The jig is up. For the first time ever a new documentary will go behind the scenes at the World Irish Dancing Championships.

Jig, as the film is called, followed nine Irish dancers as they travelled to Glasgow last year for the annual international dancing competition.

Every year between three and six thousand dancers of all ages and nationalities face off at the Championships, all competing for their shot at the coveted world title.

Until now though cameras have never been granted access behind the scenes. Jig’s director Sue Bourne told TheJournal.ie that it took her production company a long time to get permission to film from the regulatory body of Irish dancing, An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha.

Bourne and her crew spent two years profiling dancers from all over world, and then following them to the main event at the World Championships in March 2010.

Along the way profiling the dancers and the lead up competitions took them to Holland, Russia, America, Ireland, England, Scotland and elsewhere, and time and again she was struck by the passionate dedication of all those involved.

Bourne told the Journal.ie: "It was revolutionary to see how hard these kids work, and they’re not looking to go on the X-Factor for fame and glory, they’re working to be the best at what they do. I don’t make tacky tabloid films. It’s about family and sacrifices and children and growing up."

"The end of the film isn’t a portrait of winning at every cost, it’s a portrait of a ten year old dealing with defeat with grace. I defy anyone not to be mesmerized."