Introduction
Ethnochoreology is an interdisciplinary subject which considers dance in its cultural context. By applying theoretical concepts developed in the Social Sciences and by testing these within the context of field research, Ethnochoreology provides an alternative approach to the study of dance. Through lectures and lecture demonstrations, students develop the conceptual, methodological and documentation skills necessary for both undertaking field research and for a reflective understanding and awareness of dance in its cultural context. An ethnochoreological approach embraces Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Cultural Geography, Gender Studies, Area Studies, and Education in addition to other relevant areas in Dance Studies
The Master of Arts in Ethnochoreology is a taught, one year, full-time, postgraduate degree in the academic study of dance. Running concurrently with the Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology and the Master of Arts in Dance Performance, the programme is the first of its type in an Irish university and is taught by members of staff at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in addition to artists-in-residence, and guest lecturers.
Ethnochoreology at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance:
The residency of Daghdha Dance Company, a contemporary dance theatre group, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, together with artists-in-residence, contributes to the stimulating and artistic environment at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. The study of Ethnochoreology within this broad artistic context, and the proximity of the University of Limerick to an indigenous Irish music and dance tradition, makes the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance an ideal location for the expansion of Ethnochoreology in Ireland and elsewhere. As one of nine interactive postgraduate degrees of music and dance at the Academy, ethnochoreology students benefit from the Academy’s community of faculty, scholars, performers, visiting artists of dance and music, and its growing number of doctorate students in dance. The international society, Dance Research Forum Ireland, and Tráth na gCos, the annual dance festival at the Academy, also contribute to the academic and artistic environment at the Academy.