Strong Foundations.
Remarkable Possibilities.
From first-time dancers to regional, national and World Championship competitors, McGovern dancers receive the training, encouragement and opportunities to pursue their individual goals.
Every champion begins with a first step.
Competition is never required at McGovern. When a dancer chooses to compete, we build the skills, confidence and preparation they need—one level at a time.
Discover
Build rhythm, posture, coordination and a genuine love of Irish dance.
Develop
Strengthen technique, learn new dances and practice performing with confidence.
Compete
Enter age- and level-appropriate events with thoughtful teacher guidance.
Advance
Use feedback and results to set goals and progress through the competitive grades.
Reach Further
Pursue regional, national and World Championship opportunities when ready.
Meet Our Champions
Their accomplishments are impressive. The dedication, resilience and growth behind them are what make us proudest.
[Dancer’s Name]
[Championship title · year]
Add a short story about this dancer’s journey, the work behind the result and what becoming a Regional Champion meant to them.
[Dancer’s Name]
[Championship title · year]
Add a short story about this dancer’s preparation, accomplishment and the dedication that carried them to a National Championship title.
[Dancer’s Name]
[World Championship title · year]
Add a short story about the years of preparation, determination and McGovern community support behind this World Championship achievement.
Cumann Rince Náisiúnta
Irish dance with opportunity, progression and community.
What is CRN?
Cumann Rince Náisiúnta—commonly known as CRN—is an international Irish dance organization founded in Ireland. McGovern dancers can progress through graded competitions and pursue regional, national and World Open Championship opportunities.
CRN’s structure allows dancers to compete at an appropriate level while developing technique, stage presence, resilience and sportsmanship. Teachers help families understand when a dancer is ready, which dances to enter and what each next step means.
- Competitive grades from beginner through open championship
- Solo, traditional set, contemporary set and team opportunities
- Events for children, teens and adults
- Regional, national and international championship pathways
What does “Open Platform” mean?
It means the stage can welcome dancers from different Irish dance organizations and backgrounds, subject to the rules of each event.
A broader competitive community
CRN promotes open-platform competition, allowing eligible dancers from outside CRN to participate in many events. That creates opportunities to meet and compete alongside dancers from a wider range of schools and organizations.
What it means for McGovern dancers
Our dancers can follow the CRN progression system while also exploring selected open-platform opportunities. We choose events thoughtfully based on each dancer’s readiness, goals and the specific competition rules.
2026–27 Competition Calendar
These are the primary events McGovern dancers are preparing to attend. Participation and recommended events vary by dancer and level.
CRN North America West Regional Championships
Judah Christian School · 908 N. Prospect Ave. · Champaign, Illinois
CRN Nationals
Location and registration details will be shared with participating dancers.
Birdy Feis
Open-platform competition · Attendance is tentative.
CRN World Open Irish Dancing Championships
Location and registration details will be shared with participating dancers.
Lake Erie Open
World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) competition.
Apple Slice Feis
Event details will be added when they are confirmed.
Dates and attendance plans are subject to change. McGovern families receive final registration guidance directly from their instructors.
Competition is an opportunity—not a requirement.
Some dancers love the challenge of competition. Others find their joy in class, community performances or simply learning something new. Every path is respected, and every dancer receives strong, thoughtful instruction.
Where could Irish dance take you?
Whether your goal is a first class, a first feis or the World Championship stage, the journey begins with strong foundations.