The 21st Dublin Dance Festival begins today, and a major highlight is the debut of Ireland’s new national all-island dance company, Luail. Their inaugural production, Chora, co-created by choreographers Guy Nader and Maria Campos, premieres at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre before touring venues across the country. Led by artistic director Liz Roche, Luail represents a landmark for the Irish dance community. Supported by the Arts Council, it is the first company of its kind in decades and aims to promote dance throughout the island.

For many dancers, Luail offers a long-awaited opportunity. Professional Irish dancers have long had to leave the country for training and stable employment, but this new company provides full-time positions on home stages. Dancer Rosie Stebbing, part of the Luail ensemble, described it as a transformative moment for the industry, saying, “Luail is a landmark” and is especially significant as she didn’t think she could have the opportunity for dance to be a full-time employment in Ireland.

Nader echoed the importance of stability in such a physically and emotionally demanding field. With Luail’s launch, dancers, choreographers, and creative teams gain not only employment but also the security to grow artistically.


Luail's debut marks the opening of a vibrant festival programme running until 25 May across several Dublin venues. Highlights include Oona Doherty’s Specky Clark at The Abbey, Boris Charmatz’s Somnole at the Project Arts Centre, and Rachel Ní Bhraonáin’s high-energy Mosh. Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed all-male Swan Lake also returns to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Festival director Jazmin Chiodi encourages everyone to attend this milestone event, celebrating its 21st year with artists from Ireland and around the world. “We’re full of amazing performances,” she said, stating that artists and performers are coming from Nigeria, France, and the UK.