Associate Artist 2016 - 2017 Announcement
Liam Scanlon
Dance Ireland is delighted to announce Sean Nós Dancer Liam Scanlon as Associate Artist for 2016-2017. Mayo born Liam is an award winning and accomplished Sean Nós performer, collaborator and teacher, working nationally and internationally.
A recent graduate of the MA in Traditional Dance Performance at University of Limerick, Liam has performed extensively throughout Ireland, the UK, France, New Zealand and the United States, with among others Damhsa Dance Company, and on shows including Ragús, Avalon Celtic Dances, Atlantic Rhythm. Currently Liam is working on Sokalo Remix in collaboration with Zogma Danse Collectif, Montreal on Irish and Canadian tours. Liam has also performed alongside an eclectic range of traditional music artists, including Altan, Goitse, De Dannan, Kíla, We Banjo 3.
A winner of Corn TG4 at Oireachtas na Gaeilge (2008) and winner of senior Sean Nós dancing at the World Fleadh (2009), Liam frequently adjudicates at competitions including All Ireland Fleadh, An tOireachtas, Féile Pan Cheilteach and Féile na Mí. In addition his extensive teaching engagements, include Le Bono Winter School, Ballyshannon Folk Festival, Tokyo C.C.É and summer schools in Birmingham, Westport, and Irish Dance Festival, Carlingford. TV work includes TG4 An Jig Gig, Poball and Féilte.
Liam was commissioned to choreograph Patrick by Westport Town Hall Theatre (2016) and has contributed choreography to shows including Legend of Grainne Mhaol, The Admiral and Wild Atlantic Show. This is an area of focus for Liam, who will use his time as Associate Artist to develop his choreographic ideas and creative collaborations.
Liam has identified Dance Ireland’s Associate Artist Programme as a key opportunity to develop my own dance practice further through strengthening links with dance artists in other genres as well as the traditional arts, and through time to explore, learn and reflect, and allow me valuable time to realise my vision as a choreographer at this critical stage of my career.
The Associate Artist Programme complements Dance Ireland’s ongoing work of supporting dance artists through professional development opportunities, residencies, mentorships, platforms and practical supports which facilitate the development of all forms of dance in Ireland today.
To date Dance Ireland has supported seven Associate Artists in their self-directed projects: Aoife McAtamney, Emma Martin and Liv O’Donoghue (2012/13); Maria Nilsson Waller and Philip Connaughton (2013/14), Catherine Young (2014/15) and Patricia Crosbie (2015/16).
To keep up to date with developments, check out: www.danceireland.ie.