The program considers Irish dance practices within cultural, historical and practice-based perspectives. Students on the program critically engage with relevant literature and dance practices and undertake field research in a relevant Irish dance study of their choice. They also have the opportunity to interact with students on other related programs at the Irish World Academy. The aim of the program is to provide students with contextual, historical and embodied knowledge relating to different Irish dance practices. It also provides an invaluable foundation for those wishing to pursue dance research to doctoral level.

The program is unique in that it facilitates 2 independent streams of dance, Irish Traditional Dance and Contemporary Dance. Although independent, interactivity between these two dance genres is facilitated in the form of shared workshops, seminars and electives. The program offers advanced tuition in both forms of dance and is designed to cater for the creative and artistic needs of contemporary and Irish traditional dancers. The program explores aspects of repertoire and style within each of the two performance genres and it facilitates interactivity through the elective system with other related areas of study.

This programme provides you with a broad understanding of the theories and practices of dance movement therapy necessary for safe and effective clinical work, and enables you to practise as a dance movement therapist.

The master’s programme in dance performance consists of two years of full-time studies that develop your skills as a performer and as an independent and reflective artist. After graduating, you will be ready to work in the diverse and changing contexts of dance art. You will develop as a solo performer and as an active member of an artistic team.

The Master of Arts in Dance offers two specializations: Choreography, on one hand, Teaching and Coaching Dance Professionals on the other. It builds the choreographic and teaching skills needed to work with dance professionals and to qualify for the relevant professions. Coursework includes choreographic methods, teaching skills, and artistic research with a view to developing an individual artist or teaching profile. The programme promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and helps students to establish a sustainable network within the international field of dance.