The Year That Rocked Irish Dancing

Episode 1

1. In the Beginning

A look behind the scenes of competitive Irish dancing during its most turbulent year to date. In this episode, we begin following talented young dancers from Northern Ireland and America as they train to take the stage at the biggest competition of their year: the 2022 Irish Dancing World Championships. A BBC documentary team follows a range of CLRG dancers in the run- up to the championships, alongside their hard-working teachers, who are under pressure to prepare the performers both mentally and physically. The dedicated young athletes, including first-time competitors at this level as well as defending world champions, train hard and battle through complicated choreography, nerves and wig mishaps. We capture the remarkable athleticism and thousands of hours of practice required to compete at world level, as well as the emotional strength these young dancers display in the face of adversity.