Ireland’s first national and all-island dance company launched at University of Limerick

THE University of Limerick it played host to the launch of Ireland’s inaugural national and all-island dance company. 

Luail – Ireland’s national and all-island dance company launched to much colour and celebration at a special lunchtime event, with an outdoor dance performance a highlight of the festivities.

Funded by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at UL, Luail was established in 2024 to create new pathways and possibilities for dance artists working and living in Ireland. 

The company was formed by a team led by Liz Roche Company, with foundational strategic partners Maiden Voyage Dance and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick.

The launch of Luail was one strand of a two-day symposium titled celebrating 30 years of the Irish World Academy. The academy’s milestone anniversary celebrations kicked off earlier this year, in February, with a spectacular display of musical and dance performances across the UL campus, showcasing its breadth of creative talent and expertise.

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The event journeyed from the Irish World Academy to the Irish Chamber Orchestra studio, taking in speeches, signalling future collaborations, and presenting two newly commissioned works. These works included an outdoor performance of ‘Bridging’ by acclaimed Palestinian artist Amir Sabra, an alumnus of the Irish World Academy who graduated from the MA in Contemporary Dance Performance. Amir worked with composer Rossa O’Snodaigh and current MA students on the piece. The event also showcased a new short piece, ‘Partita’, by Liz Roche, created especially for the event in collaboration with members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Professor Helen Phelan, Director of the Irish World Academy, said: “This is a historic moment for dance in Ireland. The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance is honoured to be a partner in this new, all-island company, bringing the University of Limerick into the epicentre of dance developments in Ireland and beyond.”

Artistic Director of Luail, Liz Roche, spoke of the importance of the partnership as well as Amir’s contribution to the launch: “The partnership between Luail and the Irish World Academy is an integral part of our mission to establish new possibilities and pathways for artists on this island. 

“We were delighted to support Amir with an R&D (Research and Experimental Development) earlier this year as he developed his new piece, ‘Bridging’, ahead of his performance at UL. Amir’s skill is representative of the exciting new talent that is coming from the MA in Contemporary Dance Performance at the Irish World Academy, and we are very happy to be working in such close collaboration with our partners there, as we create new relationships with and pathways for new dance artists.”