Dirty Dancing

"Despite being the world's most reluctant Irish dancing correspondent, Ellen Coyne has done a remarkable job delving into the murky world of feis fixing. Dirty Dancing is a fascinating exposé on the history and crazy controversies behind one of Ireland's greatest cultural assets and exports. Irish dancing has become part of Ireland's soft power thanks to the success of Riverdance, but it has been dogged by scandals involving sex, lies and feis fixing. Coyne hits all the right beats in what is a cautionary tale for those who might find themselves becoming an overzealous pushy parent of an Irish dancer." Mark Tighe From the outside, Irish dancing seems like a wholesome world of dazzling costumes, intricate footwork and groomed hair. The sport and art form, made world-famous by the smash hit Riverdance, is an instantly recognisable part of Irish culture. But when we pull back the curtain, we discover that Irish dancing also has a dark side … Following a whistle-blower email, journalist Ellen Coyne found herself plunged into the cut-throat side of competitive Irish dancing. What Ellen discovered, and reveals in extensive and explosive detail, is that the picture-perfect world of Irish dancing has operated for years within a toxic environment of bitter rivalries, allegations of competition fixing accusations and even more serious rumours that swirl around some of the most high-profile dancing competitions in the world. From feis fixing to false allegations, why are the dancehalls across this island such a hotbed for malicious conspiracy? And what next for a world steeped in tradition and global success yet mired in controversy?