Dance Limerick – Step Up 2025 participants announced

Dance Limerick have announced the five participants who will take part in the 15th edition of Step Up Dance Project

This year’s edition is curated by Fearghus Ó Conchúir with Dance Limerick Director Mary Wycherley. The five dancers will get the chance to participate in a Performance in Context project with choreographer Philip Connaughton to develop a new work to be premiered at Dance Limerick in early August.

Delivered under the guidance of Rehearsal Director, Lucia Kickham, the programme is focused on developing artists as performers while recognising the creativity necessary in the performer’s work.

This year’s extended 8-week programme allows participants to benefit from a two-week placement on Luail’s Moving in Collaboration International Intensive at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. For the two weeks that the dancers will be at UL, they will have the chance to delve deeper into the company’s approaches to composition and choreography. This opportunity is possible thanks to a new partnership with Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company.

Alice Gavigan

Alice began training in ZoNa Dance Company, Co. Donegal. She attended pre-vocational training through Ballet Boost and Royal Academy of Dance Winter Associates. Alice has also trained in SEAD (AUT), and graduated from the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick with First Class Honours in Contemporary Dance. In her career thus far, she has worked with Dance Limerick, The National Gallery (UK) and The Playhouse (NI), Dr Phoebe Brown, Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre, and Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company. Alice was fortunate to be selected for Dance Ireland’s ‘Your Next Move Award’ 2024, and receive the ‘Dance Explorers Scholarship’ from Irish Modern Dance Theatre 2023.

Sophie Gray

Sophie Gray, born in Ireland, has been immersed in the world of dance from a young age. She trained in classical ballet, joining the Irish National Youth Ballet in 2017. She later studied ballet, contemporary and jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and graduated with a BA in Modern ballet in 2024. Throughout her time at RCS, she valued learning from a variety of experienced choreographers and teachers while embracing the challenges of learning different dance styles. Following her studies, Sophie joined Budapest Dance Theatre as an apprentice for the 2024/2025 season, providing her with an opportunity to hone her skills as a contemporary dancer. Sophie is looking forward to Step Up 2025 and is eager to reconnect with the vibrant dance community in Ireland.

Ciara Hannon

Ciara began dancing at Mayo School of Ballet in Castlebar. Before beginning her degree in the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, Ciara was involved in many youth companies including Youth Ballet West, Dublin Youth Dance Company and Ballet Áthas Dance Company. During her time in Scotland,

she was part of the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and performed in Edinburgh Fringe and in Estonia. Ciara is a dance teacher as well as a performer and is interested in exploring how dance can be integrated within communities in Ireland.

Luke Maziarek

With over four years of professional experience in live performances and dance, Luke specialises in commercial, jazz funk, contemporary fusion, and hip-hop, captivating audiences through dynamic stage presence and exceptional artistry. Luke has performed at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the Europa League 2024. Luke is also a proud member of Savage X, a well-established and popular dance crew featured on S NATION Official’s YouTube channel. In addition to performing, Luke dedicates his time as dance instructor at Dance Yourself Fit, where he brings energy, expertise, and a passion for movement to students of all levels.

Catriona O’Connor

Catriona is a queer Scottish dance artist based in Glasgow. They graduated with a first class BaHons from Trinity Laban Conservatoire in 2022 and has since emerged into the Scottish dance scene. She choreographed work for Resolution Festival (The Place, London 2023) and was a participant of the DEBS Programme at Dance Base where she received mentoring from Solene Weinachter. They have worked with choreographers such as Theo Clinkard, Joel Brown (Candoco) and are currently collaborating with choreographer Jack Webb. Her practice focuses on themes of identity, queerness and memory and enjoys making work that is bold, daring and intimate.

Step Up Dance Project is a partnership between the Arts Council, Dance Limerick, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick and Dance Ireland. The Step Up Placement Programme is in partnership with Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company.

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