A packed schedule for new Blessington dance festival
THE Ninette de Valois Festival of Dance is an exciting celebration of internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, poet and artist Dame Ninette de Valois taking place in her hometown of Blessington.
Running from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1, the festival takes place on the 120th anniversary of her birth in Baltyboys House in June 1898. This inaugural festival is a collaboration between Blessington and District Forum and Interpretive Artists Ireland ad was officially launched two weeks ago in the Abbey Theatre.
On Friday, June 29, a gala tribute entitled ‘Invitation to the Dance’ takes place in the Tramway Theatre at 8 p.m. featuring the Irish National Youth Ballet, Degani Ensemble and guest dancers from Cork City Ballet. The premier screening of Spectre de la Rose will also take place featuring Zoe Ashe-Browne and Dominic Harrison and filmed at Russborough House for the festival.
A specially commissioned dramatization of De Valois’ poetry entitled The Contented Ghost will feature actor Deirdre Monaghan in the title role. The evening will be introduced by local historian and author Jim Corley of the Blessington History Circle. On Saturday, June 30, the Tramway theatre will ‘Madame’, which is a round-table discourse on Ninette de Valois with invited guests including Paul Johnstone of Dance Ireland and Joanna Banks, one of the last dancers who worked with de Valois. Also in attendance will be Anna Meadmore of the Royal Ballet School. The event will be facilitated by TV producer Ann Makower, formerly of RTÉ, and starts at midday.
From 2.30 p.m. Russborough House and the Beit Foundation will host an afternoon tea dance at The Hippodrome where the award-winning Ballymore Eustace Concert Band will perform dance hits from the 1920’s to 1970’s. Entrance is free, and all are invited to dress in period costumes of their choice. An ‘Invitation to Dance’ at 8 p.m. takes place in the Tramway Theatre as well. On Sunday, July 1, there will be a ceremonial unveiling of a memorial to Ninette de Valois taking place at 12 noon on Main Street, Blessington. Following the ceremony there will be music and dance taking place in the Main Square.