Dance Ireland Residency: Jack Philp

Date:

Mon 31 Mar 2025 - Fri 4 Apr 2025

Time:

10:00 - 18:00

Venue:

DanceHouse

An entire digital universe set in motion by a single human body. This residency at Dance Ireland creates space to begin a new research journey for an immersive collaboration bringing together contemporary dance, motion capture and mixed-mode responsive digital environments. During the residency week Jack will spend time experimenting with movement and motion capture equipment, diving into the intersection of human and machine to explore ways in which they can dialogue with one another. The time will be spent generating choreography using a range of improvisations and stimulus material, harvesting motion capture data and using the two in a cycle to continue generating material in an iterative process. The ambition is to create a sequential process of experimentation whereby the choreography evolves in real-time, driven by the dialogue between organic movement and digital data.  

This research forms the first step into a new project exploring our evolving relationship to AI and technology. As AI and digital technologies rapidly evolve, they can often feel distant, inaccessible, or even intimidating. This research aims to shift that narrative by making technology feel playful, engaging, and a part of the creative process. Rather than a tool that distances us from the "human," the machine here becomes a collaborator, a partner in the creative journey.  

As the world moves to embrace advanced technologies and AI, this research positions it as the beating heart of a collaboration where human meets machine. As a choreographer, Jack’s work is driven by a want for people to feel excited about what’s next and to feel part of embracing the future, particularly in an era where AI and technology can seem both daunting yet full of potential. Underpinning the research is a motivation for people to feel connected to the future; playful, inviting, and full of possibility. 

About Jack Philp 

Jack is an internationally recognised choreographer and director, and the Artistic Director of his independent collective, Jack Philp Dance. His work, which merges live dance, digital technology, and science, has toured and connected to venues and festivals across Europe and the UK. Recent projects include a UK tour of ‘Into the Novacene’ and an international collaboration with Planetarium Hamburg focused on immersive technologies. Jack's creative practice spans stage, screen, and immersive digital experiences, with collaborations across dance, fashion, sound, AI, and immersive tech. He has created work for Intoto Dance Company, National Dance Company Wales, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and recently collaborated with the National Ballet of Jersey. An experienced facilitator, Jack led NDCWales as their Interim Rehearsal Director before becoming their Engagement Artist in 2022. He is also an alum of the Clore Leadership programme and continues to lead in both professional touring companies and youth dance. 

Header image by Hannah Bracher-Smith

Headshot by Kirsten McTernan

Find out about other Dance Ireland Residency Recipients here.