UNIVERSITY of Limerick was the site of a landmark event as it played host to the launch of Ireland’s first national, all-island dance company.
Luail – Ireland’s National and All-Island Dance Company launched to much colour and celebration at a special event held at the university’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance last week, an outdoor dance performance was a highlight of the festivities.
Funded by The Arts Council with the Irish World Academy, Luail was established to create new pathways and possibilities for dance artists in Ireland.
The company was formed by a team led by Liz Roche Company, with foundational strategic partners Maiden Voyage Dance and the Irish World Academy.
The launch of Luail was one strand of a two-day symposium titled ‘An Droichead Beo/The Living Bridge: Celebrating 30 years of the Irish World Academy’.
The Academy’s milestone anniversary celebrations kicked off in February with a spectacular range of performances across the UL campus.
The launch signalled future collaborations, and featured two newly commissioned works, including an outdoor performance of ‘Bridging‘ by acclaimed Palestinian artist Amir Sabra, and ‘Partita‘, by Liz Roche, created especially for the event in collaboration with members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
Professor Helen Phelan, director of the Irish World Academy, said that the launch of Luail marked an “historic moment for dance in Ireland”.
“The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance is honoured to be a partner in this new, all-island company, bringing the University of Limerick into the epicentre of dance developments in Ireland and beyond.”
Luail artistic director Liz Roche spoke of the importance of the partnership, especially that between “Luail and the Irish World Academy”, describing it as “an integral part of our mission to establish new possibilities and pathways for artists on this island”.
