22nd January 2026

Join us in saying hello to Ayesha Mailey who is joining the DU Dance team to direct our Sutemos Youth Engagement Project in Dungannon while Christine is on maternity leave.  Ayesha we look forward to working with you and Christine we wish you the very best and can’t wait to meet your new little dancer!

Ayesha is a freelance dance artist with over 25 years of experience. She holds a BA (Hons) in Dance and she works across the North West and internationally as a performer, teacher, choreographer and improviser. She was previously Associate Artistic Director and an ensemble member of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company. Ayesha continues to develop her practice through professional and participatory projects with people of all ages and abilities. Since 2013 she has regularly performed with LUXe Landscape Theatre for processional and site-specific shows. Ayesha has collaborated with artists of various disciplines from across Europe and the Middle East, and her work has taken her to Ireland, England, New York, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Italy and Hong Kong to research, teach, and perform.

13th January 2026

Jen Shepherd joins the DU Dance (NI) team as part-time General Manager.  Jen is highly experienced in Company Management, Production Management and all aspects of arts administration.  She is a graduate of the Welsh College of Music and Drama and past roles have included Producer of Tinderbox Theatre Company and extensive freelance production management. She is currently working part-time as Admin & Finance Assistant with Belfast Ensemble and volunteers with Welsh rewilding project Tir Natur.

Jen loves live music and visual art, and any excuse to get out into nature, such as camping with her young family.

9th January 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Jack Philp has been appointed as new Artistic Director and will take up the role from early April. Philp is an internationally recognised choreographer and artistic director. He has created commissioned work for several companies, organisations and vocational schools, as well as toured productions across the UK as the Artistic Director of his independent collective Jack Philp Dance.

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment campaign, launched in autumn 2025, for an exceptional individual responsible for setting the artistic vision and strategic direction for the company and ensuring the successful delivery of DU Dance’s work.  This is a significant moment in the company’s journey, as we look ahead to a new chapter of leadership following the stepping down of founding Artistic Director, Mags Byrne.

Ultimately reporting to the board and working with the DU Dance team, Jack Philp will further develop our inspiring, distinctive, and forward-looking dance development company. His leadership will focus on enabling artists and communities, championing the Northern Ireland dance sector, and driving meaningful connections across the organisation and beyond.

As part of his recent work at National Dance Company Wales, Philp supported the redevelopment of the company’s engagement strategy, tripling youth participation and influencing approaches to dance education across schools. He has curated large-scale participation projects, including LAUNCH Festival, and mentored artists through Dance Ireland’s HATCH programme. His cross-border practice includes residencies with Dance Ireland, Dance Cork Firkin Crane and Galway Dance, alongside contributions to initiatives such as Luail’s Moving in Collaboration International Intensive and work with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, strengthening connections between community participation and the professional dance sector across Ireland and the UK. Jack is an alumnus of the Clore Leadership Programme, works as a guest rehearsal director for Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company, and has recently developed new choreographic projects supported by Immersive Arts UK.

Rosamond Bennett, DU Dance (NI) chair, said: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Mags Byrne for forging a dance development company that has made such a huge and measurable impact on so many people, grown and enriched the dance sector here in NI, the island of Ireland, the UK and internationally, and provided leadership and inspiration to a whole generation of community dance artists. At this time of change, we are delighted to welcome Jack Philp as Artistic Director. Jack has proven himself to be an ambitious leader in dance in the UK and Ireland, delivering work at the highest level with motivations that mirror our own deeply held values – cross-community participation, intergenerational connection, and amplifying young voices through creative expression. We are excited about the possibilities ahead.”

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama & Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Jack Philp has already made a vast contribution to dance, and his creativity, knowledge and experience will bring a further rich dimension to the work of DU Dance.  The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to be principal funder of DU Dance and is delighted to see Jack join as Artistic Director.”

Jack Philp, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining DU Dance as Artistic Director. The organisation has a powerful history of placing dance at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland and beyond, and I’m excited to build on this legacy. I’m really looking forward to working with the team, fellow artists, participants and partners to help shape our next chapter; developing ambitious, inclusive programmes that deepen participation, nurture leadership, and strengthen connections to the professional dance landscape.”

(Image Credit: Hannah Bracher-Smith.)

6th January 2026

9th December 2025

2nd December 2025

Another joyful Day of Dance took place on Sunday 30 November. Thank you for hosting us Crescent Arts Centre! Members of all our Youth Engagement Projects travelled from across Northern Ireland to spend the day together.  Here are some friendly faces:

Everyone was mixed up providing opportunities to meet and move with new friends of all ages and learn from different DU Dance (NI) dance artists.  These were later shared with the audience as an insight into the way our weekly DU Dance sessions work.

