DANCE Limerick is one venue that is far from ghost-central this summer, operating as a busy resource and studio to young and established contemporary artists.
Six or so emerging professionals are clustered at the John’s Square church for ‘Step Up’, devising performances whilst being mentored in their career by top choreographers such as John Scott who has regular business here.
Also, “joining us over the summer for research, reflection and creation” and giving classes are the Percolate artists in residence. Deirdre Griffin’s unit was in June; Stephanie Scheubeck will be in August and Kate Hilder’s later again.
And another dancer / choreographer Rachel Sheil is leading the Summer Youth Dance Projects, a structured week for children aged five to 13 that culminates in performance.
Jig back to Step Up, augmented this year from a project to Programme proper. “The change in title reflects that Step Up is a pretty substantial course,” explains communications manager Emer Casey, “for new graduate and emerging dancers.”
Successful candidates are chosen competitively. They are an international bunch on the foothold of a career in performance or teaching or choreography and more often, all three.
“Every year they work with a new choreographer and this year we have Catherine Young who was dance artist in residence in Kerry for a few years.”
This element to the August course will be the creation of new, individual works by each artist, working apart and together.
“They will also be working with John Scott, taking some repertory works that he created and replicating them.”
And while the dancers are from various colleges and countries, “this all takes place in Limerick. Assisting John with that part of the programme will be Daniel Squire, who is English.”
When the hard work is over, we the public are invited to Step Up’s triple bill in Dance Limerick, John’s Square on Wednesday September 5.
On then to platform this collaborative trilogy in Galway, Cork’s Firkin Crane and Dance House in Dublin. Browse for events and opportunities www.dancelimerick.ie
