Archive
This page serves as an archive of CoisCéim Dance Theatre’s recent press releases, documenting our performances, collaborations, and recent milestones. For press enquiries, additional materials, or interview requests, please contact our publicist John Kenny at Culturehead PR.
Mar 30 2026
IMMA Horizons x CoisCéim Dance Theatre Living Canvas
Dance films by CoisCéim Dance Theatre to be screened on the Living Canvas at IMMA
Two young brothers who immigrated to Ireland from the Dominican Republic in 2014 will share their story on Europe's largest outdoor screen at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), from April 16 to 30.
BREAKIN' BROTHERS is a film by CoisCéim Dance Theatre in partnership with Wildfire Films.
The dance documentary tells the incredible true story of brothers Cristian and Cosmo, who harness their breakdancing skills to overcome adversity and gain acceptance in contemporary Ireland.
The screening is being presented as part of IMMA Horizons, a programming strand specifically showcasing work developed through local communities as well as Arts and Health partnerships.
Other films to be shown include the 2011 IFTA-nominated “Deep End Dance,” directed by Conor Horgan and featuring a surreal and extraordinary underwater dance between CoisCéim's Artistic Director, David Bolger, and his mother, Madge.
Speaking ahead of the screenings, David Bolger remarked:
“It’s an absolute honor to be partnering with IMMA Horizons to show our film work on the Living Canvas. As a dance company, we have always aimed to explore innovative, unexpected ways to showcase dance, from our live performances and film projects to virtual reality. It is fitting that one of the film's 'Breakin' Brothers' final scene was shot in the beautiful quadrant at Imma. So it's a home coming of sorts. Enjoy the screenings"
The screenings are dedicated to Martha O'Neill, the well-known filmmaker who passed away last year and was the producer of both films.
“Martha, the extraordinarily talented filmmaker and friend of our company, would have loved to have seen the films continue to inspire audiences. As we approach her year anniversary, we would like to dedicate these screenings to her memory.”
Living Canvas at IMMA is a partnership between IMMA and IPUT Real Estate. The two-year program presents contemporary art films and moving image works by Irish and international artists. The screening is part of CoisCéim Cinematheque, an initiative by CoisCéim Dance Theatre that seeks to find innovative ways to screen dance films and engage new audiences with the art form.
CoisCéim Cinematheque at IMMA’s Living Canvas, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, will take place from April 16 to 30 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.
For further information, see: www.coisceim.com
November 1st 2025
Moving Signatures
A new collaboration uniting the Irish Museum of Modern Art and CoisCéim Broadreach is inviting members of the public to experience the museum's permanent collection exhibition in a cross disciplinary performance experience.
A unique dance performance is set to take place at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) on Sunday, November 16th. The performance, entitled Moving Signatures, will feature participants from CoisCéim Broadreach in a physical response to the museum's permanent collection exhibition Art As Agency and the historical site of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Featuring 19 participants, audience members are invited to follow the dance in a promenade-style experience through IMMA’s communal and transitory spaces, exploring how movement activates the museum’s social and spatial architecture.
The site-responsive performance is guided by choreographer and filmmaker Jonathan Mitchell and is the culmination of a collaborative, movement-based slow-art project together with IMMA Horizons Curator Sundara O’Higgins. Over the past four months, participants have explored and recorded their unique movement signatures in response to selected artworks, collectively shaping a new choreography. Commenting on the performance, Mitchell invited audience members to come and be inspired:
“Moving Signatures started from the idea that our bodies archive our lived physical experiences as we grow and age, leading to the creation of a unique movement. For months now we have been working with the participants to create physical responses to the artworks and the grounds of IMMA. I think audience members will find the experience truly inspiring.”
Speaking ahead of the performance Sundara O'Higgins, Curator of IMMA Horizons, remarked:
“We’re delighted to partner with CoisCéim Dance Theatre's Broadreach, which offers a dynamic response to artworks from the museum's collection in the Art as Agency exhibition. The project aligns with our mission to be a radically public space - breaking down barriers to participation and bringing contemporary art closer to people’s lived experience. For those who have yet to visit the current exhibition, it will make for an exciting and thought-provoking afternoon at the museum.”
