Carlow dance artist unveils two shows for Carlow Arts Festival

Carlow-based choreographer and dance artist Róisín Whelan focuses her creativity on staging highly physical and technically demanding dance and performance works with strong narratives - accessible to all regardless of their age, gender, or socio-economic background. This summer the company present two works at Carlow Arts Festival that gives impetus to children ages 6 yrs and up, to reach for the stars, called The Galaxy of Occupations - Íomha on the other-hand is a new work by Whelan commissioned by Carlow Arts Festival that invites us to reflect on life’s all-important celebratory moments set into a series of outdoor pop-up performances, suitable for all ages.

Created in 2022 for Tipperary Dance and made specifically for children, The Galaxy of Occupations is an exciting, energetic, and exhilarating performance that sees no limits. Presented in Róisín’s signature style of storytelling through contemporary dance, the show was inspired by a children’s poem by published author and teacher Áine Murray. Performed by two exceptionally skilled dancers accompanied by an original score designed by Carlow composer Aoife Kavanagh, and with costumes designed by Carlow native Claire Smyth.

The show runs at Riverbank Arts Centre for schools only shows (May 30 + 31) and transfers to Carlow Arts Festival (June 8) for an exciting outdoors version of the production made for the festival. And on June 7 the show will travel to Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co Dublin for both a schools and public show.

Originally commissioned by Tipperary Dance and a Production Commission from Dublin City Council Creative Hubs with additional funding from The Strollers Network. Research and development for this production was funded by an Arts Council of Ireland Dance Bursary Award, 2020 and supported by Tipperary Dance Fellowship 2020Touring 2024 is supported by Carlow County Council in partnership with ArtLinks, Carlow Arts Festival, Riverbank Arts Centre, Seamus Ennis Arts Centre - and there will be further company touring in Autumn 2024.

Róisín Whelan Dance also announces the world premiere a new production, ‘Íomhá’ (meaning reflections) on June 9th at Carlow Arts Festival. The show is set into a series of outdoor pop-up performances, suitable for all ages, and it reflects on those all-important celebratory moments experienced over many lifetimes; from céilís to dance halls, and play to partying. Íomha invites audiences to witness an explosive, physically expressive, and dynamic suite of dance performances in the grounds of Carlow College. Commissioned by Carlow Arts Festival - don’t miss this joyful, colourful and vibrant work and thrilling choreography in Whelan’s in inimitable style

Showing on a cycle between 1–6pm: On the hour, 20 past the hours and 20 to the hour

Íomha: Running time: 20 minutes

CAST: Matilda Maginnis / Karishma Young / Nadine Muncey / Cameron Woolnough / Alex Vazquez Gala / Enzo Convert

THE GALAXY OF OCCUPATIONS

Carlow College, Carlow [as part of Carlow Arts Festival 2024]

Saturday 8 June @ 12.00pm + 3.00pm / (Free public shows) + Workshop @ 4.00pm

Festival Box Office - Tel: +353 1 518 0599 (10am-2pm Mon-Fri) LINK HERE

ÍOMHA

Carlow College, Carlow [as part of Carlow Arts Festival 2024]

Sunday 9 June @ 1.20pm – 6.00pm / (Free public shows)

Festival Box Office - Tel: +353 1 518 0599 (10am-2pm Mon-Fri) / LINK HERE

Showing on a cycle between 1–6pm: On the hour, 20 past the hours and 20 to the hour