Sean, the director of Belfast Boys, introduced some of the ice-breakers used at the beginning of a session to help everyone relax and focus.   ‘Rock/Sheep/Wolf’ is a fun way of encouraging a group to wake-up, think ahead, be aware of their surroundings and get the blood pumping.

Trust games are widely used in new situations.  The group demonstrated blind work where, in pairs with one taking the lead, you must walk in a straight line until tapped on the shoulder.  Used as the term progresses, this exercise is great for bonding the group.

Christine, who runs the Sutemos programme in Dungannon, chose ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson 5 as the soundtrack to her lively warm up session. This piece uses a lot of body parts so everyone was really warmed up which is important before any physical work but also helps to extend the movement vocabulary, control and skills.  It was really important to focus on spacial awareness on the turns in this classic pop anthem. 

Amy, a familiar face to the Suteminis in Dungannon, suggested the group move like different states across the floor.  Working in pairs, they devised movements based on Solids, Liquids and Gases.

The dancers were keen to share a favourite partner activity where you choose one part of the body to connect – on this occasion, the elbow.

Then it was time for the main event.  During the day, the group had been tasked with creating and compiling ideas into a structure and finally a dance.  Philip, the director of Alternative Energies, chose a medieval European dance originally performed in France during the winter called ‘Carole’.  Danced in a ring, chain, or linked circle and performed to the singing of the dancers it was used to keep warm.

Day of Dance always finishes on a festive favourite.  This year Sean led the groups in ‘Let it Snow’ and tied the dance to the words of the song.  Then, of course, friends and family were invited down to the dance floor to  join the fun.

Until next year!

25th November 2025

Excited to share a few photos from last weekend’s epic performances of CLASH, a large-scale, multigenerational performance uniting over 90 performers aged 8 to 92 from across Northern Ireland.

Drawing on the expertise and energy of a range of new and previous partners, CLASH blended DU Dance’s contemporary dance theatre with urban street culture to give powerful expression to the issues we all wrestle with.

Everyone involved went above and beyond to bring this show to three packed audiences at Carlisle Memorial Church and the feedback was fantastic!

“Wonderful. Heart warming to see such a range of ages so engaged.”

“What an absolutely amazing performance. I felt emotional watching it and totally immersed in the experience.”

“It felt vital in alerting people to possibilities that can be achieved when we unite for a cause.”

“My 5 years old said: ‘The only thing I would change about the show is me, I should be in it’.”

In our audience survey we ask “How do you think the arts can contribute to exploring social issues?” and they didn’t hold back! Here are a few of the responses:

“Putting thoughts and feelings into expressive action.”

“This piece answered questions in my heart that I hadn’t been aware were there. Please perform this in Stormont, so they can get a sense of what is going on.”

“By raising awareness and helping us explore social issues as it’s done in a way to make us pause, think and take action.”

“Not only does the performance have an impact on the audience through the themes explored in the show, but this project allowed for so many people from different backgrounds to come together, which can really allow for connection, conversation and growth of empathy regarding social issues!”

Thanks to everyone who came, to our funders who made this happen, from from board members to volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and, of course, the 90 performers who brought to this important issues to life.

More than a show, it was a statement, a collision, and a call to be heard.

Photo credit: Jim Corr Photography

17th October 2025

Tickets for this year’s large-scale performance CLASH are now available on EVENTBRITE.

CLASH is taking place on Saturday 15 November at 6pm, Sunday 16 November at 3pm & 6pm at Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast.

The event is suitable for all the family and tickets are only £8 or £5 for children, students and other concessions.   We can’t wait to see you there!

If you have any questions about the event, or have a group of 8+ who want to come along, please get in touch at info@dudanceni.com

Read the CLASH PRESS RELEASE for more information.

1st October 2025

DU Dance (NI) invites applicants to become our next Artistic Director.

DU Dance (NI) is Northern Ireland’s only dedicated dance development company and has been in operation for over 24 years.  It has a legacy of working with communities across Northern Ireland, the island of Ireland, UK and internationally. Our activities are recognised for their best practice and creative excellence.

The primary focus of DU Dance (NI)’s work is young people, but programmes may involve people of all ages. We introduce them to dance and the creative arts and advocate for dance as a tool for facilitating personal and social development.  A critical part of our process is bringing individuals and communities together to seek creative solutions to artistic challenges. This demands and develops sophisticated social interaction and encourages personal growth.  With performance as an integral part of the work, we provide access to innovative contemporary dance workshops and projects across communities which may often have limited or no dance provision, challenging traditional views of the relevance and value of dance.

