Dance company’s ‘driving force’ departs after 24 years

MAGS BYRNE will step down as artistic director of Northern Ireland’s only dedicated dance development company next year, after leading the organisation since its inception in 2000.

Based in Belfast, DU Dance (NI), which evolved from Dance United, approaches dance as a means of promoting positive individual and community transformation through boosting self-esteem, integration, tolerance and respect.

Byrne has worked professionally in dance for more than 35 years, as both a performer and choreographer, mounting projects for groups and companies throughout Britain and Ireland, as well as in Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Indonesia, Palestine, Romania, South Africa, and Switzerland.

Chair ROSAMOND BENNETT said that with her decades of experience in community dance, Byrne had been “the driving force” behind DU Dance (NI).

“Her vision and commitment have shaped a company recognised for its inclusive ethos, high-quality participatory practice, and powerful, socially engaged performance work,” said Bennett.

Departing to focus on research, project delivery and travel, Byrne, who will remain in post until a successor is appointed, said: “As a founding director, it is hard to leave, but the time is right for both me and the company, and there are more challenges and thrills ahead, so we are all embracing the change.”