September 2015
BELFAST DANCE COMPANY HOST RETURN TO NORTHERN IRELAND OF CHOREOGRAPHER ELEESHA DRENNAN.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LUCK?
Belfast contemporary dance company, Maiden Voyage return with a new commission Tipping Point from Choreographer Eleesha Drennan accompanied by original music from Belfast composer Colin Reid. Tipping Point is as part of Maiden Voyage’s Dance Exposed programme that takes dance into public spaces.
Tipping Point is a fast-paced trio about the loss of control, how we deal with interruptions to our intended path and what it feels like to be on the cliff edge. The piece will be performed in the Ulster Museum as part of the 2015 European Heritage Open Days on 13 September at 12noon and 1:30pm, will then kick off Culture Night Lisburn on Friday 18 September at 1:30pm at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn, before heading to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter to delight Culture Night Belfast visitors at the MAC’s Upper Gallery on Friday 18 September at 6pm and 7pm.
Drennan, daughter of popular local musician Willie Drennan, studied performing arts at Belfast Metropolitan College before completing her training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and McMahon School of Ballet. She is a multi-award winning choreographer and has had an illustrious career as an integral member of National Dance Company Wales for ten years, becoming House Choreographer in 2011. Eleesha is recipient of the Sky Academy Arts Scholarship 2014 and is now a freelance dancer and choreographer based in London.
Maiden Voyage Artistic Director, Nicola Curry, is excited about the opportunity
“I am delighted to have Eleesha and Colin, two award-winning artists with such rich local connections, collaborate to create Tipping Point for our Dance Exposed programme. Performing in public spaces allows people to experience dance up close to the action and with Colin’s composition played live you all be on the edge of your seat as this thrilling performance unfolds.”
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said:
“At the Arts Council we believe the arts are for everyone and should be accessible to everyone. These three free performances offer a fantastic opportunity to experience contemporary dance by two of our finest artists.”
Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan said:
“My Department is working alongside Maiden Voyage as part of the 2015 European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) on 12 and 13 September. This weekend is all about showcasing the importance that built heritage has in our daily lives and making it accessible for all.
“The merger of contemporary dance against the backdrop of the Ulster Museum will animate a building full of history, encouraging visitors to look at it in a new way. I particularly welcome Maiden Voyage’s audio description service for dance performances as it increases accessibility and enhances the visitor experience for people with sight loss.
“I encourage everyone to enjoy this and over 400 free property openings and events that are taking place across the North during the EHOD weekend. Young or old, on your doorstep or further afield there is something for everyone. Check out http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/ehod to plan your EHOD activity.”
For more information visit www.maidenvoyagedance.com.
