Events On This Month

International Dance Festival 21st of April - 7th of May

International Dance Festival Ireland returns to Dublin this spring, showcasing the best in contemporary dance from abstract contemporary to ballet; from tap to sean nós; from hip-hop to pure dance. This, the third Festival hopes to build on the phenomenal success of the Festival to date by platforming a diverse range of excellent international work that is both stimulating and inspiring. The International Dance Festival was also delighted to announce Arts Council funding to become an annual rather than biennial event from 2008. A testament to the success of the previous Festivals.

The Festival offers a plethora of dance events to appeal to both the novice and the seasoned dance audiences. Artists from across the world include Chinese born New York resident Shen Wei and his dance company with shows blending the two traditions to form a feast for the senses; French company Montalvo-Hervieu and their stunning mix of video projections and uplifting dance; Britain’s comedic ‘punk shaman’ Nigel Charnock and a Festival commissioned collaboration between Ireland’s Seosamh Ó Neachtain and Tamango from USA/French Guiana that will see the artists produce a work after a week long residency.

For enthusiasts and aficionados there are numerous performances: Les Ballets C. de la B.’s vsprs, the new collaboration between Belgium’s Alain Platel and Fabrizio Cassol; Charles Linehan’s two abstract and pure pieces; American John Jasperse’s European premiere of Prone, a co-commission by the Festival; France’s Jérôme Bel who is returning to the Festival after his controversial appearance in 2002 and will be presenting theatrical and choreographic meeting with the innovative Thai classical dance artist Pichet Klunchun; Germany’s Raimund Hogue’s radical reworking of Swan Lake and Irish Modern Dance Theatre’s innovative, site specific work Close Ups.

As well as bringing contemporary dance performance to Dublin, International Dance Festival Ireland is also offering new opportunities for both Irish audiences and dance artists to engage with the art form in a variety of ways. These include dance on film with RTÉ Dance on the Box; dance for children with T.P.O.’s Children’s Cheering Carpet in collaboration with The Ark; site specific performances with Willi Dorner’s Dance Karaoke; a photography exhibition of dancers’ feet; public lectures with Jérôme Bel and eminent dance critic Deborah Jowitt; workshops with artists involved in the programme; feedback sessions with renowned dancers such as Jean Butler; master classes and a focus on critical writing in association with Critical Voices 3.

The Festival is committed to the development of contemporary dance, assisting with research, including a three-year residency with Jenny Roche, artistic exchange and collaboration. IDFI has taken a further important step towards commissioning new work this year with two new commissions, one Irish and one international.