Daily Professional Classes
The backbone of our artistic programme are daily professional classes, which provides one of the essential training components of a dance artist's working life. Dance Ireland endeavours to provide the highest teaching standards, and all classes are aimed at an advanced level appropriate for professional dancers and advanced level dance students. Dance Ireland employs experienced teachers from Ireland and liaises with companies, venues and festivals around the country to encourage visiting artists to teach class when possible.

A full programme of classes in a range of contemporary dance techniques, classical ballet and complementary dance genres. Classes are useful to dance students, professional dancers or those who have undergone intensive physical training. Booking is not required, enrolment starts 15 minutes before class begins and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Dance Ireland members avail of reduced rates. See a full programme of classes here.

International Guest Residencies, Master Classes and Workshops
Residencies, Workshops and Master Classes assist the pursuit of deeper levels of exploration into new dance processes, techniques and ways of thinking and working. Dance Ireland has for over 18 years hosted a diverse range of International Guest Residencies, Workshops and Master Classes, providing the opportunity to meet, work and learn from some of the world's finest dance artists. Scheduled throughout the year, the focus is on introducing new working methods, stimulating creative processes and presenting the best in current international dance practice and research. We invite teachers, dance artists and other arts professionals, working from within a broad spectrum of dance styles, to share their work in a spirit of lively creative enquiry. Previous teachers include Janet Panetta, John Jasperse and Matthew Mohr. Registration is strongly advised. Dance Ireland members avail of reduced rates.

In 2007 we are hosting international residencies with, among others Elizabeth Corbett, Frey Faust, Hayo David, and Andrew De L. Harwood. See a full programme here.

Cross Arts Series
Designed for artists from all genres interested in collaborating with dance to meet and build creative partnerships, Cross Arts Series include workshops, residencies and master classes which help develop skills and cross creative boundaries. Registration is strongly advised! Dance Ireland members avail of reduced rates. See a full programme here.

Training Programmes
An ongoing series of practical seminars, information days and workshops aimed at resourcing dance artists by giving them practical insight into areas such as administration, budgeting, funding opportunities, marketing, touring/production, video editing and many more.

In 2006, Dance Ireland introduced a Dance Producer Seminar, with guest speakers Julia Carruthers (Head of Dance and Performing Arts, South Bank Centre), independent dance and theatre producer Richard Wakely, and dance artist Rebecca Walter (Catapult Dance Company). In 2007, we began the series by running two Occupational First Aid Courses. See a full programme here.

Irish Choreographer New Works Platform (ICNWP)
In 1993, Dance Ireland ran the first Irish Choreographers' New Works Platform. Now in its 14th year, the INCWP usually takes place over a two week period. This is a annual mentored choreographic laboratory for new/emerging dance artists and choreographers wishing to explore the transition from performer to creator without the pressure of having to produce new work in a production context.

Studio space, daily class, stipend and mentorship are provided to selected participants to experiment, workshop and develop choreographic ideas in a structured and safe creative environment. Check out the News section for the latest on the next ICNWP.

A mentor is employed to provide support, encouragement, and creative assistance throughout the process, by assisting in keeping channels open and ideas flowing. The degree of interaction and how this is structured can vary and will be agreed between mentor and each choreographer. Group meetings, involving all participants (mentor, dancers, collaborators, choreographers) are regularly scheduled, as well as studio showings, where participants are encouraged to share works-in-progress and discuss the various creative processes and methodologies employed. These 'showings' allow for Q&A discussions, encourage discourse, and provide opportunities for the choreographer to discuss the methods used in approaching new work. On the final day, an informal showcase of all the works explored and created during the Platform takes place, followed by a discussion between the mentor, choreographers and audience members. Previous mentors we have worked with include, Rosemary Butcher, Jean Christophe Pare, Finola Cronin and Karen Greenhough.

International Exchange Programme
An opportunity to promote exchange among independent choreographers and their peers from within and outside Ireland, the International Exchange Programme enables artists to travel outside their home environment to explore experiences and knowledge in such areas as teaching, research and informal showings. Check out the News section for our partners, events and activities during the year.

Dance Incubator Programme
Subsidised studio space is given to dance artists and choreographers to support choreographic research, experimentation and work-in-progress. The amount of time allocated to each artist is determined by the availability of studio space.

This is a proposal-based initiative which aims to be responsive to the different needs and circumstances of dance artists, and specifically to nurture choreographic practice. In return, each dance artist is asked to document their time at DanceHouse and informally present work at the end of the Incubator period for an open and invited audience. Check out the News section for participants, events and activities during the year.

Winging it
A new short-term, no-notice studio hire service for dance practitioners and companies at DanceHouse. Winging it allows you to drop into DanceHouse on any given day and hire any unused studio for that day. It is up to you how long you use the space – it can be for one hour or it can be for six. And best of all, it only costs €25! So, if you are searching last minute for somewhere to get in a final day-long rehearsal or to spend a few hours work-shopping a concept, this could be just the ticket. All you need to do to take advantage of Winging it, is call in to reception with your payment (cash or cheque). Hiring will be done on a first-come, first-served basis and on the understanding studios will not be used for any fee-paying activities, such as classes or workshops. Bookings will not be taken over the phone. Standard rental conditions apply.
More information here.