'Why should everything be in Dublin?' Celebrations ahead for 80 years of Cork City Ballet

Next year will mark 80 years of ballet companies in Cork. Deirdre McArdle speaks to Alan Foley, founder and artistic director of Cork City Ballet, about the art form’s enduring legacy and its impact on the city 

The final performance of 'The Nutcracker' takes place at Cork Opera House tonight. Pictures: Miki Barlok

In 1947, the Cork Ballet Company performed its inaugural production at Cork Opera House. There has been a professional ballet company in Cork since then.

Joan Denise Moriarty was the iconic woman behind the formation of the Cork Ballet Company, which led to the Irish Theatre Ballet, which was itself succeeded by the Irish National Ballet.