DRFI AGM and Seminar on Youth Dance Culture

Wednesday 10th October 2007, Room B, Lower Ground Floor, Foundation Building

Chair: Dr Catherine Foley

Catherine Foley designed and is course director of both the MA in Ethnochoreology and the MA in Irish Traditional Dance Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. She is the founder and Chairperson of Dance Research Forum Ireland and is a founding member of Enarta (European Network for Research and Teaching of Ethnochoreology). Catherine is a member of many professional organisations, including the Congress of Research on Dance, the International Council for Traditional Music, An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the Association of Professional Dancers of Ireland, and the Society of Dance History Scholars.

Seminar Presenters: Sheila Creevey, Catherine Young and Miah Walsh & Maria Kiely-Walsh

Sheila Creevey is a dance artist, researcher and consultant specialising in Youth Dance. She has recently been commissioned by Dance Ireland to write a guide on best practice in youth dance outreach. A graduate of the University of Surrey (Roehampton) and the
University of Limerick (MA), Sheila is currently engaged in PhD research. Sheila is a member of the board of Dance Research Forum Ireland.

Title: Youth Dance Culture

Abstract: The term 'youth dance' is used to describe a wide variety of undefined practices. Given the growing importance of 'youth dance' in Ireland we must revisit 'what it is', and how it contributes to our wider dance culture. This presentation will explore the different modalities, philosophies and cultures of youth dance and their potential impact on mainstream dance practice.

Catherine Young is currently in her third terms as dancer in residence with Kerry County Council working in collaboration with Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. She is an honours graduate of the University of Limerick with a Masters in Contemporary Dance Performance. Prior to undertaking her Masters, Catherine spent 8 years in the U.S. training and performing in theatre and dance. She has performed in San Francisco with "Pure Dance Company," "City College Repertory Dance Company," and with the American Conservatory Theatre and has trained extensively in modern contemporary dance, jazz, Afro-Haitian, West African, hip-hop in the U.S., Europe and Africa. Catherine's choreography has been performed in both Europe and the US. Since moving back to Ireland in 2005, she has showcased work at Daghdha's 2005 Framemakers Symposium ("Traces"), at Blas Rince 2005 ("Catharsis") and at Dance Research Forum Ireland's first conference in 2006 ("Rootless Belonging"). Catherine premiered "Rootless Belonging" - her Irish debut, at the National Folk Theatre (Siamsa Tire) in March 2005 and premiered "Athmhachnaimh" (Reflections), a commission awarded under the Per Cent for Arts Scheme, at Siamsa Tíre in March 2007. Catherine's main influences include African and American dance genres.

Title: Reflections on Working with Teens and Dance in Co. Kerry: Experiences of dancer-in-residence, Catherine Young

Abstract: This paper will focus on the experiences gained to date by dancer-in-residence, Catherine Young, over the past 2 years during her residency in Co. Kerry, where part of her remit is working with teenagers in secondary schools. Catherine has worked with youth groups and schools throughout Kerry sharing her knowledge and love of dance with these groups exposing them to many different genres: contemporary dance, African dance, jazz/hip hop, break dance and even yoga. Through classes, workshops and performances over the course of the 2 years, it has become evident that the work is much greater than just teaching 'steps.' For this teen group, who are at a critical stage of their lives and searching for real role models, it has also become an important way of transmitting life skills. In addition to learning new dance forms, getting fit and exploring their creativity, students are also learning how to be disciplined, dedicated, what it takes to persevere in order to improve. In an age of quick fixes, dance teaches them how over time, with commitment and persistence, results are achieved and in working towards performance social skills and teamwork are cultivated. Key issues observed by Catherine in her work with teens will be presented: gender issues, fitness levels, multiculturalism, creativity, dance as art vs dance as sport or 'pop' culture along with the life skills gained.

Miah Walsh and Maria Kiely-Walsh are both registered teachers and adjudicators of Irish step dance with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha. They have both been teaching Irish step dance for 25 years on a fulltime basis. They now have a successful Irish Dance Academy that caters for social, non-competitive, competitive and performance classes in Irish step dance. They have given workshops in Ireland, America, Australia and have been developing Irish Dancing in South Africa for the last 6 years. Their dancers perform throughout the world.

Title: Cork Irish Dance Company

Abstract: This presentation looks at youth dance culture within the context of Irish step dance. It will focus on one academy of step dance and will examine different issues relating to teaching and performing within the academy and within Cork Irish Dance Company. Students commence their step dance classes from the age of 4. In this presentation, Miah and Marie will speak about how they teach their students from the age of 4 years and how these students develop not only in dance skills, but in social enjoyment, confidence and in maintaining an interest in dance from a young age until they become a senior member of the "Cork Irish Dance Company".