Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Funding and Development Agency
for The Arts in Northern Ireland

028 9262 3555 info@artscouncil-ni.org

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Bringing a festival of dance and movement to life in Northern Ireland

Browse Blog

Latest Blog

Bringing a festival of dance and movement to life in Northern Ireland

Tuesday 28th February 2017 at 10am 2208 Comments Dance

Dones by Leilani Weis (Barcelona) at the Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement Image: Dones by Leilani Weis (Barcelona) at the Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement

Ailbe Beirne, Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company Manager and Co-Producer of the Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement talks about his role with the festival, the origins of the idea and outlines how the festival has gone from strength to strength over the past 4 years. 

"Echo Echo’s work has always defied categorisation. It is dance but a truly unique approach to movement that we call ‘Poetic Movement’. It is challenging and deeply professional but intrinsically participative and accessible for all ages and abilities. It is an ecosystem of people, practice and projects that connect and inspire in so many different ways – professional dancers, people with disabilities, young people, theatre practitioners, adults of all ages, designers, musicians, schools and children.

The idea for a festival of dance and movement began long ago in the minds of the company’s founding artists Steve Batts and the late Ursula Laeubli. When Echo Echo arrived in Derry twenty years ago in January 1997, contemporary approaches to dance were undeveloped locally. Over the following years as resident company at the Playhouse and Waterside theatres, and now at purpose-refurbished Echo Echo Studios on the City Walls, connecting national and international networks of artists and artistic practices with local people – artists, audiences and participants – has very much been at the heart of the Echo Echo’s work. Many local participants during these years have gone on to professional careers as dancers, actors and teachers in Ireland and abroad.

Not long after I began working with Echo Echo in 2003 I attended Edinburgh Fringe, and in particular the Aurora Nova venue at St Stephen’s, where I watched a series of phenomenally inspiring and genre-defying theatre works by companies like Jo Stromgren Kompani, Do-Theatre, Renegade Theatre and Song of the Goat Theatre to name but a few. I had never seen or heard anything like this physical and visual theatre work and it allowed me to place Echo Echo’s practice in a fresh European context, we returned to perform there in 2006, and cemented my nascent place as part of the company.

The vision of an international dance festival to connect the different strands of Echo Echo’s local and international work was first mooted in 2007. It took us six years to realise this dream and an undoubted slice of luck that City of Culture status was awarded to Derry-Londonderry in 2013. With vital support of Graeme Farrow at Culture Company and Gilly Campbell at ACNI, the resources for a first edition of Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement were finally confirmed after years of immeasurable development work involving many people.

From 2013 to 2016 Echo Echo has produced four editions of the Festival under increasingly challenging financial circumstances and with enormous levels of goodwill offered by artists and companies involved, all while establishing its new home studios and annual programming of up to one hundred performance, participation and artistic development projects each year.

Over these four programmes Echo Echo Festival has been privileged to host award-winning shows such as Fabrik’s Pandora 88 (Germany), Do-Theatre’s Hangman (Russia), and Ockham’s Razor’s Tipping Point (England). The Festival has commissioned new work by locally based artists including Ayesha Mailey’s Ludo Lusi Lusum, Kelly Quigley’s Fractals and Oona Doherty’s Echo Hunt as well as hosting new work by Bridget Madden, Sheena Kelly, Gary Rowntree and over 30 NI and Ireland based artists to perform their work – several artists going on to further national and international touring. 

Artists from over 20 countries have performed at the four Festivals including Casebolt and Smith (US), Chico and Shoko (Japan), Stellaris (Norway), Mirva Makinen company (Finland), and Voices Dance (Moldova) to name but five of over 40 international artists and companies. Engaging works for family audiences have been particular highlights with Tanzfuchs’ Munch (Germany), Zoe Ramsey and Tonya Sheina’s A Box (NI), and Spazio Seme’s Cimosa (Italy) among many others.

Audiences have grown each year despite tiny Festival advertising budgets, and over 1400 audience and participants were involved in the most recent edition in 2016, including many returning visitors.  From their feedback we know that many have had very moving and often life-changing experiences.

It was challenging to bring the Festival out of Echo Echo Studios in 2016 for the first time to produce events in Foyle Arena, Ulster University, and at Donemana Primary School among many others.  The Festival workshop programme has been hugely inspirational to both emerging and established artists and to public participants from local schools and youth dance groups and projects like Body Wisdom. Artist talks, Festival Symposiums, bursary programmes, film presentations, and live music events have attracted diverse attendance and participation from around the island. Partnership and collaboration has been an essential element.

Another notable highlight of Echo Echo Festival has been the Open Call programme which has attracted in excess of 300 applications over the last three years. From this entry, a mix of 30 local and international artists and companies have been programmed but equally importantly it has been a wonderful creative exchange and led to numerous supported residencies at Echo Echo Studios, and opened doors for artists like Maria Svensson, among others, to collaborate extensively with the company – Maria joins the Echo Echo Ensemble for the company’s all-island tour of The Cove during February to April 2017.

