Dance Limerick presents “Inkblots”, an evening of contemporary dance and the spoken word, featuring Limerick Youth Dance and Stanzas, Limerick’s young poets, on Saturday 5 December at 7.30pm. This exploration of the poetic body and the dancing mind is the result of ten weeks collaboration between these two exciting groups of young artists. There will also be poetry readings by Stanzonians (members of Stanzas) and music with singer-songwriter Adam Haugh.
Admission €5.00 on the door.
All welcome.
Leading the evening is the performance of Inkblots, a new work, by Limerick Youth Dance and Stanzas. This collaboration seeks to marry the aesthetic of contemporary dance with the rhythmic qualities of language. Angie Smalis, leader of Limerick Youth Dance, explains “The collaboration came about from the need to evoke meaning. The young dancers and poets have been in each other’s presence for 10 weeks and have shared many ideas, thoughts, interpretations, trials and errors, allowing the physical space and the sound of language to re-create and complement each other. Original music composed by Paddy Mulcahy, which will be performed live on the night, is adding another beautiful layer to the piece”.
Shane Vaughan of Stanzas added “Inkblots is an exploration of movement and language; the interchangeability of dance and poetry; a contemporary, mixed-media thrill. Stanzas is always seeking to explore new territory and give voice to the experimental, and this collaboration does exactly that”.
Inkblots will be followed by a Closed Mic section, featuring spoken word performances by nine Stanzonians: Paul McNamara, Linda Louise Galvin, Courtney McKeon, Mike McGrath, Aisling O’Connor, Fiona Grimes, Mel White, Stefan Barry and Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin.
Rounding off the evening will be Limerick singer-songwriter Adam Haugh. Adam is one half of The Jackpot Sundays, but will be performing solo on this occasion. The Jackpot Sundays – Adam Haugh and Jared Nadin – are a growing feature on the Limerick scene, as anyone who has seen them live can attest.
Jenny Traynor, Director of Dance Limerick, is very excited at the prospect of the project coming to fruition: “Dance Limerick is always looking for ways to involve more people in dance and to encourage creative collaborations with dance and other disciplines. We have a wealth of talent among our young artists in Limerick and this has been a great opportunity to bring two key youth arts groups together. We’re very proud of what our Limerick Youth Dance members have achieved this term and this partnership with Stanzas has expanded their creative experience and brought them on an exciting and really interesting journey. We’re really looking forward to the 5th of December.”
Additional Info:
Limerick Youth Dance (LYD) is an ensemble for young people who have a passion for dance. LYD gives young people aged 15-25 the opportunity to develop as a dancer, to create new dance pieces and to perform on stage and screen. LYD meets for two hours every Wednesday evening at Dance Limerick Studio.
Stanzas is an event for emerging writers to express themselves and develop their craft. Stanzas members meet once a month in Hook and Ladder, Sarsfield Street. The next regular Stanzas event is scheduled for 22 January 2016 and is themed “The Hangover”.
Production Credits for Inkblots:
Performed by Limerick Youth Dance members.
Choreography: Angie Smalis and Limerick Youth Dance.
Original Poetry: Shane Vaughan, Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, Caleb Brennan.
Music: Paddy Mulcahy
Lighting: Gearoid O hAllmhurain
Costume: Angie Smalis
Projections: Shane Vaughan
Original Photography: Lucy Dawson
(Photo of Limerick Youth Dance by Lucy Dawson)
