Introduction
The Master of Arts in Dance Performance is a one-year in, full- time, post-graduate programme. It is designed to offer students an opportunity to undertake a period of intensive, primarily studio-based, research into contemporary dance, performance and choreography. One of the strengths of the programme is reflected in its aim to provide for each student to develop his/her own unique strengths as an artist. It is therefore particularly suited to students who are interested in researching a range of approaches to devising and performing dance.
The content and structure of the programme is such that it positively addresses the balance between what might traditionally be perceived as the hierarchical relationship between maker and doer in dance. It does so by honouring the creative process of devising ensemble and solo choreographies and also honouring performance as being in and of itself a creative act. Therefore throughout the year students have the opportunity to contribute, as dancers, to the process of devising ensemble choreographic works under the direction of a number of guest choreographers and also to create and perform their own solo choreographies. They also undertake inter-disciplinary performance projects and study choreography-for-camera. In addition students are introduced to practice-based dance research methods to support them develop a critical awareness of their own unique approach to creating and performing work and to contextualise their work within both a wider professional dance and academic framework.
Through its Elective module, students have the opportunity interact with other MA programmes at the academy, including the MA in Irish Traditional Dance, MA in Chant and Ritual Song, the MA in Classical String Performance, the MA in Irish Traditonal Music Performance. The programme also provides for interaction with students of the MA in Music Technology.
Guest tutors and choreographers to date have included Mark Baldwin, Jean Butler, Colin Dunne, Rosemary Butcher, Yoshiko Chuma, Sean Curran, Wendy Houstoun, Eva Karczag, Michael Klien, Mark Taylor, Lisa Nelson, Charles Linehan, Steve Paxton, Nicole Peisl, Yvonne Rainer, Jenny Roche, Liz Roche
Students are also provided with the opportunity to engage with Daghdha Dance Company, a professional Contemporary Dance Company, resident in Limerick and with strong links with the MA programme.
Some students may also have the option to undertake the programme as a 2 year full-time programme of study.