News
Dance performances at Kerry Schools
E
.
Elysia McMullen and Luisa Schmitz formed Bill and Fred Productions in 2020. They perform as Bill and Fred - a clown duo who merge dance, clowning, circus and theatre. They were in Kerry recently, bringing their show Bill and Fred’s Adventures to a number of schools.
The performances were facilitated by Kerry County Council’s dancer in residence, Catherine Young. The residency is funded by Kerry County Council and the Arts Council and supported by Creative Ireland Kerry.
“It’s really important that children have an opportunity to experience live performance by dance artists, as well as also getting a chance to dance and move themselves,” says Catherine Young. “I had seen Bill and Fred perform for a young audience in Limerick and I knew they would bring a show full of fun and energy to Kerry school children.”
The schools visited were Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn and Presentation Primary School in Tralee and Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail in Listowel. Each school was treated to a performance and a dance workshop afterwards.
“It was engaging, interactive, funny, entertaining and had a little message too which was lovely and meaningful for the children,” says Helena Hennessy, Assistant Principal and Arts Co-ordinator at Presentation Primary, Tralee. “They loved it. They were talking about it for the rest of the day. They were asking me afterwards when would Bill and Fred be coming back!”
“They were absolutely blown away by the dancing performance,” says Séana Ní Chuain, Principal at Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail. “We didn't know what to expect, but the pupils thought they were brilliant and hadn't seen anything as creative as it before. In my own house, my daughters told me they want to be dancers after seeing it!”
“We were delighted to have Elysia and Luisa with us under the dancer in residence programme – this was a great opportunity for children to access free dance performance and learn about movement in a relaxed and fun-filled way,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council.
Kerry County Council have a number of artists residencies covering art forms such as dance, writing, and film funded by Kerry County Council and the Arts Council and supported by Creative Ireland Kerry. To find out more about events and opportunities with the residencies contact the Arts Office at arts@kerrycoco.ie or visit kerrycoco.ie/arts.
Highstool Prophets bring global tour to Killarney
Cavan folk group The Highstool Prophets have announced a major headline show at the Gleneagle Ballroom on Friday, February 5,...
Lawless Jewellery named finalist in Irish Made Awards
Independent College Street jewellery brand Lawless has been named a finalist in the Jewellery category of the 2026 Irish Made...
Scarlett celebrates 10 years on Scott Street
Scarlett celebrates 10 years on Scott Street There was plenty of style, colour, and celebration on Scott Street on Saturday...
Fly-tipping concerns raised over Kilcummin Bog Walk
Members of the Kilcummin community have expressed growing concern following a series of illegal fly-tipping incidents along the local Bog...
Glenflesk GAA hosts cardiac screening clinic
Glenflesk GAA hosts cardiac screening clinic Glenflesk GAA Healthy Club recently welcomed the Dillon Quirke Foundation to run a cardiac...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
