Dublin People - Dance initiative is music to the ears

Home

News

Latest News

Dance initiative is music to the ears

Tuesday, 29 April 2008

A PROJECT that aims to open up the wonderful world of modern dance, jazz and old-time dancing to people over 50-years-of-age will conclude with a special performance in the National Concert Hall (NCH) on May 23 and 24.
As part of the initiative, a series of over 20 free dance classes took place at venues across Dublin during March and April and will culminate in a special two-week workshop before the performance in the NCH.
The extravaganza that explores the world of dance is called ‘Too Young To Be Old’ and is being organised by CoisCeim Dance Theatre, one of Ireland’s oldest dance companies.
The dance classes are being supported by the Health Service Executive (HSE), Dublin City Council and the NCH, and are described as the ideal way to get and keep fit.
According to Phillipa Donnellan, director of CoisCeim Broadreach, participants will move to old favourites such as the music of Doris Day and Frank Sinatra, and the choreography of Fred Astaire and Busby Berkeley.
“These dance classes are not only an excellent way to keep fit, they also perform a wonderful social function and bring many people together,” said Ms Donnellan.
“I would describe the classes as being holistic in nature and we’ve worked with people who have mobility issues; no one is excluded.”

Ms Donnellan said CoisCeim Broadreach took its influences from a very varied background when it came to forms of dance.
“It is really a contemporary dance company that uses movement and would take influences from a lot of different sources, including modern-dance, jazz and old-time,” she stated.
“I believe we had one person over 100-years-of-age at one of our classes.”
For those aged over 50 and who may have missed the series of free dance classes there is the option of attending a 10-day intensive workshop that will take place in the NCH from May 12-16 and May 19–24.
After two weeks of creativity, practice and fun, participants will present a dance piece accompanied by live music in the John Field Room at the NCH on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24.
Working with CoisCéim’s award-winning dancers and classical musicians from the NCH, over 20 people aged over 50 will be led through a rich variety of choreography and a range of musical favourites.
Founded in 2006, CoisCéim Broadreach co-ordinates projects such as ‘Too Young To Be Old’, to promote and increase awareness of contemporary dance theatre, and to enable greater participation in a creative, social and health-affirming art form.
For people who want to try a class before committing to the two-week project, there are currently taster dance and music workshops running on the Northside.
For more information about dates and venues of classes, contact CoisCeim Dance Theatre on 8780558 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

'We wanted life for life'

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Paul Hickey, who is originally from Darndale, appeared before a Spanish court last week, where he was found guilty of the charge of homicidio - a lesser offence than murder - for the brutal death...
+ Full Story

Disabled waiting months for lift repair

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Parts that are needed to ensure the operation of the lift at the John Paul II Park Sports Complex are in transit from Canada to Ireland, according to Dublin City Council. Following complaints...
+ Full Story

Education cuts may force pupils out

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

St Vincent’s School in Glasnevin is facing a future of uncertainty as it assesses the knock-on effect of the cost cutting measures. Principal Tim Hurley explained how the all-boys’...
+ Full Story

Locals pull together to bring David home

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

David Cahill suffered a severe panic attack, which triggered a massive heart attack, on the first day of his holiday in Crete on September 27. Doctors believed he suffered brain damage as a result...
+ Full Story