Bachelor of Arts in Irish Dance Careers
Key information
- Professional performer (traditional, interdisciplinary contexts)
- Choreographer / dance-maker
- Further study (MA, PhD in dance, arts practice, ethnochoreology, performance studies)
- Dance education and teaching (studio, school, third-level pathways)
- Community dance and participatory arts practice
- Dance and movement facilitation (youth, social, wellbeing, inclusive settings)
- Arts administration and producing (dance companies, festivals, organisations)
- Performance management and touring coordination
- Rehearsal direction and assistant choreography/direction
- Creative consultancy for dance-based projects (heritage, contemporary, cross-arts)
- Media and screen-based dance work (film, TV, digital platforms)
- Work in cultural institutions, heritage projects, and archives (dance documentation, curation)
To find out more, go to The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
Follow on study
- Master of Arts Irish Traditional Dance Performance
- Master of Arts Irish Traditional Music Performance
- Master of Arts Contemporary Dance Performance
- Master of Arts Irish Music Studies
- Master of Arts Irish Dance Studies
- Master of Arts Ethnochoreology
- Master of Arts Ethnomusicology
- Master of Arts Ritual Chant and Song
- Master of Arts Community Music
- Master of Arts Music Therapy
- Master of Arts Festive Arts
- Master of Arts Classical String Performance in association with the Irish Chamber Orchestra
- Professional Master of Education in Music
- PhD Arts Practice
- PhD Research
Student profiles
Bethany Hayes
A graduate of the BA in Irish Dance at UL, Bethany Hayes is an aerialist with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre and an aerial dance teacher at the Irish Aerial Creation Centre.
While studying at UL’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Bethany chose an elective in aerial dance, which was to change her life and career trajectory.
She says: “I loved my course because I really got to expand my knowledge and abilities in Irish dancing, but I also loved being exposed to so many different art forms outside of Irish dancing.
“I met so many incredible people during my time at UL that have helped me get to the point I am at now. The IWA and UL have shown me that I can make my passion into a career with hard work and dedication.”
Loïs Lambert-Jouan, BA Irish Dance
I discovered the BA in Irish Dance through my dance teacher who had studied at UL. Limerick also stood out as the only place that I had seen with a course like this. I have been dancing since I was eight and always knew that I wanted to pursue it professionally. I considered other areas but just could not see myself studying any other subject at University.
Three years before starting the course, my parents and I came from France to visit the campus. Despite it being too early to begin my studies, I was welcomed by the faculty and was impressed by the facilities.
The Academy is like a family. We work very closely with our tutors and can go to them with any issues or questions. The variety of classes surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to have so many opportunities for self-development with ballet, yoga and even hip hop as well as my core Irish dance classes.
One of the most exciting opportunities during my studies was working with Breandán de Gallaí’s youth company on a creative residency on an island off the coast of Donegal. Together, we devised and performed an original piece for the renowned Earagail Arts Festival. Another standout moment in my final year was the privilege of performing with Dr de Gallaí’s professional company, Ériu, at a special anniversary gala – an unforgettable experience!
My advice to incoming students would be to take the course seriously. You have to be mentally and physically prepared to do a programme like this. It is important to eat and sleep well, to take care of yourself and to practice. This will position you to get the best out of the course.
