Step Up: Dance Project is a partnership between the Arts Council, Dance Ireland and the University of Limerick. The project aims to bridge the gap between dance education and professional contemporary dance practice in Ireland. It is an intensive eight-week programme of training, rehearsals, performance and development for six selected dancers who have just completed their professional training. Step Up programme will enhance these dancers’ professional networks by connecting them to the Irish contemporary dance community and improving their professional opportunities in Ireland.

Now in its second year, this initiative will give dance graduates an opportunity to work under the direction of two guest choreographers, John Jasperse (US) and Liz Roche (IRL), to create a programme of short works. These will be performed at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, DanceHouse in Dublin, and at the Firkin Crane in Cork. Performances will take place over the last weekend of the project (23 – 26 August). Guest dance teachers will also work with the participants over the eight-week period.

The project will run from 02 July to 26 August and dancers will reside at UL, utilising state of the art studios and facilities at the Irish World Academy. Accommodation will be provided and participants will receive an honorarium for their involvement.

We are seeking applications from exceptional young dancers who will graduate in summer 2012 or who have graduated from professional level dance training within the past two years. Applicants must be born or resident in the Republic of Ireland and have a strong dance technique.

Please send your CV, a DVD or web link of recent dance footage, along with a one-page cover letter describing why you would like to be involved in the project.