Shawbrook Community Dance in partnership with
Longford Lights & Cavan Arts Festival
Carnival School project
Shawbrook Dance collaborated with Cavan Arts Festival on the first year of a new three-year Carnival School project, with Anica Louw leading the movement direction as Head of Dance.
Participants joined Anica and the Carnival School Dance Troupe to create and perform in CAF’s first community parade. The movement workshops combined elements of dance and physical theatre in an accessible and inclusive way, welcoming absolute beginners alongside experienced movers.
Inspired by mythology and pagan traditions, the project explored the theme of mythical warriors. Together, the troupe developed the movement, costumes, and visual identity of the parade piece as a collaborative creative process.
No previous experience was needed — only a willingness to try something new. The newly formed troupe performed as part of the Cavan Arts Festival parade, bringing energy, imagination, and community spirit to the streets.
In the Dead
of Night
During winter 2025, our Big Studio at Shawbrook welcomed people of all dance levels for a free, high-quality creative dance experience.
These classes brought people together in a friendly and social environment where, most importantly, everyone had great craic together.
The programme welcomed both beginners and experienced dancers, with no age or physical restrictions. It provided a safe and supportive learning environment where all abilities and all people were encouraged to take part. It was never too late to dance!
Shawbabes were, as always, very welcome.
Over the course of the classes, participants created a dance piece together which was performed at Longford Lights in February 2026.
Longford Lights 2025 - FireFly’s
