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STEPPING THE LAND

A dance theatre performance project for people aged 18-80+
22nd March – 12th May 2024

Led by Kildare Dance Artist in Residence Philippa Donnellan and Theatre Artist Ruth Lehane.

Developed in partnership with Kildare County Council Arts Service and Riverbank Arts Centre and supported by The Arts Council.

STEPPING THE LAND – a performance project designed to invigorate the soul, challenge the mind, and awaken the senses! Beginning 22nd March, we’ll meet each week in Newbridge Town Hall to explore themes about our connections to the natural world and relationship to the land – and the stories that we hold. For 8 weeks we’ll have fun together and let our imaginations run wild, culminating in two very special public performances on a working farm in the townland of Belan, South Kildare.

In the practice sessions we’ll explore the themes – dipping into varied sensory forms of movement and responding to music of many kinds. We’ll also play with text and the spoken word to conjure new narratives – tapping into our experiences of nature and the environment as we go. Following a group outing to a farm site where the performances will take place, we’ll draw fresh inspiration to devise contemporary choreography and new dance theatre.

STEPPING THE LAND will culminate in two performances by participants for friends, family and the general public, on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2024.

PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

Weekly Practice Sessions at Newbridge Town Hall, Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 C652
FRIDAYS 6pm-8:30pm 22nd & 29th March | 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th April | 3rd May
SATURDAYS 11am-2pm 23rd & 30th March | 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th April

Participants Farm Site Visit March (day and time to be arranged)
Final practice on farm site Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th and Friday 10th May

STEPPING THE LAND PERFORMANCES
Saturday 11th May 6pm
Sunday 12th May 3pm

  • Commitment to the project is important – however if there are a few sessions that you cannot attend, no problem you can still take part!
  • If you don’t have your own transport don’t worry, we can arrange car-sharing when working on the farm.
  • You will need to be available for the full day on both performance days (Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May)

Disclaimer
Whilst we welcome adults of any age/experience, please be mindful that STEPPING THE LAND is a site-specific project incorporating a 7-week series of workshops and two public performances in a rural setting. The final rehearsals and performances will take place on a working farm in designated indoor and outdoor spaces, and on varied floors/grounds and surfaces. The rural setting may not suit all abilities or those with underlying health conditions. We would advise you to get in touch if you have any queries.

You can register to participate HERE.

FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have any queries about STEPPING THE LAND please contact Philippa at: kildaredanceproject@gmail.com

OTHER DANCE OPPORTUNITIES 20th MARCH – 24th APRIL
For any adult who wishes to dance!
Led by Philippa, these are FREE/DROP-IN creative dance sessions, Wednesday morning 11am–12pm on
20th & 27th March | 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th April in Newbridge Townhall, Main St, Co. Kildare, W12 C652.

Photo by Anthony Griffin