A diverse range of dance programming for Autumn/Winter 2013 was unveiled last night as part of the launch of Dance Limerick, a new support and development organisation for professional dance artists in Limerick City.
Funded by the Arts Council and Limerick City Council, Dance Limerick has taken up residency in the dance space at the former St John’s Church, which had previously been occupied by Daghdha Dance Company. Since the closure of the company, the Mid West Region has been without a large-scale professional dance resource.
The Dance Limerick programme includes classes for professional dancers, children and over 50s. Highlights in the performance programme are a triple bill that includes the Liz Roche Company and a performance of Missing by CoisCéim Dance Theatre.
In a clear move to entice dance artists back to Limerick City, Dance Limerick has also announced an open call for artists interested in residencies, which include funding and rehearsal space.
Encouraging dance artists to engage with Dance Limerick, Director Jenny Traynor said: “The Dance Limerick door is wide open. We invite dance artists to get in touch with proposals and ideas”.
Speaking at the launch, the Arts Council’s Arts Director John O’Kane spoke of Limerick’s legacy in dance and referred to “the special connection the Daghdha Space building has with dance audiences in Limerick”.
Performing at the launch were dancers Laura Murphy, Katherine O’Malley, Lisa McLoughlin, Nora Rodriguez and Dagmara Jerzak in a specially created commission by choreographer Mary Nunan.
With Limerick City of Culture 2014 rapidly approaching Dance Limerick is positioned as a key player in Limerick’s arts and cultural scene.
