Old style step dancing during last year’s Fleadh in Guildhall Square. Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography
Hot on the heels of the Pan Celtic Festival, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin will host its third annual Irish and Scottish step dancing festival this weekend.
The three day festival, taking place from Friday to Sunday, will comprise a variety of workshops, masterclasses and evening concerts with old-style step dancing taking centre stage.
Amongst the visitors to the festival will be Kerry singer and box player Seamus Begley, and original Chieftains member Michael Tubridy, as well as Scottish step-dancing troupe Dannsa and Oireachtas dance champion Gerard Devane.
Visitors to the festival will have an opportunity to learn more about the unique steps of Connemara, Donegal and Scotland in what has become a highlight event on Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s arts calendar.
Arts and Development Officer, Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh, said the festival would attract sean nós dance enthusiasts from all over the country, bringing the finest dancersto deliver workshops and perform on stage throughout the weekend.
Eibhlín added: “Féile Dhamhsa has proven to be one of our most successful annual events, therefore this year we have decided to have even more on offer for those taking part.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn a complete Irish or Scottish step on Saturday and Sunday, as well as take a class with Connemara Sean Nós champion Gerard Devane and learn the great Donegal dance “Maggie Pickens.”
The festival kicks off on Friday at 12.30pm with a lunchtime music session and panel discussion in the Cultúrlann, exploring the question: “Has Irish step dancing stepped away from the music?”
Later on Friday, céilí, sets and step dancers are invited to come together for Club Damhsa, an informal evening of music and dance with guest Scottish musicians and dancers, Dannsa.
Following a day of dance workshops on Saturday, legendary folk duo Seamus Begley and Jim Murray will be the highlight act in a concert jam-packed with exceptional traditional dance performances.
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin have been promoting sean nós dancing for several years through their weekly classes delivered by dancer Joe McGuiggan.
The classes continue to grow year on year, proving that although the dancing may be ‘old-style’, it certainly isn’t a thing of the past.
Tickets are now on sale for the festival at www.culturlann-doire.ie and through the venue box office, telephone (0)28 7126 4132.
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