Fearghus Ó Conchúir, choreographer and curator of the Step Up Dance Project, introduces a new film that fuses dance and sport - watch Abú above.
Most days of the week, people in Ireland are watching GAA and Camogie matches where players express themselves and the aspirations of their supporters with passion and emotion through skilled movement. We know how to understand that, and the same understanding can apply to dance.
That's why we made this film called Abú that brings together a new generation of talent nurtured by dance and by the GAA and Camogie communities.
Abú is a shout of support and wish for flourishing. The choreography celebrates the commitment, care and passion it takes to make a strong team. It honours not only the stars on the pitch but also the people who aren’t always visible and aren’t always included.
The film, which came out of a live performance we made for GAA pitches in Limerick as part of the Step Up Dance Project, is made by Luca Truffarelli an award-winning Italian film-maker. It’s powered by new music from Limerick-based rapper, producer and songwriter MuRli whose work (on his own, or with Rusangano Family, Denise Chaila and others) always builds powerful inclusive communities.
When we performed on pitches in Limerick, the audiences who came told us how much of the familiar sporting movement and emotion they saw in the piece. It was recognisable to them but also gave them a different perspective. It knitted together a new kind of community where dance and sport, and people of different backgrounds come together.
We’d like to do more of this community building with other GAA, camogie or ladies' football clubs. If you’d like to join in the next phase of Abú, get in touch with us to find out more at stepupdanceproject@gmail.com.
Find out more about the Step Up Dance Project above.
Pics: Maurice Gunning and Film Stills by Luca Truffarelli
