Akram Khan at the MAC this August for Summer Dance Intensive
Ten artists from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have been selected to attend the Akram Khan Company Summer Intensive delivered in collaboration with Theatre and Dance NI and the MAC, Belfast.
The summer intensive will shine a light on the world-class artists and work being created here. From 15 - 20 August, 30 artists will come together and immerse themselves in a creative training process under the direction and mentorship of Akram Khan, Mavin Khoo (the Company’s Creative Associate), and AKC Associate Artist, Joy Alpuerto Ritter.
AKC is undisputedly one of the foremost innovative dance companies in the world. Their programmes range from Kathak and modern solos to artist-to-artist collaborations and ensemble productions. The company has a major international presence and enjoys busy tours that reach out to many cultures and peoples across the globe. Akram Khan has been the recipient of numerous international dance awards, the most notable being an Olivier Award for his solo production, DESH, in 2012. A milestone in the AKC’s journey was the creation of a section of the London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in 2012.
AKC, Theatre and Dance NI and the MAC are delighted to work together in supporting dance artists including providing them with the time and resources to practice, think, research, reflect and critically engage with their art and their profession.
The week will also include youth engagement sessions for the next generation of aspiring dancers in Northern Ireland.
On Thursday 18 August at 7.30pm at a free public event at the MAC, you can join us for a conversation with Akram Khan and Mavin Khoo as they unravel Akram’s journey into dance, reveal insights into his creative processes, and discuss the importance of nurturing new talent in the international dance ecosystem.
For those wishing to attend the free Conversation with Akram Khan and Mavin Khoo follow the link: Click here to book.
Artists from across the island of Ireland selected to be part of the Summer Intensive include:
Xara Smal
Sarah Flavelle
Michael McEvoy
Rosie Stebbing
Joia Anuradha Raychoudhury
Kerri Fitzsimmons
Philip D’Souza
Gerard Headley
Rosie Mullan
Grace Cuny
Mavin Khoo, Akram Khan Company’s Creative Associate, said, “We at AKC are so excited to be able to spend time in Belfast for our upcoming summer intensive. This year, the programme will bring together an excellent group of international and Irish-based dancers alongside three exciting choreographers - Carlos Aller, Alethia Antonia and Liam Francis – in an immersive week of training, rigour and exploration. The core of our creative cannon is in curiosity that remains awe-inspired by Dance and all that it offers. We are extremely happy to have formed a partnership with MAC, Belfast and Theatre and Dance NI and together, we look forward to an inspiring and fruitful intensive.”
Niamh Flanagan, Executive Director at Theatre & Dance NI (TDNI) said, “We are excited to partner with Akram Khan Company and The MAC to host the AKC Summer intensive in Belfast. This is a such a fantastic opportunity for ten contemporary dancers from the island of Ireland — 6 from Northern Ireland — to immerse themselves in their profession, training and practice with Akram, his invited choreographers and 20 other international dancers. This collaborative project is part of TDNI’s commitment to championing artists' professional development including supporting them to build stronger national and international connections.
Elaine Forde, Creative Learning Manager at the MAC, said “This is a really exciting collaboration to be part of and we can't wait to host Akram Khan Company and welcome all of the Summer Intensive participants to the MAC. Dance is an integral part of our programme and to work with an internationally-renowned choreographer providing dancers with such exciting opportunities, made possible by Theatre and Dance NI, is a real treat.”
How to attend
For those wishing to attend the free Conversation with Akram Khan and Mavin Khoo follow the link: https://themaclive.com/event/akram-khan-in-conversation
If you have any trouble registering, please email Molly at [email protected] who will be happy to help.
Theatre and Dance NI are principally funded by the Arts Council NI.
This event is funded by the Leche Trust and supported by Akram Khan Company, Theatre and Dance NI, the MAC and Dance Ireland.
