Dance Theatre of Ireland

Loretta Yurick

• 📅Tuesday, January 13, 2026
• 🕥10:30 – 12:30
• 🏟Newtownpark Pastoral Centre (map)

Robert Connor & Loretta Yurick are founders and Artistic Directors of Dance Theatre of Ireland one of Ireland’s first professional Contemporary dance companies. They have created over 40 original dance theatre works which have toured in Ireland, Europe and USA utilising original music and design with some of Ireland’s finest artists, including Robert Ballagh, Nigel Rolfe, writer Brian Keenan, musician Pól Brennan (Clannad), and poetry from Seamus Heany, among others.

They create multidisciplinary work that is “a constant reflection on our human states of frailty and strength” (Buckley,Sunday Times, London). They have been instrumental in the development of contemporary dance in Ireland throughout their careers as performers, choreographers, teachers and producers.

They founded The DTI Centre for Dance in Dun Laoghaire opened by President Mary McAleese, the Outreach programmes NATURE MOVES for Kids and Dance POP (Dance Performance Outreach programme), giving workshops in dance and bringing people who might never attend a dance performance into theatres (including children) . They also Co- founded The Association of professional Dancers & Choreographers in Ireland, DANCE IRELAND and the Dublin Youth Dance company.

Now In their 3rd Age, they have founded VINTAGE YOUTH, Irelands’ only Seniors Dance Performance Ensemble whose 19 members create original Theatre productions for performances using Dance and spoken word.

They will speak about Aging, movement (and the connection with dancing and the brain), joy and social connection; learning something new and getting lost in the wonder and physicality of creating and how that can transport people to a place of joy. Dancing matters–The Arts matter– because they help us to understand how WE matter! “