Belfast Trad Fest have two upcoming dance workshops, see below for details and link to tickets.
Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th February 2024 | 10:30am â 1:00pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED
Mary Fox is an esteemed authority on set dancing, and particularly the set dances of Ulster. Having founded the âBelfast & District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Societyâ now âBelfast Tradâ in 1990, she has since gone on to teach thousands of dancers and musicians with her brilliant All Set Project. Mary is now at the helm of Fast Trad, a traditional arts programme based in Mid Ulster. This community organisation is attracting all age groups from 6yrs to pensioners on a cross-community basis and continues Maryâs pioneering and important cross-cultural work for the traditional arts in the north of Ireland.
Mary will guide beginners and anyone with experience through the journey of âsteps for the setsâ. Instruction on figures from various sets will focus on the basic and more intricate footwork applicable. She will also teach the Caledonian Set associated with Ulster and Scotland. The workshops will feature live music from Lee Lawson on Smallpipes which will be most fitting for the dances.
No need for a partner, just flat soled shoes (you may prefer hard soled).
SEAN NĂS DANCING â SEOSAMH Ă NEACHTAIN
Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th February 2024 | 10:30am â 1:00pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED
A graduate of NUI Galway, Seosamh Ă Neachtain has contributed to rejuvenating the Gaeltacht tradition of sean-nĂłs dancing and is a founding member of the traditional dance show Barr go SĂĄil/Heel to Toe which has entertained audiences at various festivals such as Tonder Festival, Celtic Connections and the International Dance Festival of Ireland. Seosamh has performed worldwide with some of the finest exponents of traditional music, including Altan, De Dannan, MĂĄirtĂn OâConnor, Harry Bradley, Jesse Smith, Johnny Connolly, and RĂłisĂn Elsafty.
âHe almost hovers, and you almost wonder if he might be able to dance across water âŚâ – The Irish Times
All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age, with the exception of Traditional Singing, Set Dancing, Sean NĂłs Dancing & Whistle & Sing, which are pitched at beginner level while also facilitating the more experienced.