A Northern Irish born choreographer is returning home in search of dancers for a new ballet telling the story of the formation of The Peace People in 1976.
Ruaidhrí Maguire from Moneymore has been working as the youngest male principal dancer in the Baltic Opera Ballet in Gdansk, Poland and is set to return home to choreograph this special show at The MAC.
Since leaving home a decade ago to train at the Central School of Ballet in London, Ruaidhrí has travelled the world as both a performer and choreographer, now he is hoping to inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps.
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“I am really thrilled to offer this training and performance opportunity in the heart of Belfast," he said.
"Until now, opportunities like these have been unavailable to aspiring dancers at home and only those who could afford to travel would gain this insight and experience.
"I am delighted to offer 20 Junior Company places in White Doves."
In development since 2020, White Doves is a collaboration between Ruaidhrí and County Down composer, Amelia Clarkson. Collaborating since 2018, White Doves is their second ballet.
Produced by Six Dance Collective, the work will be the first of its kind as the first new ballet for a Belfast audience.
White Doves gazes back on history to look forwards to the future. Juxtaposing narrative and abstract scenes, it tells the story of the formation of The Peace People in 1976, woven together by two Doves of peace, danced by two international professional ballet dancers.
In the upcoming Junior Company auditions, Ruaidhrí will be casting principal, supporting and ensemble roles.
He is looking for ballet dancers aged between 12 and 22 of all genders of intermediate standard and above to join this 3-week intensive training programme.
Those who join the company will rehearse from July 17 to 29 to perform the world premiere of White Doves alongside two international ballet soloists and live musicians at the MAC Belfast from August 3 to 5.
Looking forward to the audition day, Ruaidhrí added: "My advice to dancers approaching an audition is to bring your personality into the room. There’s more to ballet than perfect technique and tricks.
“We’re looking for dancers who will throw themselves into new characters and movement styles. All auditioning will have the chance to explore the choreography over an afternoon.”
Auditions for White Doves are on Saturday, March 11, hosted by High Points Youth Ballet at 24 Alfred St, Belfast, BT2 8EN.
To audition for White Doves, register online here.
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