If you’re looking for something a bit different and really worth experiencing in Waterford, you’re in luck! Garter Lane Arts Centre is bringing back its much-loved Dance Scratch Night, presented by our very own Rachel Ní Bhraonáin. It’s happening on Saturday, October 18th, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
So, what’s a ‘Scratch Night,’ you ask? Think of it as a sneak peek into the future of Irish dance. It’s a brilliant opportunity for artists to try out their brand new ideas and works-in-progress in front of a live audience. And the best part? You get to be part of the creative process, offering feedback and seeing these fresh pieces evolve. It’s all about community and supporting our local and national talent, which is something Waterford.fyi is all about.
This year’s line-up is impressive, with four incredible dance artists and companies from all over Ireland ready to share their latest creations. Please note, some of the pieces might explore adult themes, so be prepared for some thought-provoking content.
First up, Jyoti Soni brings us Dystopia, a powerful piece that dives into generational memory and the strength of women, reimagining ancient myths in a modern, dystopian world. It’s a feminist offering that promises to be both personal and collective.
Then we have Awenwoven, a contemporary collective led by artist and choreographer Josué Reis. Their work, A Body in Internal Motion, is a journey through memory, resilience, and transformation, blending Josué’s Afro-Brazilian roots with urban dance styles like Krump and hip hop, all fused with contemporary theatre. It sounds fascinating.
Aoibhinn O’Dea explores the intriguing link between sound and movement in The Foot of the Lungs. She uses improvisational movement to create soundscapes, with breath as the central thread connecting us all. It’s all about connection and community.
And finally, Anne Rowe and Carla Adan Cerezuela present Buit Ple D’absència (Void Full of Absence). This project looks at absence not as an empty space, but as something full of memory, nostalgia, and longing. They’re trying to make the invisible visible through movement, transforming ’emptiness’ into a creative force. It’s thought-provoking work.
This whole evening is part of Rachel Ní Bhraonáin’s 2025 Dance Artist Residency at Garter Lane, which is wonderful to see, and it’s all supported by The Arts Council and Waterford City and County Council. It really shows how much our city values and nurtures its creative scene.
So, if you’d like to catch some cutting-edge dance, support emerging artists, and have a truly unique night out, make sure you drop in to Garter Lane on Saturday, October 18th at 7:30pm. Tickets are only €7, which is excellent value for an evening like this! Grab yours now and be part of something special. And for all the latest updates, give @dancing_waterford a follow on Instagram. You won’t want to miss it!