Despite a drastic 48% cut in their funding this year, after a previous 50% cut in 2010, Dunlaoghaire-based Dance Theatre of Ireland are having a studio showing of their joyous show “Block Party” tomorrow at 4.30pm, before bringing it to Ordway Centre for the Performing Arts in the U.S. on Saturday, where it will tour. Robert Connor and Loretta Yurick, founders and artistic directors of Dance Theatre of Ireland are the people who kept dance on the map in Ireland after Dublin Contemporary Dance Theatre’s funding was cut in 1989 – so they are no strangers to campaigning for their art form.

Watch the trailer for Block Party, accompanied by inimitable Bodhran player Robbie Harris here:

Later this month Dance Theatre of Ireland are also hosting choreographer Morleigh Steinberg’s Butoh-inspired Body Weather Workshops in their Dunlaoghaire studios. You may recall Steinberg’s powerful Louis Le Broquy-inspired choreography “Cold Dream Colour” which premiered in The Pavillion Theatre. What to expect in the workshops? “M.B – Mind, Body/Muscle Bone trains the body in a rhythmic and dynamic approach to movement. Manipulations – a series of stretching and relaxation concerned with alignment and breathing. Workshop – Explorations designed to sharpen focus, sensitivity, and discover movement.” May 28 & 31; June 6 & 7.

For more information check out www.dancetheatreireland.com