Dirty Dancing

A fascinating exposé on the history and crazy controversies MARK TIGHE

From Feis fixing to false allegations, why are the dance halls across this island such a hotbed for rumour and controversy?

Irish dancing may sparkle on the stage – glittering costumes, perfect smiles, flawless footwork – but behind the polished performances lies a world far less picture perfect.

When an explosive whistleblower email lands in the inbox of journalist Ellen Coyne, she is pulled into the high stakes, fiercely protected realm of competitive Irish dance. What she uncovers is a culture simmering with resentment and rivalry: allegations of feis fixing, toxic politics, whispered scandals and rumours that reach the biggest stages in the world.

As Ellen follows the trail, the immaculate world of Irish dancing begins to crack open, revealing a community where ambition can turn corrosive and where the pursuit of victory often comes at an unbearable cost.