Dance Artist in Residence: The Rite of Spring -

by artist Breandán de Gallai in association with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company

Arising out of the Dance Artist in Residence programme 2011 – 2012, Cavan County Council Arts Office is pleased to present the launch event to the Fleadh Cheoil na h’Eireann 2012 … ‘The Rite of Spring’.

Premiere's at the Cathedral of St. Patrick & St. Felim, Cavan town (outside)
On Friday 10th August 2012 at 10.15pm

This event takes place immediately after the ‘Good Works’ art service by artist John Byrne, which takes place inside the Cathedral. This is not a ticketed event and is free of charge.

Photo by Arbutus

Almost one hundred years after the first performance, this interpretation of The Rite of Spring is inspired by the Stravinsky ballet of the same name and by the French tradition of Son et Lumière, specifically that which took place at the Cathedrale de Reims in 2011.

Created by Director of Ériu Dance Company in association with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company, this work combines key elements of Stravinsky’s work with Irish, contemporary and aerial dance. Featuring live music performed by pianists Michael Joyce and Sabine Ducrot, with some music contributions from members of the cast.

This opening event is part of an extensive contemporary arts programme for the Fleadh Cheoil na h'Éireann 2012.

Rite of Spring
Fidget Feet performance - Image by Arbutus

Watch the official video of the performance

Breandán de Gallai
As Principal Dancer for Riverdance, de Gallaí performed in Europe, USA, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and led the company at the opening ceremony of the World Special Olympic Games in 2003. He has shared the stage with the principals of The Royal Ballet and has shared headline status with José Carreras, performing for Presidents and Royalty across the continents. In 2007 he returned to Riverdance as Dance Director. He is currently completing a PhD in Arts Practice where his interest lies in the contemporisation of Irish dance, also the subject of his creation ‘Noctú’ (2011). De Gallaí is currently working on his second performance presentation, Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’. Since March 2011 Breandán has been the dance artist in residence in County Cavan. He created a dance event that was performed at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August 2011 and will premiere the ‘The Rite of Spring’ in Cavan as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2012.

Ériu Dance Company - Image by Arbutus

Watch promo video for Good Works and The Rite of Spring