Moving Signatures will take place on Sunday, November 16th, at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) with performances scheduled for 12:15 PM, 1 PM and 1:45 PM.
Jul 11, 2025
Free Outdoor Dance Performances Inspired by Dublin City
BENCH by CoisCéim Dance Theatre will see outdoor performances take place at Dublin’s George’s Dock this weekend
A pop-up open-air dance spectacle will take place at Dublin’s Georges Dock each afternoon until Saturday, July 12th, as part of CoisCéim Dance Theatre’s BENCH project.
Now in its third year - this trailblazing venture commissions dance artists and choreographers to create site-specific work inspired by the city. Curated by David Bolger, this year’s BENCH will showcase new work by artists Mufutau Yusuf and Alex Vostokova. The event is free for members of the public to attend, with performances at 1.00 and 1.30 each day.
BENCH began life as a pilot project in 2023 with the aim of bringing contemporary dance to everyday places. The event, which received a Business to Arts Award last year, helps to make the city a more interesting place to live and work, explains curator David Bolger:
“It’s a wonderful way to animate the city streets and also introduce dance to those who might never have considered attending a show in a traditional theatre setting. This year, BENCH features the 5th and 6th editions of the project, presented as a special double bill performance taking place at Georges Dock. I would encourage members of the public to come and be inspired.”
Founded in January 1995, CoisCéim has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance as an art form in Ireland, earning numerous accolades for its national and international touring productions.
Later this month, the company will bring its hit show Dancehall Blues to the stage at Pavilion Dún Laoghaire from Thursday, July 31st, to Saturday, August 2nd. The limited run is a unique opportunity for Irish audiences to see the show before it heads to this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of Culture Ireland’s Edinburgh showcase.
CoisCéim Dance Theatre's BENCH Editions 5 & 6 will take place until July 12 at George's Dock, Dublin 3, at 1.00 and 1.30 each day. Admission is free.
For more information see: www.coisceim.com
May 13 2025
CoisCéim Dance Theatre Brings Dancehall Blues to Edinburgh Fringe
CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Ireland’s renowned contemporary dance company (pronounced kush-came), is set to enchant audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with their critically acclaimed production, Dancehall Blues.
Running from 12-24 August 2025 as part of Assembly @ DanceBase, this heart-racing duet promises to be a dance highlight of the festival.
Directed by visionary choreographer David Bolger, Dancehall Blues features two of Ireland’s most dynamic young dancers, Emily Kilkenny and Alex O’Neill, in a performance described as “expertly genius” by The Irish Times.
Following its sold-out premiere at Dublin’s Fringe Festival in 2024, the production earned nominations for Best Production and Best Design, cementing its status as a must-see. Speaking ahead of the show CoisCéim Dance Theatre director, David Bolger, invited audiences to come and be inspired:
“Audiences will find themselves in a surreal dancehall at dusk, a place where dreams and nightmares collide, within this dissolving sense of reality a giant disco ball drops to the floor, as we begin to realise this is a dancehall like no other! We are thrilled to bring DanceHall Blues to Edinburgh Fringe, the show is a heart-racing 50 minutes of electrifying dance that features two of Ireland’s finest dancers, I would encourage audiences to come and be inspired”.
CoisCéim Dance Theatre brings Dancehall Blues to Assembly @ DanceBase as part of Creative Ireland's Edinburgh Showcase, which promotes high-quality performances for international audiences.
Founded in January 1995, CoisCéim has been instrumental in advancing contemporary dance as an art form in Ireland, earning numerous accolades for its national and international touring productions. Previous Edinburgh Fringe shows include Body Language(2019), Missing (2014), and Swimming with My Mother (2011).
The company’s Artistic Director, David Bolger, received an Irish Times Theatre Award in 2022 and is a member of Aosdána, recognised for his outstanding contributions to Irish arts. His work has reached millions worldwide.
Dancehall Blues, by CoisCéim Dance Theatre will take place on 12-24 August 2025 as part of Assembly @ DanceBase. Shows are at 2.40pm each day. Tickets are priced from €13.50 and are available from the Assembly Festival website.
