History
Dance Ireland, the trading name of the Association of Professional Dancers in Ireland Ltd [APDI] was founded in 1989 and incorporated as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee in 1992. Initially administered under the umbrella of the Dance Council of Ireland, APDI was a proactive initiative whereby dancers and choreographers could offer ongoing daily classes in contemporary and ballet techniques for the professional dance community.
The incorporating members were: John Scott, Roy Galvin, Zelda Quilligan, Robert Connor, Fiona Quilligan, Jeffrey Fox, and Loretta Yurick.
APDI was for many years a lifeline for the professional dance community. Over time the organisation developed its programme by introducing international guest residencies, choreographic programmes, master classes, cross arts sessions, and for a short period in the 1990s ran a dance festival (DanceFest).
As the organisation's programme grew in response to the dance sector's desire for practical support and developmental opportunities, so too did its advocacy voice and over the past 20 years has provided a platform for the membership to address issues of concern.
In 1997 the Arts Council allocated £1 million (€1,127,000) in to the idea of a dance centre in Dublin. To this day it is still the largest single capital award made by the Council, and was instrumental in the development of DanceHouse.
With the unanimous support of the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and its membership, the APDI successfully re-branded as Dance Ireland in 2006, at the same time assuming management of DanceHouse.
Ten years later, and to recognise this momentous occasion, a special tour was organised for Arts Council members and executive from 1997 to introduce DanceHouse, on 14 May 2007.