Connect the Dots

Through a 2021 YPCE Commissions Award from the Arts Council, Draíocht supported Mónica Muñoz to create a new children’s dance piece 'Connect the Dots'. The creation of the piece includes working with sound artist, Sinead Diskin, 3 dancers and Dublin 15 primary school children.

"During the YPCE Commission from Draíocht, I engaged with children from local primary schools in Dublin 15, interviewing them and collecting stories about their experiences, giving them a voice in decision making, involving them from the start in a creative process and using creative and age appropriate methods. Children chose the topic they wanted to reflect in a dance piece: Friends and Peer Relations. Afterwards I went back to Draíocht's Studio together with 3 dancers, Leon Dwyer, Mateusz Szczerek and Jessie Thompson and sound designer Sinead Diskin. We tried to convey children's ideas and experiences into the work. The three performers facilitated an exploration of group dynamics, encompassing themes such as hierarchy, being left out, support and connection and the presence of a lone female also opened up a platform of discussion around inter-gender friendships. The work is quite athletic and acrobatic, and is a mix of street and contemporary dance. During our 2 weeks of development, we had a work in progress performance on the 27th of April with ninety 5th class pupils from Scoil Oilibhéir. It was really great to hear their feedback and opinions about the dance work. It was insightful and has given me a focus for further development."
Monica Muñoz