For Joan, the show must go on

Despite losing Arts Council funding, Cork City Ballet’s Alan Foley is refusing to give up on his dream, says Jo Kerrigan

IF Cork City Ballet receives no funding from the Arts Council this year, will it have a future? That question is pressing for the ballet’s artistic director, Alan Foley.

For the past 20 years, Cork City Ballet has kept classical dance at the forefront of Irish culture, presenting professional performances and bringing in guest stars of international renown. Mr Foley has been an indefatigable promoter, the inheritor of the mantle worn by Joan Denise Moriarty for more than 40 years. Both in the company he assembles for each gala performance, and in the diploma in dance he directs at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, here is a man who has never faltered in his drive to ensure ballet’s rightful place.