What the “Cost of Irish Dance” Debate Misses About Open-Platform Systems

When Image Was Never the Point: Why Open-Platform Irish Dance Keeps Dance First

As conversations continue online about the rising cost of Irish dance and whether image has overtaken dance, there’s an important perspective that deserves to be heard — especially from the world of open-platform Irish dance organizations.

The high-cost, image-driven version of Irish dance that some are criticizing has never been the foundation of open-platform systems. In fact, those systems were created to preserve accessibility, creativity, and a focus on training — not to elevate image into the status symbol of success.

What “Open Platform” Really Means

In Irish dance, a platform refers to how open or restricted access is to competitions and participation. Open-platform systems allow dancers to compete and perform regardless of the school or organizational affiliation they’re part of — meaning dancers, teachers, and families have the freedom to participate across events, not limited by a single governing body.

This structure has always prioritized dance over cost and appearance. In open-platform competitions, simple dresses, natural hair, or personal choices in presentation have never disqualified a dancer — and have never been the baseline for being “serious.” Instead, the emphasis remains on technique, rhythm, musicality, posture, and artistry.

CRN: A Longstanding Open-Platform Leader

At the heart of the open-platform movement in Irish dance — especially here in North America — sits Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN). CRN was one of the earliest and most established open-platform organizations, and its philosophy reflects what many families think of when they imagine Irish dance done right: opportunity for all, training that comes before trend, and a focus on fostering dancers rather than outfitting dancers.

CRN events welcome dancers regardless of school membership and emphasize development and community over rigid, costly expectations.

Other Open-Platform Organizations That Uphold Dance First

Beyond CRN, the Irish dance community includes several open-platform organizations that share similar values around access, flexibility, and tradition without excess:

• Open Platform Irish Dancing Federation (OPIDF) – Promotes inclusivity by allowing dancers of any background or affiliation to compete and participate freely.

• Cumann Rince Gaelach (CRG) – An Irish-based open platform organization with dancers and schools that welcome broad participation.

• Celtic Association of Irish Dance (CAID) – Based in England with membership in the U.S., focused on open participation.

• Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa (CRDM) – Values respectful, fair competition and openness to dancers of all affiliations.

• World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) – International open platform organization with competitions that welcome dancers worldwide.

• Rince Tuatha Nua (RTN) – U.S.-focused open platform org with a flexible, inclusive competitive atmosphere.

What these organizations have in common is a willingness to let dancers compete, perform, and grow without dictating elaborate appearance standards or forcing families into high costs just to belong.

Why This Distinction Matters

Open-platform systems were not created to reject progress or eliminate creativity. They were created because many teachers, dancers, and parents wanted an Irish dancing world that:

• Welcomes dancers of all ages, sizes, and experience levels

• Keeps costs transparent and accessible

• Values musical and physical skill over embellishment

• Encourages dancers to participate because they love the dance, not because they feel they must “keep up” with trends

This focus keeps Irish dance vibrant, diverse, and sustainable. It makes room for dancers who might otherwise feel excluded — including adult beginners, community performers, and families for whom budget matters.

A Clarification Worth Making

So when you see posts asserting that Irish dance culture has overall become too expensive or too image-focused, it’s fair to ask:

Are they talking about open-platform systems … or something else?

Because in the open-platform world — led by organizations like CRN and supported by others around the globe — dance has always been the point first. The rest is optional.

And keeping that priority clear isn’t just tradition — it’s how Irish dance continues to thrive. 💚