What is Open Platform Irish Dancing?

There are many Irish dance organizations that sanction feiseanna and certify instructors and adjudicators. Different organizations have different structures and philosophies, and teachers can choose which organization suits them. This affects dancers in a few ways.

Digital Feis is open platform. Open platform feiseanna are open to everyone regardless of affiliation. Schools belonging to any organization, or none at all, are welcome to compete. These feiseanna may be sanctioned by an organization, or put on by independent schools. Closed platform feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) are only open to dancers whose teachers are current members of that organization. Closed platform dancers may not be able to participate in outside feiseanna. Dancers should discuss their feiseanna rules with their teachers.

Current organizations include:

And these are just organizations focused on modern competitive Irish dancing — there’s so much more to the Irish dancing tradition! Have more questions about open platform Irish dance? Email hello@digitalfeis.co. We’re always glad to hear from you.