Earlier this year, Dance Limerick, in partnership with the Irish World Academy, announced an open call for Irish-based artists who wished to cultivate a relationship with Limerick’s cultural scene and spaces through dance. The opportunity generated rich responses from the dance community, highlighting an interest to expand dance conversations collectively and engage with communities in meaningful ways. After a careful selection process, the panel offered the role to Alex Vostokova, who will be returning to Limerick after her participation in the 14th edition of the Step Up programme in the summer.
ALEX VOSTOKOVA is a dance artist, emerging choreographer and director working across live performance, improvisation and film as well as teaching and facilitating in Ireland. Alex is driven by sociological concepts as well as surrealism, bridging the gap between emotive embodied practice and an interest in multidisciplinary collaboration.
Alex performed her first solo work ‘3 Sides to Shuji and why he’s all alone again’ in 2021 at Irish Youth Dance Festival and screened her film ‘Tasting an Organised Dream’ at Dancer from the Dance Festival and Light Moves Festival in 2023. Alex is also interested in community engagement, leading workshops with Dance Theatre of Ireland, Dublin Youth Dance Company, Finglas County Council and especially following her time in Limerick during Step Up 2024. Alex performed in ‘Within This Party’ by Stereo 48 Dance Company in France and Belgium in 2023 and in ‘Palimpsest’ with CoisCéim Dance Theatre early this year. She has worked with companies such as Liz Roche, John Scott, Catherine Young, Junk Ensemble, Simone O’Toole and Pan Pan Theatre.
As Associate Artist at Dance Limerick, Alex will work in collaboration with fellow dance artist Grace Cuny, musician Jason McNamara, cellist Kate Ellis and mentor Matt Szczerek on different aspects and stages of her residency.
Over the next year, Alex will develop ‘Logic of Wrong and Rehearsed Carelessness’, a dance work-in-progress rich in vocal and physical expression, that challenges audiences to consider the elasticity required to hold and honor the complexity of the human experience.
A host of activities and sharing opportunities tied to the research project will allow local artists and community to understand and actively engage with Alex’s practice throughout the year. More information on participation opportunities to come.