Echo Echo is delighted to have developed financial support for the Festival from a range of public and private funders including Arts Council NI and Derry City and Strabane District Council, several trusts and foundations, many local businesses, increasing box office revenues, and two crowdfunding successes with over 120 supporters. We are extremely thankful to them all – especially in these increasingly difficult times for arts funding.

I believe it is vitally important that the ecosystems within Echo Echo and within the wider arts sector are recognised as playing key roles in the success of this event – without Steve Batts’ networks and experience we certainly could not have programmed such a richly diverse programme; without Echo Echo Studios and equipment resources, and the core Echo Echo staff and voluntary ensemble team, such an event would cost very substantially more; and without the warm and creative goodwill of many dozens of artists and partners involved it would be difficult to replicate the nuanced and amazingly supportive Festival audience that has now been developed. 

I hope that despite the ongoing funding pressures and persistent short-termism for artists and arts organisations that this particular ecosystem will survive to produce a fifth edition of Echo Echo Festival Dance and Movement in November 2017."

Ailbe Beirne
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company Manager
Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement Co-Producer

 

Photos

Comments (2208)

Add Your Comment

  • Escorts service in Chandigarh, Friday 9th August 2019 at 1pm

    Just, if you can go back in the past, say five to six decades ago, there wasn’t the notion of escorting Escorts service in Chandigarh. Call girls were not too much in the fashion at such times. Most people had to be satisfied with the courtesan. Most courtesans were dancing and entertaining individuals Chandigarh escorts service.
    escorts service in Chandigarh

  • shristi patni, Wednesday 21st August 2019 at 11am

    nice blog with lots of useful content

  • selina lewis, Friday 6th September 2019 at 11am

    We can provide you with the best assistance if you are dealing with Roku error code 003. This error code when your Roku player is unable to get the latest software. You can get the solution to this issue by either going to Roku com link or by calling us at our Roku tech support number.

  • rose mary, Tuesday 10th September 2019 at 9am

    I Saw Your Website Carefully. Thanks For Create Such Kind of Informative Website. Your All Content Is Relevant To Your Subject. I Say Keep It Continue, Because Your Website And Subject Is Meaningful For The Users. I Have Recommended Your Website With My Friends Also.
    I Am Ritu Sharma. I Run My Own Mumbai Hot Escorts Service. I Am Very Hot And Sexy. I Have Five Years’ Experience In My Profession. That’s why I Understand the Each Personal Needs of My Every Client. My Service Charge Is Low And Service Is Super. You Can Avail My Hot Escort Service At Your Home Or In Hotel. I Am Comfortable To Provide Service In Local And Outside Also. To Book My Service Call +91- 9OO4OO9481
    Visit http://www.escortservicemumbai.net/mumbai-hot-escorts/ 

    Visit The Links Below And Have A Look At My Various Mumbai Escort Services-
    Mumbai Escorts
    Mumbai Call Girls
    Juhu Escorts
    Andheri Escorts
    Mumbai Hot Escorts
    Private Escorts In Mumbai
    Mumbai Prostitutes

  • sweetheart, Wednesday 11th September 2019 at 12pm

    I Am Thankful To You For Create Such Kind Of Informative Website. Really It Is Useful According Your Current Topic. I Suggest To Keep This Continue For Those People, Who Are Looking For Such Kind Of Niche. After See Your Niche I Have Recommended Your Website With My Friends Also.
    My name is Arpita Jain. I run my independent Mumbai Escorts Service. I am an independent Mumbai escort girl. My service charge is low according the current market price. My service is super, because I know very well the personal requirement of my each customer. I am comfortable to provide my Mumbai Escorts Service at your home or in Hotel. Visit- http://www.arpitajain.org/ Call- +91 9OO4458359
    Visit The Links Below And Have A Look At My Various Mumbai Escort Services-


    Mumbai Escorts Service

    Juhu Escorts
    Mumbai Call Girls
    Escort Service In Mumbai
    Andheri Escorts
    Bandra Escorts

     

  • Kindle Fire Repair, Friday 13th September 2019 at 6am

    It's a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information. The content of your post is awesome, Great work. We are familiar with Kindle Fire Repair because we have If you want to know how Kindle Fire Repair works, then you have a great option, get in touch with our experts. 

  • complete kodi setup, Friday 13th September 2019 at 6am

    It’s a great pleasure reading your post. Its full of information. The content of your post is awesome, Great work. We are familiar with complete kodi setup because we have helped people with the same thing on a number of occasions.

