Subscribe to our RSS feedWelcome to the Firkin Crane
We celebrated the closure of Phase 1 of Blank Canvas on June 2 /3 /4 with the FLY ON THE WALL drop-in sessions. Visitors from all over the world, as well as interested locals, came and watched for a while, some taking pictures with the cameras we gave them, some writing comments in the Visitors Book. One young lad even donated to the props!On Friday June 5, Mary Nunan launched FLY ON THE WALL, OFF THE WALL, during which all four artists (supported by other dancers and musicians) came together to present, share and reveal some surprises from their four month residencies at the Firkin Crane. Afterwards, many of the hugely appreciative audience lingered on the warm steps, to discuss the wonderful work-in-progress that they had just seen.
If variety is the spice of life, the Firkin Crane has something for every palate.
Its current dance ‘menu’ ranges from classical and modern ballet to the latest hip-hop and breakdancing.
Everyone interested in dance, from three-year-olds toddling their first steps, or professionals preparing for performance and teaching examinations, to afficionados seeking dance performances of the highest quality, will find a class, workshop or recital to fit the bill. Under the tutelage of some of the country’s best teachers, there is an eclectic programme, including jazz, tap, modern and contemporary, international folk styles, contact/improv and movement techniques based on yoga and pilates.
In this unique building, support is provided for every aspect of professional dance: space for individual artists to research and create; studios for personal and shared practice; administrative and technical facilities; performance spaces; connection with an expanding audience.
In 2008, the Firkin Crane hosted a company of international stars as they prepared for Cork City Ballet's nationwide tour. At Easter, Chrysalis Dance, a leading force of neo-classical dance in Ireland, performed as part of their nationwide tour. World Dance Day on Wednesday 29 April 2009 was a great success with free Taster Workshops, Info Fair and Live Performance Showcase - 12 hours of dancing!
"All of us in the Firkin Crane seek to engage with Cork’s artistic and cultural community, exploring the possibilities for a diverse use of the building and its resources while, at the same time, maintaining strong links with existing user groups. We welcome enquiries from people interested in learning, teaching or creating any form of dance, performance or bodywork and are open to proposals from community, local, national and international groups."
Paul McCarthy, General Manager, the Firkin Crane
