UCD Irish Dance Scholars – Applications now open

University College Dublin is looking for talented UCD students with Irish dancing experience to join the UCD Irish Dance Scholars in September 2018 – the only programme of its kind in Ireland and the world – directed by Jean Butler, UCD Research Fellow in Creative Practice.

Members of the UCD Irish Dance Scholars will:
● Study with world-leading Irish dance practitioner and contemporary choreographer Jean Butler, and assistant choreographer Kristyn Fontanella
● Be part of a choreographic process that will lead to professional performance engagements
● Develop a creative practice that will enhance technique and deepen understanding of what constitutes Irish dance performance
● Experience what it will be like to be a professional dance artist
● Receive a financial bursary
● Receive credit for the programme as an elective module
● Top-up bursaries will also be awarded to a select few applicants for performances at special engagements

Any incoming or current UCD student for the 2018-2019 academic year who is regularly dancing can apply (i.e. attending class, rehearsals or in private practice). We are looking for Irish dancers from all backgrounds, including traditional competitive dancers, Sean-Nós, contemporary and more.

Interested dancers can apply for an audition online via the UCD Scholarship Applications portal. The application asks some general questions about the candidate’s experience and requires the creation and submission of a new video clip of the candidate dancing. Studio space is provided for creation of these videos on request.

Successful applicants will receive a date and time for an audition, which will involve a 15-20 minute individual interview with the audition panel followed by a group workshop.

Deadline for submitting applications: 11pm Sunday 16 September 2018
Auditions: Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 September (PM)

Apply now.

Enquiries to Gráinne O’Hogan, UCD Arts Manager: irishdance [at] ucd.ie

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About Jean Butler
Jean Butler, Executive and Artistic Director of Our Steps Foundation, is a leading figure in the world of Irish dance performance. Butler originated the female principle roles and co-choreographed Riverdance and Dancing on Dangerous Ground, the latter, which Anna Kisselgoff of the New York Times reviewed as “channeling Irish step dancing into genuine artistic expression.” Since 2005, she has been working in a contemporary context as a choreographer and performer with commissions and support from The Abbey Theatre, The Project Arts Center, The Dublin Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Danspace Project, The Joyce, Baryshnikov Arts Center, The Kennedy Center and Seamus Heaney HomePlace. Butler holds the position of UCD Fellow in Creative Practice, Director of the UCD Irish Dance Scholars, Assistant Professor of Irish Studies at Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, and recently taught at the prestigious Princeton Atelier. Butler’s work as a choreographer, performer and academic bridges the gap between a culturally specific practice and a contemporary approach to dance making and thought. She is committed to idiosyncratic exploration within traditional form and is dedicated to expanding the canon and perception of Irish dance performance. https://ourstepsfoundation.org/