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DDF News — 26 Apr 2019

#FestivalFlashback - Opening Performance No.14: Akram Khan's Giselle (2018)

#FestivalFlashback - Opening Performance No.14: Akram Khan's Giselle (2018)

We're just days away from Opening Night 2019 and it's time for a final Festival Flashback to an epic opening performance last year with Akram Khan's Giselle, not to mention the fiery and powerful performances that followed.

2018 saw DDF return to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for a gala opening night performance. English National Ballet, under the artistic direction of Tamara Rojo, mesmerised audiences with the spectacular re-imagining of a beloved classic - Giselle.

Akram Khan, award-winning choreographer, brought his exquisitely unique style to this iconic ballet, incorporating his diverse influences that range from contemporary dance to Kathak (an ancient Indian dance form). 

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Akram Khan's Giselle performed by English National Ballet © Laurent Liotardo

The performance was nothing short of breathtaking and this performance that brought English National Ballet back to Ireland for the first time in over 55 years went on to receive rave reviews and standing ovations. A night for the record books.

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Catedral by Patricia Guerrero © Óscar Romero

The 2018 programme brought with it many other dance gems to wow Dublin audiences. The sold out performance of flamenco star, Patricia Guerrero's Catedral was a fiery display of passionate dance and fierce femininity.

Trailblazing dancer and choreographer, Oona Doherty also brought her powerful work Hard To Be Soft - A Belfast Prayer to Dublin for the first time - a celebration of all that we have an invocation for all that we are missing. The Abbey Stage has proved to be a springboard for this exceptional artist who has gone on to perform internationally at numerous festivals and theatres; and 2019 marks her return to DDF as she performs alongside 84-year-old American dance legend Valda Setterfield in Irish Modern Dance Theatre's Inventions at Project Arts Centre on 16 & 17 May.

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Hard To Be Soft - A Belfast Prayer by Oona Doherty © Luca Truffarelli

Be part of the 2019 Festival magic - explore the full line-up of event HERE.


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