Jan 15, 2025
Dublin city outdoor advertising screens to become a stage for dance film screenings
Large outdoor digital advertising screens at Lincoln Place, beside the National Gallery of Ireland and the Lir Academy, located at Grand Canal Quay in Dublin, are set to become unlikely outdoor cinemas, showcasing contemporary dance films as part of a unique collaboration with the advertising company Micromedia.
This project, named “CoisCéim Cinematheque,” will celebrate the 30th birthday of CoisCéim, the renowned dance theatre company established in January 1995. Additionally, a third secret screening location is planned, to surprise passers-by, with the goal of showcasing art in unexpected locations throughout the city.
Attendees will have the opportunity to scan a unique QR code to access the audio soundtracks for the films, with the screenings taking place on Thursday, January 16, throughout the day at Lincoln Place and from 5 to 8 PM at the Lir Academy. The films will also be broadcast on the company’s Instagram channel.
Among the featured films is the 2011 IFTA-nominated “Deep End Dance,” directed by Conor Horgan, which features a remarkable underwater dance between CoisCéim's artistic director, David Bolger, and his mother, Madge. Speaking ahead of the screenings, Bolger remarked:
“CoisCéim are excited to be partnering with Micromedia to celebrate our 30th birthday. As a dance company, we have always aimed to explore innovative, unexpected ways to showcase dance, from our live performances, film projects to virtual reality. We hope that experiences like these can contribute to making the city a more vibrant place to be. We look forward to surprising and inspiring passers-by”.
Additional screenings feature dance films by Luca Truffarelli, as part of CoisCéim’s “Bench” series, featuring choreographies by Sibéal Davitt and Tobi Omoteso inspired by the Dublin’s canals and their surroundings.
CoisCéim has garnered numerous awards for their national and international touring productions over the last 30 years.
Looking ahead to 2025, the company’s programme is anchored by a major new collaboration with the children's cultural centre, The Ark, including the world premiere of a new show this autumn.
On the global stage, CoisCéim’s virtual reality experience “Francis Footwork VR”supported by Culture Ireland, is set to be showcased at the Staatstheater in Darmstadt, Germany later this month. In February, the work will make its Greek premiere at the “Moving Colours” Festival in Athens.
Other upcoming projects include "Performing Memory", a Perform Europe project involving partner organisations in Italy and Ukraine. Full details of the forthcoming programme are available now on the company’s website.
CoisCéim Cinematheque, in collaboration with Micromedia, will take place on Thursday, January 16th, from 5 to 8 PM outside of the Lir Academy at Grand Canal Quay, and throughout the day at Lincoln Place and at a third secret location in Dublin city centre.
Film screenings will include Luca Truffarelli’s “Bench 3” featuring Sibéal Davitt; “Bench 4” featuring Tobi Omoteso; Conor Horgan’s “Deep End Dance” written by and featuring David Bolger and a short film celebration of footage from our 30th anniversary programme edited by Elton Mullally.
Oct 7, 2024
CoisCéim's hit show "The Piece with The Drums" to tour nationwide
The stunning dance performance features live music by the esteemed jazz drummer Conor Guilfoyle
Lovers of jazz music and dance are in for a treat as one of Ireland's best known dance companies, CoisCéim, prepare to embark on a national tour of their critically acclaimed show, “The Piece with The Drums”.
Described as “pulsating with theatrical magic,” this exceptional production combines live music performances by pioneering jazz percussionist Conor Guilfoyle with explosive dance routines directed by visionary choreographer David Bolger.
After receiving rave reviews, following its world premiere in January 2023, this dynamic and high-energy Jazz-era show is set to enchant audiences throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the tour director David Bolger commented:
“With this show we want to really push the boundaries of how audiences experience these two artforms. It’s a witty, uplifting, fifty-minutes of escapism that will chase away the winter blues and celebrate the connections between music and movement as well as our relationship to life and the cosmos! Audience members will embark on a journey, ranging from nuanced dance routines to explosive solo performances by some of the country’s finest dancers and all set to the rhythm of expertly crafted live drum arrangements and incredible looping sequences.”
