Dr Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain is an ethnochoreologist and Course Director of the MA in Irish Traditional Dance Performance and MA Irish Dance Studies programmes at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, Ireland, where she teaches Irish dance skills, Irish music and dance studies, Western Art Dance History, Music and Dance education and ethnochoreology to undergraduate and postgraduate students. As an accomplished performer and teacher of Irish music song and dance, she delivers workshops and seminars internationally and is a recognized expert in the Irish traditional music and dance world featuring in many broadcasts and documentaries on radio and television as cultural commentator. Her book Jigs to Jacobites (2018) was co-authored with designer and illustrator Michael McCabe and was funded by The Arts Council. An earlier book The Terminology of Irish Dance was published in 2008 by Macater Press and in 2013 she was commissioned by Dance Ireland to write and article on Contemporary Irish step dance. Her current research involves collaborative work with physiotherapist Amanda Clifford investigating the potential benefit of music and dance for older adults. They have published extensively on arts and health interventions.
Research Interests
Creative processes and competition culture within the Irish step dance idiom; music and dance of the Diaspora;the relationship between music and dance; Music , dance and education;Limerick Soundscape and Arts in Health.
Professional Activities
Education
2010 University Of Limerick - PhD
1998 University Of Limerick - Master of Arts
Association
Chairperson, ICTM Ireland
Board member, Dance Research Forum Ireland
Vice-Chairperson, An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha
Member of Castletroy Branch, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Committee
AHSS Faculty Board,
Coiste na Gaeilge,
AHSS Management Committee,
Library Committee,
Research Academy Panel,
Blas Academic Board,
BA Course Board,
Irish World Academy Co-ordination Group,
Employment
University of Limerick - Lecturer in Dance
Williams College MA USA - Guest Artist in Dance Spring 2003
Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál Luimneach - Assistant lecturer in Physical Education
An Roinn Oideachais Milford Primary School Limerick - Oide Scoile
Language
Gaeilge
French
Outreach
Regular performances at Milford Hospice Limerick.
I have led dance workshops with students at schools in Limerick City and County.