  • Google WiFi Setup, Saturday 14th September 2019 at 5am

    It’s a great pleasure reading your post. Its full of information. The content of your post is awesome, Great work. We are familiar with Google WiFi Setup because we have helped people with the same thing on a number of occasions.

  • Priya , Thursday 26th September 2019 at 10am

    It has been great to read this article it was quiet to be nice you every detail about the topic Thanks for sharing this article with us.  If you want escort service then visit here - https://www.sarakaur.com/malviya-nagar-escorts.php

  • ronaldo drogba, Monday 30th September 2019 at 11am

    Get the best Roku customer support by calling us @ +1-844-839-1180 toll-free number. We are experts in Roku.com/link activation, troubleshooting Roku and also in channel activation on Roku.

  • leenaroy, Tuesday 1st October 2019 at 7am

    You may twist all completed to locate your best female sidekick. It is fulfilling for you to get a handle on that your wild goose look for after accomplishes an end with Independent Escorts in Delhi

  • Pooja, Thursday 3rd October 2019 at 11am

    Woo Amazing Post, Thanks for Sharin
    Hello Guys My Self Pooja escorts Gurgaon Independent Escort Come to join the Party Tonight Book Gurgaon Escorts Girls by Pooja. I am Offering Best Gurgaon Escorts Service.
    <a >Gurgaon Escorts</a>

  • Nancy Oberoi, Wednesday 9th October 2019 at 7am

    Across the whole area, we have to provide relationships and can get you to locations where you may not be able to determine or maybe be conscious of much less. They will show you which of them have a lot of exclusive choices or which of them supplies the softest sweet beef and which of them have such unusual bottles of champagne. Maybe you want to be a daytime marketer and want to find out what else Hyderabad needs to deliver.  Escorts in Hyderabad |
    http://www.nancyoberoi.com/

  • aliya arora, Wednesday 9th October 2019 at 10am

    I am not touchy here and for this detectable article. I have a stack of gawky information for my gratefulness here, which I need. Each one goal behind the intrigue that you oblige us, it was especially certain and satisfying, the commitment of authentication share this stunning post is all nearby by.
    https://www.modelescortsindelhi.com/
    https://www.ishagarg.in/

  • Intuit Login, Wednesday 9th October 2019 at 11am

    Intuit Login

  • Aaru Garg, Friday 11th October 2019 at 9am

    Amazing Post! The Bhakoot Gun Milan test in Kundali matching is allocated a maximum score of 7, and therefore it is called as the 2nd most critical test which increases the anxiety levels of the couple.

  • Office Login, Saturday 12th October 2019 at 1pm

    Microsoft office is worldwide application which used by several kind of business man for management of database and details. Now this facility has been updated for online also. You can access your office anywhere by the help of your Microsoft email id and password. This is the key to access your office 365 online.
    Sometime office login error occur if. So fix it self because it may be little. If unable to solve it. So contact to the support team of Microsoft . Microsoft customer care is available for help anytime.
    http://officelogin.org/
    http://norton-login.org/
    http://kaspersky-login.me/
    http://webrootlogin.org/
    Garmin Login

  • Mumbai Escorts, Saturday 12th October 2019 at 5pm

    My Name Is Priya Singh. I Run My Own Mumbai Escorts Service. I Am An Independent Mumbai Escort Girl. I Am Beautiful And Hot. My Service Charge Is Low And Service Is Super. Being Professional I Have Seven Years’ Experience As An Escort Girl. So I Understand And Feel The Real Needs And Requirement Of My Each Client. According The Convenience You Can Avail My VIP Escort Service At Your Home Or In Hotel Also. 
    To Book My VIP Mumbai Escort Service Call +91 9987215552.    Visit   http://www.escortagencyinmumbai.com/

  • Mary90, Tuesday 15th October 2019 at 8am

    I ordered coursework after reading boost my grades reviews recently and even have not expected that it would be done so fast! Really! My writer Mina was very polite during communication, she answered all my questions and also clarified with me what I would like to include in my coursework, what materials to accompany and what should be avoided.

  • McAfee Login, Tuesday 15th October 2019 at 1pm

    Very efficiently written information. It will be priceless to anybody who uses it, together with myself. Sustain the good work – for positive i will try extra posts.

      McAfee Login

  • Rudranidevi, Thursday 17th October 2019 at 7am

    marvelous astrology services for life’s problems; this world famous astrologer in england is rather popular.best astrologer in uk

  • Turbotax Login, Friday 18th October 2019 at 1pm

    What is Turbotax? On earning a specific amount of income, it becomes a tax return by every individual and work. Turbotax simplifies the process of filing the tax return, by providing its users with various tax forms and proper assistance for tax filling. Along with this, Turbotax automatically calculates the tax obligation
    http://myturbotaxlogin.com

  • Webroot.com/safe, Saturday 19th October 2019 at 9am

    The Webroot.com/safe keeps you safe while browsing, shopping, banking, and using your device offline as well, simply click on wsainstaller file and run it, webroot will be installed. If you are still getting problem call expert for webroot support help.

