Dancer in Residence is looking for people to take part in Flashmobs

As part of the Public Art Programme of Commissions Cavan County Council Arts Office has appointed Breandán de Gallaí as Dance Artist in Residence 2011 - 2012. Breandán is a dancer and choreographer who has toured the world as principle dancer with Riverdance and has since created a number of his own successful productions such as Balor and Noctú. The aim of the Residency in County Cavan is two-fold: to raise the profile of dance in the county and to create a new body of work with emerging dance artists. To this end Breandán staged an open rehearsal and masterclasses in choreography at the Backyard Studios recently targeting dancers across the county. Breandán is very impressed with the level of skill and talent in the county, most notably from the Pascal Lyons School of Dance which has a very strong presence in his rehearsals and masterclasses. "The dancers who attend have really exceeded my expectations," said Breandán, "and masterclasses have quickly become a creative experience". James Greenan from Cootehill came to a choreography masterclass at The Backyard in Moynehall recently and was instantly snapped up as a performer in Noctú and Riverdance. To launch the residency Breandán proposes to stage Flashmobs during the Fleadh Cheoil in August this year in which the whole community can participate, regardless of skill level. Rehearsals for this event will take place at the Backyard Studios and Cavan town. Following the Fleadh Breandán will be providing Cavan dancers with the unique experience of rehearsing for his latest show Noctu for an 'Off Broadway' run at the Irish Repertory Theatre in Manhattan this September. This opens doors for Cavan dancers by presenting them with an opportunity to hone their skills performing an internationally significant Irish production. After this Breandán will be actively talent‐scouting for a new dance performance called Rite of Spring, and is keen for dancers in the county to inform this work. Many of the dancers he has engaged with so far have signed up to participate in this new dance production planned for completion in late Spring 2012. Flashmob rehearsals are due to take place on three consecutive Saturdays from July 30. Participants must be age 12 or over and have an interest in dance. Adults and group leaders are encouraged to come forward and join in the fun! Breandán studied modern jazz, ballet and tap in addition to Irish dance at the Gus Giodrano Dance Academy in Chicago, for which he won a scholarship. He has won numerous dancing awards, including national, provisional and British championships. It's important to register your interest so call 049-4378548 during office hours or email rtidy@cavancoco.ie.