The Tisch Initiative for Creative Research hosted the 2016 Biennial Dance Research Forum Ireland (DRFI) Conference to commemorate the centennial of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising – in partnership with DRFI, New York University’s Tisch Department of Dance, Tisch Department of Performance Studies, Steinhardt Dance Education, Glucksman Ireland House, and in association with Irish Arts Center.
"UpRising"
Dance Research Forum Ireland 2016 International Conference
June 22nd - 26th, 2016
New York University
Dance has always been a site for revolutionary ideas in motion. To commemorate the centennial of Ireland's 1916 Easter Rising, Dance Research Forum Ireland (DRFI) – in partnership with New York University's Tisch Office of Creative Research, Tisch Dance, Tisch Performance Studies, Steinhardt Dance Education, Glucksman Ireland House, and Irish Arts Center – presents its 6th biennial conference.
The conference explores themes related to rebellion in terms of movement and performativity and features a wide variety of paper presentations, lecture demonstrations, poster and film sessions, and performances. Of particular note is the global nature of the conference. While many of the participants come from the contiguous United States and from Ireland, speakers and performers from countries as wide as Nigeria, Germany, India, Brazil, Palestine, Macedonia, and the Philippines are expected to attend.
Conference highlights include: a Keynote Address by renowned dance scholar Deborah Jowitt; a performance of Luke Murphy's "On Triumph and Trauma," and an exploration of Fearghus Ó Conchúir's "The Casement Project." The conference also features a curated evening of performances by artists from Ireland and the United States including: Monica Campbell; Darrah Carr Dance; Ériu: Breandán de Gallaí & Nick O’Connell; Kirstyn Fontanella & Sibéal Davitt; Liadain Herriott; Úna Little; Óscar Mascareñas & Nora Rodriguez; and Alexandra Tsubota.
Because DRFI seeks to educate and inform not only current scholars, but also future performers, researchers, and dancers, the conference also features a performance by young choreographers comprised of students from several New York area colleges. Not only will the students have a venue to perform their work, but they will also be surrounded by dance professionals who will provide suggestions and feedback. The collaborative, international nature of “UpRising” will set a new precedent for the ways in which global dance conferences are perceived, organized, and carried out.