News : DU Dance

Summer Sessions

25th June 2021

We’re gearing up for two summer weeks in Dungannon and Belfast.

Suteminis & Sutemos Summer Sessions will take place at the Events Space at the Hill of the O’Neill & Ranfurly Arts Centre in Dungannon from the 9th-13th August 2021. The summer week in partnership with Mid Ulster District Council will run for Primary School age 7-11 years from 10am-12pm and for Secondary school age 12-18 years from 1pm-3pm . The week will include learning different dance styles, creating your very own dances, a special circus workshop with Belfast Circus School and a sharing for parents at the end of the week. Click here to see this group in action: Video link

To book your space click here

Belfast Boys Summer Sessions will kick off from the 18th-22nd August 2021 in Belfast with Primary School Age from 7-11 years from 10am-12pm and Secondary school 12-16 years from 1pm-3pm.

Click here to see this group in action: Video link

To book your space: Belfast Boys 7-11 years or Belfast Boys 12-16 years

Both summer schemes are open to newcomers and no experience is necessary.

To find out more and how to book your space email us at info@dudanceni.com.

Dance floor for Ethiopia arrives.

As part of our ongoing support of community artists in Ethiopia, we spoke with Harlequin, the specialised dance floor company, and they donated a dance floor for the Meseret Yirga Dance Centre. We then had to transport the floor to Addis Ababa….easier said than done. Well, it arrived and it is a much-needed addition to Ethiopia’s first purpose-built contemporary dance studio.

For more information: Meseret Yirga Studio

Intergenerational Project.

As part of the Creative School’s project, we had the pleasure of working with students from St Genevieve’s High School in West Belfast on a short intergenerational project. The students were involved in two workshops with Alan Clarke learning Jive Dancing as well as band session and some filming. The film with messages from the students and a copy of the 1940’s film, Casablanca, will be sent on to Kilwee Care Home for the residents to enjoy.

Talks & Seminars.

Artistic Director Mags Byrne took part in the Diversity & the Arts panel discussion recorded on the 21st April. The discussion which involved four other arts organisations was arranged by the Arts Officer in Ards and North Down. Mags also spoke about her experience working with children at the European Community Dance Network seminar on the 21st June alongside our partners in Austria and Germany.

Young Carers 6th Dance/Film Project.

The 6th film, with our partners Barnardo’s Young Carers, began with a meeting on the 9th June. A group of nine young carers and six leaders met in Magherafelt to plan the direction of the programme which will be a catalyst for the re-emergence of Barnardo’s Young Carers Council. Workshops will take place in July and August and a celebratory Jamboree is planned for September to bring all groups together.

Youth Engagement Projects Perform.

Following a busy term on Zoom, our youth engagement projects were delighted to return to in-person outdoor weekly workshops in May, each concluding in a performance.

Alternatives & Alternative Energies returned to St James Care Home in Ballymoney to perform for the residents, Belfast Boys performed a sea-inspired piece at the Belfast Buoys in the Titanic Quarter and finally Suteminis and Sutemos invited their family and friends to watch them perform at Ranfurly outdoor events space in Dungannon.

More photos on our social media!

U.Dance National Panel announces selected entries!

15th June 2021

Congratulations to all the talented youth dance companies and individuals from across the UK & Ireland who have been selected by the U.Dance National Panel to represent their region at this year’s U.Dance National Showcase 2021.

We are delighted that the island of Ireland will be represented by Jenography Dance (Downpatrick) with their film ‘Liberty of Lockdown’ and St Louise’s Dance (Belfast) with their film ‘Time’ and Laois Youth Dance Ensemble (Portlaoise) and their film ‘Fearless’.

We look forward to watching them and all other entries streamed on the One Dance UK Channels on 16-18th July.

Find out more: U.Dance National Showcase 2021

Job Opportunity Marketing Co-Ordinator (p/t)

21st May 2021

DU Dance (NI) is seeking a highly motivated and creative freelance Marketing Co-Ordinator to join our small, lively and productive team.

Experience in marketing & social media, creating original content & publicity; excellent interpersonal & communication skills; digital & technical knowledge; self-motivation with the ability to work independently & collaboratively alongside administrative & time-management skills are essential.

Previous experience in arts or community development and passion for the work is vital.

Fixed contract from June 2021 to March 2022, with an extension funding permitting. 6 hrs./week with an additional 2 hrs./week accumulated, as required, to reflect the company’s programmes of work and agreed in advance.

For a job description and person spec. please contact louise@dudanceni.com

For more information on the company see www.dudanceni.com

To apply, please submit a CV with covering letter indicating how you meet the criteria

by 5pm on Friday 4^th June 2021

Interviews are scheduled week beginning 14^th June 2021.

References will be obtained with expectation that the successful person will be notified by 18^th June 2021.