Step Up Dance Project 2020 continues to bridge the gap between dance education and professional contemporary dance practice. Step Up is curated by Irish born, Marguerite Donlon, International choreographer.

Step Up aims to enhance young dancers’ professional networks, by connecting them to the Irish and international contemporary dance community, thereby improving professional opportunities for young dancers in Ireland and abroad. The eight-week programme is open to dancers who have completed their professional training within the last three years and participants will be selected via audition.

This year’s eight-week programme combines:

Creation of new works with leading choreographers Oona Doherty, Lucyna Zwolinska
Working on specific technical skills from a renowned improvisation teacher
Learning repertoire from a former dancer with renowned international companies
Personal and professional coaching
Performances in Limerick, Galway, Cork and Longford

Read more about the facilitators & trainers here.

Timeframe / Key Dates

The full training / rehearsal / performance period runs from Monday 6 July – Saturday 29 August*, using state of the art studios and facilities at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick initially, and then at Dance Limerick, before performing in Limerick, Galway, Longford, Cork and Dublin.

* Dates might change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. More information via Dance Limerick.

Terms & Conditions

Rehearsals will take place 10.00 – 6.00 pm Monday to Saturday for the duration of the rehearsal period. Some additional hours in the evening or on Sunday will be required, at the discretion of the choreographers.

A full scholarship on the programme includes:

Accommodation on campus at UL, and subsequently in artist-friendly houses in the city for the second period of rehearsals.
Tour accommodation and tour travel as required, will be arranged and paid for by Step Up.
A weekly stipend will be paid toward day to day living costs

Participants must be available on an exclusive basis for the full programme. Travel costs are not covered.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted from exceptional young dancers (internationally!) who will graduate prior to Summer 2020 or who have graduated from professional level dance training within the past three years.

Please send your CV and a personal statement describing why you would like to be involved in Step Up and confirming your availability for the full programme. Applicants should send web links of recent live dance footage, on stage or in studio to include: An excerpt of a dance solo & An excerpt of improv.

Deadline: Applications should be submitted via email by 5pm Friday 17 April to stepupdanceproject@gmail.com with Step Up Application in the subject line.

dancelimerick.ie

stepupdanceproject.ie

Picture: Step Up Dance Project 2019, Photo by Don Moloney