sub-series 8 - 2011 Festival

Dublin Youth Dance Company was founded in 2000 by Dance Theatre of Ireland’s artistic directors, Robert Connor and Loretta Yurick to give young people the opportunity to engage in training, creating and performing dance. The company in its early years was run under the leadership of J. J. Formento. In 2001, the company hosted the first Irish Youth Dance Festival at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, which has since become an annual event. It has also participated in a number of high-profile dance events in Ireland and abroad. In 2003, Mariam Ribón replaced Formento as the company’s artistic director. She continues to lead Dublin Youth Dance Company and to expand the scope and vision of the Irish Youth Dance Festival.