THE ROLE

The Artistic Director will be responsible for setting the artistic vision and strategic direction for the company and ensuring the successful delivery of DU Dance (NI)’s work.

Ultimately reporting to the board, this is a leadership role requiring artistic excellence, advocacy, a strong personal drive, inspiring and inclusive team leadership and the ability to work and communicate well with our artists, communities, participants and stakeholders.

This is a significant moment in the company’s journey, as we look ahead to a new chapter of leadership following the stepping down of our founding Artistic Director, Mags Byrne.

Full details of the role can be found in the Artistic Director Application Pack 

HOW TO APPLY

Closing date for applications is 11am on Monday 10th November 2025

To apply, please send the following documents to board@dudanceni.com with the subject heading:

Subject: DU DANCE (NI) – Artistic Director APPLICATION – <Your Name>

· Written personal statement

• Please send a written personal statement outlining why you want to be the Artistic Director of DU Dance (NI), outlining the qualities and experiences you would bring, and how they meet the criteria included in this document.
• Statements should be no longer than 3 A4 pages.
• Links to examples of your work can also be included in your application and will be welcomed.

· Your CV (max 3 pages)

· Referees

Names and contact details for two employment/professional referees. (Referees will not be contacted until candidates are invited to a second interview.)

· Completed monitoring form – download HERE 

Please send the above to board@dudanceni.com by 11am on Monday 10th November 2025

(Documents can be in Microsoft Word or pdf format.)

If you would like an informal and confidential conversation about the role with the Chair, Rosamond Bennett or one of DU Dance (NI)’s Trustees prior to submitting your application, please contact board@dudanceni.com

If you have questions specific to the dance and community sector in Northern Ireland, please contact board@dudanceni.com and we will endeavour to answer any queries.

DU Dance (NI) is an Equal Opportunities Employer, and we are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive place to work. If there are any barriers to you completing the application form or taking part in the interview process, please let us know. We can make adjustments to enable us to meet your needs throughout the recruitment process, as well as during your employment in the role.

DOCUMENTS

Artistic Director Application Pack PDF

Artistic Director Application Pack PLAIN TEXT

DU Dance NI-Monitoring Form-2025

29th September 2025

Mags Byrne, the founding Artistic Director of DU Dance (NI) for over 24 years, is to step down in 2026 to focus on research, project delivery and allow her time to travel.

Under her creative and committed leadership, DU Dance (NI), based in Belfast and working across the island of Ireland, the UK and internationally, has become a vibrant, progressive dance development company highly regarded for its work at the cutting edge of dance and community development.

Working through the medium of contemporary dance theatre, DU Dance (NI) has constantly pushed the boundaries of where and with whom dance has value. The company’s work focuses on young people but involves people of all ages and abilities. It was founded on and epitomises the distinctive approach that dance is a means of bringing about positive individual and community transformation, raising self-esteem, facilitating integration, and promoting attitudes based on tolerance and respect.

Mags Byrne has worked professionally in dance for over 35 years. She has performed and toured with many contemporary dance companies and choreographed and mounted projects for groups and companies all over Britain and Ireland, as well as in Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Indonesia, Palestine, Romania, South Africa and Switzerland.

As Artistic Director she has played a vital role in delivering non-competitive, collaborative dance projects in a variety of settings – from youth centres to cathedrals, from car parks to international stages – and the work is rooted in community partnership, co-creation and a belief in the power of dance to inspire change. She leaves an incredible legacy behind, including:

·       large scale dance performances such as the Opening ceremony for the World Police & Fire Games, eMERGEncy and most recently SHIFT in August 2024

·       ongoing intercultural dance projects in Dungannon and Belfast, intergenerational work in Ballycastle and projects with young carers

·       Northern Ireland’s first boys only dance group Belfast Boys

·       major annual dance festivals Unanimous, Primary School Dance Festival and Day of Dance

Commenting on her departure, Mags Byrne has said: “I am excited to see how DU Dance (NI) will develop under a new Artistic Director and wish the whole team all the very best moving forward.  As a founding director it is hard to leave, but the time is right for both me and the company and there are more challenges and thrills ahead, so we are all embracing the change.”

Rosamond Bennett, DU Dance (NI) Chair added: “This is a significant moment in the company’s journey, as we look ahead to a new chapter of leadership. Mags has been the driving force behind DU Dance (NI) for over 24 years, building on decades of experience in community dance across Northern Ireland and internationally. Her vision and commitment have shaped a company recognised for its inclusive ethos, high-quality participatory practice, and powerful, socially engaged performance work.”

Mags Byrne will remain in post until a successor is appointed.  DU Dance NI’s recruitment for a new Artistic Director will begin in October.