The 2023 Leitrim Dance Project will feature the usual blend of dance performances, workshops, masterclasses, music recitals, and talks.
Leitrim Dance Festival
EASTER SUNDAY 9TH
FREE EVENT 4pm: The Cake Dance – Padraig McGovern
Mount Allen Eco Farm Lough Allen, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim N41 D288
In this tradition an outdoor cake dance was usually held in the afternoon of days of celebration in rural communities. A large, specially baked cake was decorated with flowers was elevated place of honour. All ages danced, young and old of all styles. The people judge who was the best male and female dancer that day. The two winners would then divide the cake among the crowd. There are written accounts of cake dances being held in Drumsna and Cloone in the early 1800s.
FREE EVENT 9pm – Cryan’s Teach Ceoil Dance Session with Joey Abarta, Jackie O’ Riley, Séan Ward & friends
EASTER MONDAY 10TH
10 - 11am: Step Share at The Dock Arts Centre
An hour of free space for dancers to share steps, thoughts and create together.
11 - 2pm: 21st Century Dance Masters Workshop with dancer and musician in residency, Jackie O’ Riley & Joey Abarta at The Dock.
These 21st Century Dance Master workshops will have the 8 artists teach their new choreography and music. And will lead participants through their own creative process and how to go about developing new work.
3 - 5pm: Understanding Music as a Dancer with lilter Eoghan O Ceannabháin at The Dock
One of the best aids for a dancer is to be able to lilt the tune they want to dance to, empowering them to know the tune inside out which then ensures they dance the tune rather than the beat. Festival, musician in residency, Eoghan Ó Ceannhabháin gave an insight into tunes through lilting. One of the most requested workshops to return to this year’s festival!
9pm: Cryan’s Teach Ceoil Dance Session with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Paddy Cummins, Zoe Basha & Ultan O Brien.
FREE EVENT
TUESDAY 11TH
10 - 11am: Step Share at The Dock Arts Centre
An hour of free space for dancers to share steps, thoughts and create together.
11 - 1.30pm: 21st Century Dance Masters Workshop with Stephanie Keane & Aindrias De Staic at The Dock
This 21st Century Dance Masters workshop features percussive dancer Stephanie Keane and musician Aindrias De Staic teaching their newly commissioned choreography and music.
2.30 - 5pm: Sean Nós Dance workshop with 2022 Oireachtas champion Jack Lynch at The Dock
5 – 6pm: Talk at The Dock with Úna Monaghan - Sound Technology for Dancers
Una Monaghan presents a talk for dancers on working with microphones and sound technicians in dance performance.
FREE EVENT
9pm: Cryan’s Teach Ceoil Dance Session with Stephen Doherty, David Doocey, Patrick Doocey & Dom Keogh
WEDNESDAY 12TH
10 - 11am: Step Share at The Dock Arts Centre
An hour of free space for dancers to share steps, thoughts and create together.
11 - 1.30pm: 21st Century Dance Masters Workshop with Jackie O Riley & Joey Abarta at The Dock
FREE EVENT 2 - 4pm: Meitheal at the Market - Community Céilí
.This event is for the wider public to participate in. All are invited to join in, all age, nationalities, locals and visitors.
3 - 6pm: Workshop at The Dock with Úna Monaghan - creating and choreographing with sound technology A practical introduction to sound engineering for dancers, including monitoring considerations and reproducing the sound of dance.
4 – 6pm: Dancing the Tune - Sean Nós Dance workshop with Áirc Damhsa
All Ireland Champion Sean Nós Dancers from Áirc Damhsa Ryan Owens, Karen Tansey & Lillie Crossley share their skills in creating rhythms, movements, and personal characteristics to some of their favourite tunes for stepping it out to.
FREE EVENT 9pm: Cryan’s Teach Ceoil Dance Session with Cathy Jordan, Martin Brundsen, Dave Munnelly, Rick Epping & Seamie O Dowd.
THURSDAY 13TH
10 - 11am: Step Share at The Dock Arts Centre
An hour of free space for dancers to share steps, thoughts and create together.
FREE EVENT 10 – 12pm: Meitheal at the Market with Jackie O Riley, Joey Abarta, Jack Lynch, Ryan Owens, Becky Ní Ealaithe & Áirc Damhsa.
Live performances at the Organic Farmers’ Market by visiting and local artists at Leitrim Dance Festival
11 - 1pm: “Engaging children in traditional dance and cultural activities.” An interactive workshop and discussion for adults working with youths, with artistic director of Áirc Damhsa Culture Club, Edwina Guckian.
2 – 4.30pm: 21st Century Dance Masters Workshop with Jonathan Kelliher & Siobhan O Donnell at The Dock7.30pm - Dance Dialects Concert – The Dock Arts Centre
Featuring new work by Becky Ní Éallaithe & Cathal Ó Curráin, Jackie O Riley & Joey Abarta, Áirc Damhsa, a sharing platform for new work by local and visiting dance artists and the 21st Century Dance Masters:
Siobhán Butler & Steve Cooney
Jonathan McCloy & Conal Ó Gráda
Edwina Guckian & Cathy Jordan
Sibéal Davitt & Liam O Connor
FREE EVENT 9pm - Cryan’s Teach Ceoil Dance Session with Cathal Ó Curráin, Dave Munnelly, Brian Duke & John Carty
FRIDAY 14TH
10 - 11am: Step Share at The Dock Arts Centre
An hour of free space for dancers to share steps, thoughts and create together.