The Piece with the Drums is the dance company’s first collaboration with legendary Jazz percussionist Conor Guilfoyle. One of Ireland’s most accomplished musicians, Guilfoyle’s recording credits include a collaboration with the late Larry Coryell, the celebrated American guitarist, regarded as one of the founding fathers of jazz-rock fusion in the 1960s. He has lectured in many of the leading colleges worldwide including Berklee College of Music, Boston.
Describing the experience of creating the show, Guilfoyle remarked:
“One of the genuine joys of being a drummer is seeing how the audience physically reacts to the rhythms I produce, whether it's the joyful movement of bodies dancing or a foot tapping along. But to witness how the all star cast of professional dancers interpret, respond, sync and groove to the beats is a truly mesmerising experience. We cannot wait to take this show on the road”.
The Piece with the Drums features an ensemble cast of leading contemporary dancers, including Justine Cooper, Ivonne Kalter, Jonathan Mitchell, Alex O’Neill, and Donking Rongavilla, who each perform stunning solo dance routines throughout the show.
The forthcoming tour is part of a special programme of events in celebration of CoisCéim Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary year. Established in January 1995, the company has played a pivotal role in fostering the expansion of contemporary dance as an artform in Ireland, receiving numerous accolades for their national and international touring shows.
The Piece with the Drums will be touring Ireland, with performances at The Mac as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival on October 18 and 19; The Everyman in Cork, presented in collaboration with Firkin Crane on October 23; Draíocht in Blanchardstown on October 26; An Grianán in Letterkenny on November 7; Town Hall Theatre in Galway on November 12; The Civic Theatre in Tallaght on November 15 and 16; and Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire on November 20.
CoisCéim has been leading the way in accessible ticket pricing in recent years, and this production continues to offer pay-what-you-can options at participating venues. See www.coisceim.com
Feb 22, 2024
PALIMPSEST By CoisCéim Dance Theatre
The groundbreaking new dance theatre show, featuring live music and panoramic visuals, for the culmination of the Decade of Centenaries Commemorations.
Described as a boundary busting kaleidoscope of dance, live music and panoramic visuals, “Palimpsest” will take place from Wednesday, 13th March to Saturday, 23rd March, at The Complex, Dublin. The show has been created by the renowned dance theatre company CoisCéim, under the direction of award-winning choreographer David Bolger. The large-scale production is among the final events to take place as part of the Decade of Centenaries commemorations, which marked the 100th anniversary of some of the most significant events in the history of modern Ireland.
Palimpsest is billed as a highlight of this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival One City Programme which showcases some of Ireland’s best Irish arts and cultural experiences. Speaking at the announcement artistic director David Bolger invited audiences to come and be inspired:
“The Complex theatre space will be transformed by an electrifying, groundbreaking fusion of dance, live music, and panoramic visual projections, seamlessly intertwined to create an unforgettable sensation that draws inspiration from pivotal chapters in Irish history. We have a remarkable ensemble cast of 15 talented dancers alongside singers and artists hailing from Ireland and across the globe. The title, palimpsest, means something altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form. We would invite audiences to come and be inspired.”
Speaking at the announcement Richard Tierney, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO, remarked:
“We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with the incredible CoisCéim for what promises to be an unforgettable collaboration. St. Patrick's Festival serves not just as an homage to our rich Irish heritage, but also as a compelling celebration of the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Irish culture. Renowned as masterful storytellers, CoisCéim are set to wow audiences with their awe-inspiring performances, adding a visceral layer to this year's Festival Programme”.
Established in 1995, CoisCéim Dance Theatre have played a key role in fostering the expansion of contemporary dance as an artform in Ireland, receiving numerous accolades for their national and international touring shows. The company’s artistic Director David Bloger, received an Irish Times Theatre Award in 2022, he is a member of Aosdána recognised for his outstanding contribution to Irish arts. His work has been seen by millions of people worldwide.
Palimpsest is funded by ART: 2023, a Decade of Centenaries Collaboration between The Arts Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
PALIMPSEST by CoisCéim Dance Theatre, will take place at The Complex, Arran St. East, Dublin 7, March 13-23, as part of the St. Patrick's Festival One City Programme.
