After a remarkable first year in 2025, Kilkenny’s Global Dance Club is stepping into the national spotlight, primed and ready to showcase their incredible talent unveiling at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Led by members of Kilkenny’s international protection community, this innovative dance initiative is a vibrant celebration of global culture, creativity, and belonging. The programme has become a joyful, inclusive space where people of all backgrounds come together to learn, share, and express themselves through movement.

A Six‑Month Journey of Culture, Creativity, and Connection

Over the past six months, participants have explored an extraordinary fusion of global dance traditions, including:

– Irish Dance
– Afrobeats
– Salsa
– Somali Dhaanto
– Bollywood
– Jive
– Samba
– Traditional Ukrainian Dance

This unique blend reflects the richness of modern Ireland and highlights how creativity can strengthen community bonds across cultures.

The Global Dance Club is also empowering emerging leaders from seldom-heard communities, building confidence, fostering artistic growth, and strengthening cultural visibility within Kilkenny.

It reflects Creative Ireland’s national vision: creativity as a catalyst for wellbeing, inclusion, and community cohesion.

In 2026, the Global Dance Club will bring its colour, energy, and intercultural creativity to major public events, including:

– St. Patrick’s Day Parade
– Sheep Shearing Festival, Graiguenamanagh – 30 May
– Africa Day Celebrations
– World Refugee Day
– Visits to other local authorities to share their learning

Each of these events offers a powerful platform to spotlight the incredible diversity, talent, and community spirit shaping modern Ireland.

This project would make a strong and uplifting feature for Creative Ireland’s national social media or TV coverage, showcasing creativity not just as an art form, but as a force for connection, identity, and community pride.