In Motion: Perspectives on Dance in the Northwest
Date: 09-11-2023
Ballina Arts Centre - November 25, 2023
In motion: Perspectives on Dance in the Northwest will take place at Ballina Arts Centre on November 25th, 2023. The event will explore and map the contemporary dance landscape of the Northwest and support the practice of contemporary dance artists and facilitate producers and presenters working in dance in 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. 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 Arts Council, 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 work in development by Oran Leong, as part of his residency at the Arts Centre.
Ann-Marie McGing, acting Arts Officer for Mayo County Council said “Mayo County Council Arts Service are delighted to support and work with Ballina Arts Centre and Ballina 2023 on In Motion. This event will facilitate the building of networks, capacity and connection for dance artists in the region, as well as fostering cooperation between arts organisations, venues and local authorities, which will maximise the resources and facilities available to be offered to dance artists.“
Kristyn Fontanella, the newly appointed Executive Director of Galway Dance commented, “Galway Dance is delighted to continue its relationship with Ballina Arts Centre and the Northwest Dance Residency. This collaboration is a great benefit in offering professional development and networking opportunities for dance artists in the region, while also facilitating collaboration and cooperation between artists, arts organisations, venues and local authorities. We believe this scheme will contribute to the development of dance in the west/northwest.”
The event is free but ticketed and booking is available at https://ballinaartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873653049/events/129510224/seats?zone=Ballina%20Arts%20Centre
Full programme details are available at www.ballinaartscentre.com and www.ballina2023.ie.
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.