Dance Limerick, in collaboration with the Arts Council, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, and Dance Ireland, announces the open call for applications for the Step Up Dance Project 2024. This professional development programme is designed for recent dance graduates or equivalent early-career dance professionals resident or born in Ireland.

Step Up seeks five dancers who have graduated since 2020 or have entered their careers through non-graduation routes. Unfortunately, those starting their career or graduation in 2023/24 are ineligible. The programme, curated by Fearghus Ó Conchúir and guided by Lucia Kickham, aims to connect participants to Ireland’s dance ecology and international networks. The 14th edition welcomes choreographer Catherine Young to develop a new performance project, focusing on creative and community engagement in Limerick.

Participants will train with guest teachers Finola Cronin and Mufutau Yusuf, receiving a weekly fee of €650 for 7 weeks, along with accommodation from 30 June to 8 August and 9–13 September 2024. The programme runs in Limerick from 30 June to 10 August, with an additional week in Dublin from 9–13 September.

Applications should include a CV, personal statement, and a 1-minute improvisation video link, sent to stepupdanceproject [at] gmail.com with ‘Step Up Application’ in the subject line. The deadline is Tuesday, 12 December 2023.

See link below for further details.