Performers from “Secrets of the Sole,” Kieran’s new DVD
what’s new...
Kieran Receives State Art Award
Kieran has been named a 2008 “Artist Fellow” by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, in the category of Traditional Arts. Artist Fellowships provide assistance to individual artists “to recognize excellence and creative ability and to support further development of their talents.” This year, 39 fellowships were awarded from a pool of 1,800 applicants. Kieran was recognized for her performance and teaching work in traditional and sean-nós Irish dance. “Dance as a solo career requires soul-searching and risk-taking,” says Kieran. “This is an honor for me – an nod of affirmation that I really appreciate.” For more information, visit Massachusetts Cultural Council
We’re heading for the Catskills this summer
Kieran and her husband Vincent will teach again this summer at the Catskills Irish Arts Week in East Durham, New York. Classes in Irish dance, traditional music, painting, and more will take place in the daytime from July 13-19. Concerts, céilís, and music and dance sessions will take place every night into the wee hours.
Catskills Irish Arts Week, 2006, with Kieran Jordan, Donny Golden, Joannie Madden, Brian Conway, Bill McComisky, and Brendan Dolan.
“A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Live” DVD Release
Kieran is a featured performer in “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Live” a high-definition video from the 2006 production of “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn.” Hosted by Brian O’Donovan of WGBH radio, the performance includes music by the Karan Casey Band, Robbie O’Connell Band, Mulcahy Family, Navan, and the O’Donovan Family. Dancers along with Kieran include the young and spectacular Nicholas Yenson and the wonderful Clare-style sean-nós dancer Aidan Vaughan. To purchase a DVD for $20, please contact Kieran.
In the News
Kieran and her husband Vincent are featured on the cover of the April 2007 Boston Irish Reporter. Read all about it by downloading a pdf version of the two-page article.
Beyond the Feis™ Workshop
Kieran is now taking bookings for her Sean-nós Dance Workshop and Beyond the Feis™ Workshop. Contact Kieran to schedule a weekend workshop for your dance group. Workshop descriptions are available on the Classes page.
University of Limerick
In June, 2005, Kieran completed a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Dance Performance at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Her studies included contemporary dance technique, choreography, Body-Mind Centering, ballet, and yoga. She also studied sean-nós (“old-style”) Irish dance, particularly the West Clare battering style of dancer Aidan Vaughan.
Kieran returned to University of Limerick in November, 2005 for the annual Sionna Festival. She participated in “Sean Nós / Nua Nós,” a panel discussion and performance celebrating both tradition and innovation in Irish dance choreography. Other dancers include Jean Butler, Colin Dunne, Honor Hurley, and Seosamh Ó Neachtain.
what the critics say...
“The renowned Kieran Jordan showed her theatrical side in a delightful set with Matt and Shannon Heaton. Her body was as expressive as her footwork as she struck gay, sprite-like poses.”
“The hornpipe pas de deux by Jordan and Yenson was playful, flirtatious, and exquisitely performed, allow[ing] both dancers to flow effortlessly between modern and traditional steps.”
“...gracefully acrobatic...”
“The highlight of the performance was Kieran Jordan’s original sean nós dance piece. Her choreography was marked by circular steps that spiraled upward through her body. It was a creation firmly rooted in Irish tradition, yet also full of modern energy — a combination that spoke of her deep respect for the dance tradition, infused with adventure, confidence, and a mischievous wink, ensuring the long-term survival of this ancient form.”
“...Jordan gave us an interpretative dance mélange that was both graceful and imaginative, growing out of her recent exploration of multiple dance forms to the accompaniment of a slip jig played by Danu.” read more
“The band led Kieran Jordan into a punked-out Irish step improvisation. Jordan complemented Irish step’s vivid high kicks and swiveling footwork with an uncharacteristically loose upper torso and a playfully theatrical use of the head and arms, bringing the traditionally rigid dance form the freedom and fluidity of jazz tap.”
“A truly unusual troupe choreographed by Kieran Jordan merged undulating,languid modern dance with upright Irish step dancing, all to superb music by Hanneke Cassel and Halali.”