In motion: Perspectives on Dance in the Northwest – Saturday, November 25

In motion: Perspectives on Dance in the Northwest is taking place this Saturday, November 25th at Ballina Arts Centre.  The event will explore and map the contemporary dance landscape of the Northwest and support the practice of contemporary dance artists whilst facilitating producers and presenters working in dance across the region.

The day will begin with a technique based Masterclass at 9.30pm in the BAC Dance Studio led by Roscommon based dancer, choreographer and teacher Mintesinot Wolde ( https://www.mintedancestudio.com) who will be joined with live percussion by renowned musician Eamonn Cagney (www.eamonncagney.com).   Booking available at (096) 73593.

Following this will be a panel discussion entitled The Contemporary dance landscape in the West/ North-West: Mapping the terrain and navigating a path forward facilitated by Mary Wycherley and featuring Dance Artists in Residence Catherine Donnelly and Oran Leong, together with dancers Marketa Formanova, Kristyn Fontanella, Kate Wilson, Isolde Ó’Brolcháin-Carmody and Diarmuid Mayock Armstrong.

After lunch, a process driven workshop, From Studio to Stage & Screen, identifying the needs of the dancer in creating and presenting work and the resources available to support that process, will be led by Dance Ireland Director Sheila Creevey with support from the Galway Dance, Dance Limerick and Mayo County Council Arts Service.

A new work by Catherine Donnelly will be screened in the Main Auditorium at lunchtime and the event will close with a presentation from Kate Wilson, Director of Undercurrent, a company that explores issues of mobility and inclusivity in the arts, creating innovative performances for gallery and theatre with movement practitioners from diverse backgrounds.  This will be followed by a showing of a new aerial dance work in development by Oran Leong, as part of his residency at the Ballina Arts Centre.

Galway Dance will offer bursaries of €150 to 5 dance artists attending the event to help cover travel and accommodation costs.  Applications to contact@galwaydance.ie by November 20, 2023.

The event is a collaboration between Mayo County Council Arts Service, Ballina Arts Centre and Ballina 2023.  It is funded by the Arts Council and supported by Dance Ireland, Galway Dance and Dance Limerick.