  • Demi Pritchard, Monday 21st October 2019 at 11am

    Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it’s nice to find a website the details so much information about different artists.
    Know is CouchTuner Safe and Legal only on your favorite review website.

  • roshnikhanna, Friday 25th October 2019 at 1pm

    I am so grateful for your article.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
    Escorts in Cyber City Gurgaon

  • Sheryl92, Saturday 26th October 2019 at 1pm

    There has probably been a “do my essay for me” situation in every student`s life. Some ignore the inner voice and continue to fight a number of assignments that the instructors keep overloading them with. It`s an open secret that the Internet is full of the providers of the writing services of a different quality like this
    “do my exam for me”

  • KevinSladen, Tuesday 29th October 2019 at 7am

    Hulu allows you to stream many movies and shows on your device. Visit www.hulu.com/activate code, just enter the activation code and link it with device. Enjoy continuous streaming!

  • Online Casino Deutschland, Friday 1st November 2019 at 11am

    Online Spielautomaten in Deutschland im Vergleich. Alle Seriöse Online Casinos in Deutschland in einer Übersicht.

  • Adam Thomas, Saturday 2nd November 2019 at 9am

    This is really nice. I would like to thank you for the information that you gave to us. Get your online Java assignment help services which help you to tackle all your hurdles regarding your assignment help.
    Java Assignment Help

  • Ronald Lee, Monday 4th November 2019 at 7am

    I am so happy after reading article.Great job.Also check orbi login

  • AVG Login, Monday 4th November 2019 at 9am

    AVG Login Account is a platform where you can manage your AVG subscriptions. After login, you can access various features of AVG antivirus.

  • call center software, Monday 4th November 2019 at 10am

    Choose the best Call Center Software for your Business
    We are one of the best call center software provider to enterprises, SMB’s.
    Top IP PBX

  • John Lay, Monday 4th November 2019 at 1pm

    Thanks for Sharing the useful and informative information. I am regular user of your website, I am also a blogger, writing reviews and rating on different different website, If you want to check reviews and rating about Movies Downloading Posts please check tamilrockers, please read here

  • Aimee Fernindis, Tuesday 5th November 2019 at 11am

    I suppose that I’m likely to get the reports in future I’have some thoughts relating to this kindly test it.
    Goa escorts

  • Kanika Rajput, Tuesday 5th November 2019 at 11am

    I am actually impressed with all you Present your thoughts, I short in this issue I’m carrying this there is a fantastic wisdom and information thanks for sharing with us.
    Udaipur escorts

  • Anjali Mehta, Tuesday 5th November 2019 at 11am

    I applause to you which you’re the best writer in the analytics guy that was greatest along with this universe I’ve experienced.
    Dehradun escorts

  • Piyali Shah, Tuesday 5th November 2019 at 11am

    So you have got frame this sort of Fantastic article in an approach which is best I’m in a position to get that,
    Mumbai escorts

  • Pragya Thakur, Tuesday 5th November 2019 at 11am

    you have some fantastic knowledge of the problem. I am certain that you’re likely to be the very best author within my portfolio.
    Hyderabad escorts

  • Roose Aana, Thursday 7th November 2019 at 8am

    Dear Author, thank you for sharing the useful and informative information. I am regularly read your articles and i love your writing skills. I am a blogger, writing on different - different tpics. Here my recent posted article, please check - Write My Assignment.

  • williom, Thursday 7th November 2019 at 12pm

    Free janam kundli analysis by date of birth and time. Janak kundali help you’re to know everything about your future, and planet effects on your life.  Get online kundli in Hindi and English.  Janam Kundli also known as birth chart, Janma Patrika.

  • Punam Malik, Friday 8th November 2019 at 2pm

    I’d like to thanks Due to This really Excellent read!! I certainly adored every bit of it. I have you stored as a favorite to analyze things that are new you article…
    Goa escorts

  • Mcafee Login, Tuesday 12th November 2019 at 12pm

    <a >Mcafee Login</a> Account is your one-stop key for accessing and utilising all the benefits and features of the amazing Mcafee security applications

  • Mcafee Login, Tuesday 12th November 2019 at 12pm

    [url=http://mcafee-login.org/]Mcafee Login[/ur] Account is your one-stop key for accessing and utilising all the benefits and features of the amazing Mcafee security applications

  • Mcafee Login, Tuesday 12th November 2019 at 12pm

    Mcafee Login Account is your one-stop key for accessing and utilising all the benefits and features of the amazing Mcafee security applications
    http://mcafee-login.org

Add Your Comment

* Required fields

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's website. Find out more
Continue