Dance Performance - MA Graduate profile
Key information
This programme can lead to careers in the following sectors
- Dance performance
- Artistic directorship
- Arts development
The MA programme in Irish Traditional Dance Performance completely changed the course of my career path: Irish dance for me became something that was not only done at feiseanna, but could also be studied critically in academia. The combination of master classes and workshops along with coursework in dance history and ethnochoreology, opened my mind to new ways of thinking about dance. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone of competitive Irish step dance to explore unfamiliar styles of dance, such as Brazilian capoeira and West African dance. I learned that I could combine my love of dance and movement with my academic research goals and desire to teach in a university setting.
I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Maryland, College Park in Performance Studies, and my doctoral research addresses the development of Irish dance as a percussive dance in the United States. My plan after completing my doctorate is to find a position as a professor of dance or performance studies. I credit the MA programme and my wonderful mentors at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music & Dance with giving me the means and the courage to allow my passion for Irish dance to guide my academic career goals.
The MA in Traditional Dance Performance is a must for Irish dancers who like to think outside the box. The Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick is a safe, nurturing, creative space for emerging dance makers from an Irish traditional dance background. During my time on the course, I was encouraged to find my own identity as a dancer whilst applying the fundamental techniques of ethnographic research and dance making to my choreographic process. This program also provided beneficial resources to collaborate and network with people from different areas of the performing arts. Dr Catherine Foley has developed a great way to bring traditional dance forward into an academic setting using her vast experience and expertise in the field of dance and ethnochoreology. I would strongly recommend this course to any person looking to further their career in dance.
Since completing the MA I have gone on to work with Dance Theatre of Ireland and Soul Steps NYC on the creation and performances of Every Little Step, The Rhythm of Hope. This production premiered in New York City at the Joyce SOHO in 2011 as part of Imagine Ireland, a year of Irish Arts and Culture abroad. I have also collaborated on a new production Pulses of Tradition with fellow alumni Brian Morrissey, who completed his MA in Traditional Music Performance at the Irish World Academy. This stage show showcases Irish music, song and dance in both traditional and contemporary capacities and is now a part of the summer concert series at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork City.
My experience pursuing an MA in Dance at the University of Limerick was profoundly enriching and has had a lasting impact on my professional journey. The program is deeply integrated with the wider arts and culture community in Ireland, offering invaluable exposure to renowned choreographers and key figures within the industry. I had the privilege of working closely with Liz Roche and Siobhán Ní Dhúinnín, both of whom mentored me throughout the course.
The strong connections between the MA program and local venues have also created numerous opportunities for me. For example, partnerships with organizations like Dance Limerick, which collaborates with the University on various initiatives, have played a pivotal role in shaping my career. More recently, as an alumnus, I was commissioned to choreograph one of the opening shows for the launch of the National Irish Dance Company in Limerick, further underscoring the significant role my education at the University has played in advancing my professional path.
I attended the MA in Contemporary Dance at UL from 2021-2022. The program felt like a great fit for me because of its blend of structured classes and self-guided research. The rotation of workshops gave us opportunities to try out different styles and approaches — to see what resonated, what didn’t, what we’d like to incorporate into our own practice, etc. There were also many opportunities to attend shows at Dance Limerick, like the annual Light Moves and What Next festivals.
During my second semester I was invited to teach evening classes at Dance Limerick and have since hosted a community improvisation event in the church space. Choreographer Liz Roche also set a piece on our cohort and I’ve since had the opportunity to work with her company in two productions. I recently revisited UL and Dance Limerick to complete Step Up 2024 where I worked with Catherine Young. Overall, I can say that the connections I made during my studies have had a significant impact on my dance life.
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