Feb 1, 2024
CoisCéim Celebrate 30th Anniversary Year
Film screenings, outdoor performances and St. Patrick's Festival Collaboration announced as part of a special anniversary programme
In celebration of their 30th anniversary year, Dublin based dance company CoisCéim have revealed details of a special programme of events to take place throughout 2024.
Since its establishment in January 1995, the company has played a pivotal role in fostering the expansion of contemporary dance as an artform in Ireland, receiving numerous accolades for their national and international touring shows. Their public access programme, Broadreach, has provided opportunities for thousands of people across Ireland to participate in creative dance.
Speaking at the anniversary launch, CoisCéim’s Co-founder and Artistic Director, David Bolger, encouraged the public to explore this year’s programme of events and experience the power of dance:
"As we share our 30th anniversary programme, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported us on this incredible journey. We have an exhilarating line-up of events planned for the year ahead which includes three world premieres, a nationwide tour and a momentous collaboration with St. Patrick's Festival. We will also be building our collaboration with Waterways Ireland, and devising more inventive and inclusive ways for people to dance with us through our Broadreach programme. I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit our new website, explore our events, and come revel in the joy and transformative power of dance."
St. Patrick's Festival Collaboration
As part of their anniversary programme CoisCéim have announced details of a partnership with this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival. The collaboration will include the world premiere of a captivating new dance production, entitled Palimpsest. The show will take place at The Complex Dublin, as part of the festival's innovative One City Programme and marks the culmination of the Arts Council of Ireland’s, ART:2023, decade of centenaries. Tickets for the event will go on sale January 22.
In parallel with PALIMPSEST, CoisCéim Broadreach presents “Sparking Debate”, a multifaceted programme to provoke dialogue around Irish identity, hospitality and sovereignty. Activities include an original dance pageant during the festival parade featuring over 60 talented young adults from various community groups and a series of curated thought-provoking physical debates during the festival weekend.
Over at Collins Barracks, as part of the Festival's family programme, CoisCéim is set to host "Francis Footwork", a mesmerising 3-D VR experience. Hailed as Ireland's pioneer virtual reality dance theatre production, this 180-degree VR dance presentation promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
Speaking at the announcement Richard Tierney, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO, encouraged the public to come and be inspired:
"We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with the incredible CoisCéim for what promises to be an unforgettable collaboration. St. Patrick's Festival serves not just as an homage to our rich Irish heritage, but also as a compelling celebration of the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Irish culture. Renowned as masterful storytellers, CoisCéim are set to wow audiences with their awe-inspiring performances, adding an enchanting layer to this year's programme in Collins Barracks”.
Programme Highlights
Also announced as part of CoisCéim’s 30th year anniversary programme are the exciting details of Breakin’ Brothers, a compelling new dance film showcasing the journey of two young immigrants to Ireland as they harness the power of breakdancing to overcome adversity. This innovative piece, produced for RTÉ and the Broadcast Authority of Ireland in collaboration with Wildfire films, will captivate audiences at its world premiere at one of Ireland’s leading film festivals this Spring.
Waterways Ireland is teaming up with CoisCéim once again to build on the successful Bench collaboration - so watch out for a new series of captivating outdoor dance performances along the canal banks of Dublin this summer, offering a spectacular experience that is free for all to enjoy. Now in its 21st iteration, CoisCéim Broadreach’s Choreography Project is set to thrill and empower bringing together dance enthusiasts with esteemed choreographer, Philip Connaughton. This initiative aims to foster individual and collective creativity in an exploration of contemporary performance, while providing invaluable insights from a seasoned professional in the field.
In Autumn 2024, CoisCéim is set to embark on a nationwide tour with their highly praised production, “The Piece With The Drums”, under the direction of David Bolger and featuring the groundbreaking jazz percussionist Conor Guilfoyle. This vibrant performance is hailed as "a colourful exploration of relationships, spirituality, and our connection to rhythm, life and the cosmos". The tour will encompass various theatre venues across Ireland, including stops in Cork, Galway, and Belfast.
CoisCéim’s new website is now Live with full details of their 30th year anniversary programme. See coisceim.com