DANCE2CONNECT is an international Urban Dance Festival encompassing dance theatre, masterclasses, dance battles and social dance. The festival is curated by dance artist Matt Szczerek. The mission of Dance2Connect is to preserve, strengthen and revolutionise urban dance in our communities. We had a chat with Matt about the festival.
Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Poland in small town called Szczytna surrounded by nature and mountains. Interesting fact: Some parts of movie Narnia was shot in forests near my town.
Why did you become interested in dance?
Hip-Hop culture was huge in Poland and still is and break dance is one of the elements of the culture, I needed to try, everything about it was very exciting to me, I used to do graffiti and rap with few of my friends back then, next step had to be dance. I remember first time I saw Flying Steps crew in music video to Supersonic by Music Instructor. I was hooked for that moment.
Have you studies dance professionally?
Training in dance is so broad these days and I choose to travel to different places for seminars and training camps to gain knowledge instead of going to dance collage. I have learned a lot and I am still learning. My next stop will be Argentina for a camp involving training in contemporary, contact improv and martial arts
Tell us about your career to date? What is your highlights so far?
Highlight of my career is definitely my performance with Cois Ceim Dance Theatre and a first Irish Dance Company in Sydney Opera House. We went on an Australian tour for two weeks in Melbourne and two weeks in Sydney. Beautiful experience. But also I still make my highlights as I progress in dance, currently creating show with FarFromTheNorm Company from UK called “Union Black”, it will tour Europe for few weeks (Paris, Stockholm, London and also in Cork June 2018).
How long have you been in Ireland, how do you find the Irish different to Polish?
I have been in living in Dublin 8 years now and it feels like home. I think as a nationalities Polish and Irish people are really similar, we like sarcasm and occasional pint of beer with close friends.
What’s is your favourite thing about dance?
I like that there is always something to learn, I love how it led me to self-understanding. It’s great release.
Tell us a little bit about dance to connect?
Dance2Connect is a three day festival combining elements of Hip-Hop culture & dance theatre, providing educational workshops and challenge of dance battle tournament with cash prizes. We also got International guests and artists from France, United Kingdom, Poland & Belgium. From 9th to 11th of February Tallaght Civic Theatre will transform into Hip-Hop Mekka and everyone is welcome to see how vibrant the culture in Ireland is. For more information check our facebook or book your tickets at civictheatre.ie
Who should come to see it?
Everyone who loves music, dance and want to have a good time.Can you participate? Yes you can participate. On Sunday 11th at 12pm we starting registrations for battles in Krump, Hip-Hop, Popping and Breaking. Everyone is welcome to challenge themselves against other opponents. Also on Friday 9th after theatre show there is a Dance Jam with musicians. Everyone can participate. Tell us a random fact about yourself? I like Ben & Jerrys Cookie Dough more than the ice cream itself. I am also a energy therapist and it’s becoming my passion.
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Dance2Connect
Friday 9th– Sunday 11th February
