenshots, which have not yet been shared with the CLRG, which appear to indicate at least six other teachers.
The dance teachers, some on the island of Ireland, asked and offered to fix feiseanna.
In one case, a dance teacher and a contest judge were found to exchange sexual favors for higher scores.
The CLRG said its ethics committee had “received allegations, with supporting documentation, of several serious violations of our code of conduct.”
“Such unethical behavior cannot and will not be tolerated by this organization,” the organization said.
The CLRG said that because of the “potential scale” of the charges, it had hired a former Court of Appeal judge “to oversee and oversee the immediate investigation of these cases. They will have full and open access to the sources and documents of the CLRG”.
It added: “The process will undoubtedly be difficult and arduous, but this grossly unethical behavior must be eliminated from our competitions, dance schools and governing bodies.
“An Coimisiún considers such violations to be gross misconduct. Any registered member found to be involved in such practices will be subject to a fair and full process in accordance with our published Disciplinary Procedures.
“This process has already begun and the principles of natural justice apply. To ensure the integrity of the process and until it is completed, no further comments will be made.”
Irish dance teachers judge dance competitions, from feiseanna to major events such as the All Irelands and the Worlds.
It is understood that one of the dance teachers allegedly involved had previously been accused of disrupting scores at competitions.
The CLRG is internationally regarded as the guardian of Irish dance.
In response to a number of questions from the Irish Independent, it said it was “unfortunate that the case has now been broadcast publicly, otherwise it would jeopardize CLRG’s own investigation into the matter”.
It said: “We are aware of allegations against a number of members circulating on social media. Accusations without evidence are just that – accusations..
“All complaints to Coiste Faire will be treated confidentially pending investigation and possible disciplinary action. It is unfortunate that anyone has chosen to breach that confidentiality which may discourage complaints regarding this or future allegations of misconduct.”
There is no mention in the texts of money being exchanged.
Current and former Irish dance teachers and competitors, who spoke to the Irish Independent on condition of anonymity, said a school with a reputation for success can generate more in fees.
The Irish Independent has also attempted to contact the 18 dance teachers shown in the screenshots. A dance teacher responded, claiming that this newspaper was “absolutely wrong.”
After the Irish Independent sent back screenshots of a conversation in which the same teacher talked about fixing feis for their students, the teacher became unresponsive.