The Arts Council, University of Limerick and Dance Ireland have announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at forming a bridge between dance education and professional dance practice in Ireland. 

The initiative is a direct response to the policy priorities identified in the Arts Council's document An Integrated Dance Strategy 2010 -2012 and it was formed on the basis of a broad consultative process undertaken by the Arts Council and the University of Limerick in 2010.

The primary purpose of its programme is to improve opportunities for talented dancers from Ireland who, out of necessity, move abroad to further their studies each year.  It also creates a means by which these dancers can interact with and reconnect to the Irish professional contemporary dance community.

In 2011, this new initiative will run as a pilot programme from 4 July to 14  August, giving six young dancers, who have recently completed their professional training, an opportunity to work under the direction of established guest choreographers and teachers to create a programme of short works. These will be performed at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (IWAMD) at UL and at DanceHouse, Dublin over the last weekend of the project.

Throughout the project, the dancers will be in residence at UL and utilising the new state of the art studios of the IWAMD. Accommodation will be provided and participants will receive an honorarium for their involvement. Applications to take part in the project will be through Dance Ireland.

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