Ballet companies team up to boost classic dance

A new lease of life was today injected in to Irish ballet.

Three companies have joined forces to raise the profile of the classic dance style across Ireland.

Ballet Ireland, Irish National Youth Ballet and Cork City Ballet have formed Pas De Trois, a new initiative funded by The Arts Council of Ireland.

They plan to work together to create and promote a long-term structure to enhance up and coming dancers and widen their audience.

The groups also revealed that they will perform three of the most famous ballets of all time – 'Swan Lake', 'Sleeping Beauty Suite' and 'Nutcracker' – in their forthcoming season.

Olive Braiden, Chair of the Arts Council, said the the body was delighted that, with its financial support, the resources of these three great companies were now being brought together in the cause of developing and strengthening the framework of professional ballet in Ireland.

The Irish National Youth Ballet’s new director Katherine Lewis said it will be the first time in the history of ballet in Ireland where the three directors are intrinsically linked to help ensure the growth and sustainability of this most beautiful art form.

“This is a very exciting and unique time for ballet in Ireland,” she added.

Ms Lewis will now work alongside Cork City Ballet’s artistic director Alan Foley and Anne Maher, Ballet Ireland’s director.

“This funding has injected a new lease of life into Irish professional ballet and given a renewed energy and enthusiasm,” added Ms Maher. “It is an amazing opportunity for us to create an exciting future for professional ballet in this country”.