Dance Ireland is a multi-faceted resource organisation dedicated to developing programmes and supports which respond to the needs of the professional dance artist, while simultaneously increasing the general public's involvement in dance at all levels. Dance Ireland’s programme has three distinct areas of activity. Firstly, our professional development programme continues to develop our on-going commitment to creative dance practice nationally. Secondly, our community outreach programme aims to engage and collaborate with communities and organisations at local, regional and national levels in making participation in dance easier and more accessible. And thirdly, DanceHouse rentals and evening classes continue to grow in popularity, making our new home a focus for dance and movement-related activities in the capital.
Dance Ireland is a member-led organisation, with a full-time executive of six and a nine member board of directors. All activities run by Dance Ireland are open to members and non-members and are charged at extremely reasonable rates, for further information on all our programmes see What we do.
Dance Ireland is the trading name of the Association of Professional Dancers in Ireland Ltd (APDI). Established in 1989, we have evolved into a strategic umbrella resource organisation for professional dance practice.
We promote, develop and celebrate the diversity of dance practices in Ireland. We support and resource the formation, practice and development of dance artists by working to strengthen the viability of an arts career for all professional dance artists. We heighten the profile of dance and choreography through ongoing advocacy programmes. We encourage and expand the potential for dance among the wider dance and arts sector at local, regional and national levels.
With the opening of DanceHouse, we are entering a new and exciting phase in our development. DanceHouse provides a working home for Dance Ireland activities and through it we aim to develop a sustainable resource for professional dance practice and the wider dance community. Our ambition is to promote excellence, increase access and heighten the profile of dance by providing an ongoing and wide-ranging programme of opportunities for all dance artists.
Dance Ireland is funded by the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and membership fees.
We provide:
- Professional daily classes in contemporary, classical and complementary dance practices;
- International guest residencies, master classes and workshops from internationally renowned artists for professional and advanced student dance artists both locally and regionally;
- Annual mentored Irish Choreographer New Works Platform (ICNWP)
- Cross Arts Series
- Training seminars, including Dance Producer Seminar
- Artists' Resource Room;
- Resource Library of journals, publications, DVDs, Videos, and CDs
- Hot Desk administrative support
- Equipment hire
- Advice and support to dance artists;
- Advice to Government, Arts Council, local authorities, schools, and health and community groups on all matters related to dance;
- Advice to the general public;
- Monthly Dance Ireland News;
- Fortnightly E-bulletin;
- Promotion of the long-term advancement of the dance profession;
- Advocacy on dance and choreography issues
- Forging of networks and opportunities with the arts sector and other service providers locally, nationally and internationally
Dance Ireland objectives:
- Operate DanceHouse as a national centre of excellence;
- Provide professional development opportunities and practical resources for dance artists at all stages of their careers;
- Nurture choreographic development through international exchanges, residences, master classes, and mentored choreographic platforms;
- Create access to dance for all interests at local, regional and national levels in partnership with local authority arts offices, cultural institutions and arts organisations;
- Heighten the profile of dance and dance issues by promoting dance regionally, nationally and internationally.
Dance Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee. We are a member-led organisation, with a nine-member Board of Directors, and a full-time executive of six.
Funded by the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and membership fees.
