Trained in traditional Irish step dance at an early age in South Yorkshire and she competed at an international level. Keira graduated from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance and then furthered studies at New School for Dance Development in Amsterdam.
She has performed professionally with Kompany Malakhi, Assault Events, Charlerio/PlanK, Biserk Dance, State of Emergency, Bermuda Dance Co, Nathan Trice Dance Rituals, Spirit of The Dance and undertaken projects with Jonathan Burrows, Yolande Snaith, Bawren Tavaziva, Beth Cassani, Donald Edwards, and Yael Flexor.
In 2005 she founded Keira Dance a fusion of contemporary and Irish Dance styles using live music and song firmly rooted in tradition. The company has toured the UK with Threads including Purcell Rooms at Queen Elizabeth Hall May 2008. The company is based at and supported by the Corn Exchange and New Greenham Arts Centre in Newbury Berkshire through its Evolve programme, which allows Keira to explore two dance styles as an on going exploration. Music is an important part of the work and has collaborated with Rachael McShane from Bellowhead and traditional duo Ardara.
2005- Arts Council England South East grant for research and development.
2007- Swindon Dance The first Alpha Associates Award.
2008- The Garrick Trust sponsorship grant from in support of the Threads national tour 2008/09.
2008- West Berkshire Council commission in support of national tour of Threads.
Keira is currently working on a solo in which she will sing, dance, play the flute and drum! She is in the process of applying for funding to learn how to ‘Loop’ (recording her feet and music to create a score live on stage!) Watch this space!
Come and watch the 'Threads' solo at The Royal Opera House
on the 20th and 21st November 2009, as part of a showcase of artists performing at Firsts. To book tickets call: 020 7304 400. Tickets are only £5.00 each, when you arrive head for the The Linbury Studio Theatre, it should be a great evening!
Photography above: Andrew Fleming www.andrewflemingphoto.com |
