New course to find future professional dancers

Two of the leading dance institutions in Northern Ireland have paired up to offer a unique opportunity for 16-18 year olds.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company and the University of Ulster’s dance department will be offering a Youth Dance Development Course to give young people in Northern Ireland a chance to experience contemporary dance with a professional company before possibly pursuing it in Higher Education.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is widely regarded as Northern Ireland’s leading Dance Company so it seems fitting for it to partner with the only undergraduate dance degree in Ireland, based at the Magee campus of the University of Ulster.

Head of the University’s dance department, Dr Sophia Preston said: “We are delighted to be working with Echo Echo on this project. We run an intensive, exciting course here at the University of Ulster which is both physically and mentally demanding and this is a wonderful way to help students prepare for it.”

Dance workshops across the province

Both partner organisations are based in Derry but they will offer dance workshops in secondary schools across the province during autumn to gather interest in this pioneering scheme.

After that, any 16-18 year olds wishing to deepen their knowledge and skills in contemporary dance can attend a one-week intensive course during Easter 2009 followed by a three-week, full-time course in the summer and a performance at the Waterside Theatre, Derry.

Echo Echo’s Company Manager, Ailbe Beirne said: “Over the last ten years Echo Echo has developed a reputation for providing high quality dance education to people of all ages and abilities. This new project will offer high quality intensive dance training for young people and will be a unique opportunity for anybody thinking about dance or the performing arts as a serious career option.”

Funding for the Youth Dance Development Course has been provided by the Clore Duffield Foundation through its Clore Performing Arts Awards. The project saw off almost 160 other applications to receive one of just 11 awards in the UK.

If anyone would like more information about the Youth Dance Development Course, contact Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company by calling 028 7134 2266, emailing info@echoechodance.com or alternatively, you can visit www.echoechodance.com.