Dancing In The Isles

Catherine Young, Dancer in Residence with Kerry County Council in association with Siamsa Tire, will premiere her new work, Athmhachnaimh (Reflections) on March 30th at Siamsa Tire, Tralee.

"The idea for the piece came about because I was living abroad for ten years," said Catherine. "And the Ireland I returned to was not the Ireland I left. So the piece explores the Ireland of now versus the Ireland of then."

"Because I felt it was important to get input from all the differing groups now living in Ireland I designed and sent out a questionnaire to over 200 people with the aim of researching four distinct groups: Irish emigrants living abroad, Irish emigrants who have returned to Ireland, non-national immigrants into Ireland, and Irish people who had never felt the need to leave home," adds Catherine.

Catherine has worked with key themes arising from this research that not only look at the sense of isolation experienced by the emigrant/immigrant, but also reflect on aspects of Ireland - its culture, landscape, sense of community - all of which are changing at a rapid pace as Ireland moves from a 'we' based community, to a more urban 'me' based society.  But a new 'us' is emerging, influenced and shaped by the myriad of new cultures that now call Ireland 'Home'.

The commission's ensemble will feature members of Siamsa Tire's Performing Company, contemporary dancers Tara Brandel and Jazmin Chiodi amongst others, as well as featuring Catherine Young and Hamed Toe from West Africa.

The evening's performance promises to engage, intrigue and enchant, blending dance styles of many genres - contemporary modern dance, Irish, African and a hint of break dancing.

The performance takes place at 8:00 pm in Siamsa Tire on March 30th. For more information or to purchase tickets please call the Siamsa Tire Box Office on (066) 7123055

Excerpts from Athmhachnaimh will also be performed at the CYMS, Killorglin, March 31st at 8pm. The evening's performance will be preceded by an afternoon of Dance Master Classes given by Catherine Young in African dance, break dance and Tango (2-5pm at CYMS hall). Please call Kerry Arts Office (066) 718 3541 for more information or to reserve place.