Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dance Archive of Ireland at the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick recently announced the establishment of Ireland 's first national dance archive to be based at the Glucksman Library. The Dance Archive of Ireland will be established through seed funding of €40,000 from the Arts Council and came about through initiatives carried out by Dance Research Forum Ireland, a body set up in 2003 by Dr Catherine Foley, Director of the MA Ethnochoreology and MA Irish Traditional Dance Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick. Dance Research Forum Ireland received an award from the Arts Council in 2008 to carry out a feasibility report in connection with the establishment of a national dance archive in Ireland .

Dr Catherine Foley, Chair of Dance Research Forum Ireland said "Following years of effort, the National Dance Archive of Ireland is now becoming a reality; it is a historic moment for all dance in Ireland . Dance Research Forum Ireland owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the Arts Council for the awarding of this seed funding"

The report, written by dance historian, Dr Victoria O'Brien, established the existence of a wealth of dance archival material, which to date has been difficult to access. Since the completion of the feasibility report, Dance Research Forum Ireland together with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick, and the Arts Council have worked together towards the establishment of an accessible dance archive.

Commenting on the announcement, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Professor of Music and Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University said: 'The establishment of the Dance Archive of Ireland at the University of Limerick, is a direct follow on from the inspired and inclusive vision of Dance Research Forum Ireland, across ballet, contemporary, traditional, popular and world dance genres."


www.irishworldacademy.ie

www.danceresearchforumireland.org

Christmas gift ideas & classes

Happy Holidays,

I am in the middle of a big show here in Portland featuring sean-nós and set dancing. It's been a great run and we have 6 shows left. I wanted to let everybody know that I now have Gift Certificates available for classes and private lessons.

Also available is the Dance Sean-nós DVD for $35. The 12 step sean-nós dance program. Learn steps in the comfort of your own home.

Bellow is the information for next terms classes. I hope to see some of you in the new year. Folks can register for Portland classes or buy the DVD on my website at www.maldonmeehan.com/products.html

-Maldon

WEEKLY CLASSES IN 2010


PORTLAND
Mondays 7pm Sean-nós Dance Class
Performance Works Northwest, 4625 SE 67th Ave, Portland
Jan. 11 - March 29 ($80 for 12 weeks)

Mondays 8pm Percussive Choreography
Performance Works Northwest, 4625 SE 67th Ave, Portland
Jan. 11 - March 29 ($80 for 12 weeks)

SALEM
Tuesdays 5:30pm Sean-nós Dance
VFW Hall, 630 Hood Street, Salem, OR
Year round (no class Dec. 29) $5-8

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm Irish Céilí and Set Dance
VFW Hall, 630 Hood Street, Salem, OR
Year round (no class Dec. 29) $5-8