Open Call for Percussive Dancers

For many dancers, the idea of becoming a professional dancer can feel out of reach, as if it requires being full-time, touring constantly, or fitting a particular mould. But in traditional arts, a professional dancer is someone who takes their work seriously, collaborates, performs, creates, and contributes to the culture. You can be a student, have another career, be retired, or dance part-time and still be a professional artist. What matters is the intention, skill and commitment to develop.

Eight dancers will be selected through an open call and each paired with a traditional musician to collaborate and create new work. The 8 musician are: Ultan Ó Brien, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Méabh Begley, Sharon Howley, Stephen Doherty, Dave Munnelly, Piaras Ó Lorcáin, and Seamas Hyland.

Over three intensive days, each pair will collaborate to develop an original piece, supported by mentors Edwina Guckian, Stephanie Keane, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Becky Ní Éallaithe, who will guide dancers in improvisation, creative development, musical connection, and performance practice.

These new works will premiere at Dance Dialects, a live event at The Dock Arts Centre on 10 April 2026 at Leitrim Dance Festival, featuring performances and short conversations with the dancers and musicians.

We are seeking dancers who:

• Have strong technical ability and experience in percussive traditional dance.

• Are committed to developing as professional dance artists.

• Are excited to collaborate, create, and explore new ways of working.

• Participants must be aged 16+ years.

• Selected dancers and musicians must be available for the full duration of the residency (dates to be decide with collaborating musician and dancer at a location of choice).

• All participants must be available for the Dance Dialect performance at The Dock on 10 April 2026.

• Participants are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs for the duration of the three-day residency.

• Accommodation is provided for all 8 dancers on Friday 10 & Saturday 11 April 2026 at Leitrim Dance Festival.

• A Festival Pass will be provided to each dancer for Leitrim Dance Festival 2026. 

• A supportive, safe, and creative environment is central to this project.

Applications are open until 8 January 2026. Successful applicants will be contacted by 18 January. The Dance Dialects Residency is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland. Apply here: www.leitrimdanceproject.com/application-dance-dialects.