Ellen Coyne: Dirty Dancing [2026]

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?