Theatre and Dance NI recently presented a special week of professional development and community engagement with international choreographers from the island of Ireland, Michael Keegan-Dolan and Oona Doherty.
For the first time, Michael Keegan-Dolan and Oona Doherty, two of the most influential dance artists in contemporary dance, led a five-day intensive for professional artists at The MAC in Belfast. Presented by Theatre and Dance NI in partnership with the MAC, this landmark annual programme marks a major moment for the dance sector and highlights the growing recognition of Northern Ireland as a site for world-class artistic development. Theatre and Dance NI are principally funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and the Dance Intensive is supported by the D’Oyly Carte Foundation.
The Dance Intensive brought together a cohort of local artists with others from across Ireland, the UK and Europe, for a week of in-depth exploration into the creative practices of both Keegan-Dolan and Doherty. Designed for experienced dancers, actors and musicians, the intensive offered a rare chance to learn directly from two artists whose work continues to shape the international dance landscape.
In addition to the intensive, Theatre and Dance NI in collaboration with An Droichead also hosted an evening of conversation with the public to hear and engage directly with Michael and Oona in conversation with Lynette Fay. This special event offered insights into their creative processes, influences, and shared perspectives on the role of dance in society.
Niamh Flanagan, Executive Director of Theatre and Dance NI, commented,
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Michael Keegan-Dolan and Oona Doherty to deliver our annual Dance Intensive in partnership with the MAC. A homecoming of sorts, these are two of the most celebrated and influential voices in contemporary dance today. This intensive brings these artists, both deeply rooted in this island, to Belfast – where they are connecting directly with local and visiting practitioners and community.
Michael and Oona’s world-class practice and work continues to inspire, challenge, and motivate, and providing access to such exchange and high-quality training is vital. Opportunities like this enrich us and our creative sector, and place Belfast firmly on the map as a key destination for bold cultural exchange. In the current climate, it’s more important than ever that we champion bold, ambitious work and create meaningful platforms for artists to learn, grow and thrive.”
Caoileann Curry Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Literature and Dance, added
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is committed to supporting opportunities for artists to develop their professional artistic careers. This important initiative from Theatre and Dance NI has enabled professional dancers, musicians and actors from here and abroad, to spend five days learning from two of the finest contemporary dancers and choreographers from the island of Ireland. The immense value of experiences such as these cannot be overstated, and the Arts Council is proud to support both Theatre and Dance NI and The MAC in this key sectoral development project. Congratulations to all involved!”