East Coast Dance Arts (ECDA) 2026 Contemporary & Graham Technique Intensive

A 7-Day Immersive Dance Intensive & Graham Centennial Celebration

Join East Coast Dance Arts (ECDA) for a prestigious 7-day dance intensive, representing one of only twelve European partners for the global 'Graham For Europe' centennial. This program is an essential bridge for ballet students seeking the contemporary versatility required by modern professional companies and vocational colleges.

Participants should have a strong foundation in classical ballet or contemporary dance.

No prior experience in Martha Graham Technique is required, as foundational principles will be covered in the morning masterclasses.

Who is it for? Aimed at dancers of Intermediate standard or above (Grade 6+ equivalent) in Ballet or Contemporary.

The Program Includes:

• Daily Masterclasses: Martha Graham Technique with master teachers Rafael Molina (FR) and Penny Diamantopoulou (GR).

• Creative Process: Afternoon workshops in Improvisation, Choreography, and Repertory.

• Original Performance: Participants will have original work created on them throughout the week, culminating in a professional showcase.

Multi-Venue Location Schedule:

• March 26–27: Dance Ireland, Foley Street, Dublin 1.

• March 28–31: Inchicore College, Dublin 8.

• April 1: Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow (Full Day & Final Performance).

Final Showcase: The intensive concludes with the "ECDA: Live" performance at the Mermaid Arts Centre on Wednesday, April 1st at 7:00 pm. This show features the work created during the week alongside invited guest artists.

Master Faculty & Guest Artists

• Rafael Molina (France): A renowned master teacher and expert in the Martha Graham technique. He is a leading figure in Graham for Europe and is celebrated for his ability to translate classical strength into modern expressive movement.

• Penny Diamantopoulou (Greece): A distinguished educator and Graham technique specialist. She is a core faculty member for international intensives and is known for her rigorous technical standards and choreographic excellence.

• Matt Szczerek (Guest Artist): A prominent contemporary dance artist in Ireland who will be performing a solo work during the final showcase and collaborating during the week.

Tickets for the final show are available separately via the Mermaid Arts Centre box office.

Photo/Poster courtesy of [Organizer Name]. Used for event promotion purposes.

• Technical Level: Intermediate or above in Ballet, Contemporary, or other formal dance techniques.

• Recommended Grade: Roughly Grade 6+ (RAD/ISTD) or equivalent pre-professional experience.

• Ages: While typically for teens (15+) and adults, it is specifically designed for anyone with a strong technical foundation who wants to learn the "Graham" style (the roots of modern ballet-contemporary fusion).

• Ballet Connection: Perfect for ballet students who need "Contemporary Versatility" for upcoming college or vocational school auditions.

This is a 7-day immersive experience (March 26 – April 1). Here is the breakdown:

• Daily Martha Graham Technique: Morning sessions (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) led by master teachers Rafael Molina (France) and Penny Diamantopoulou (Greece).

• Choreographic Workshops: Afternoon sessions (1:00 pm – 6:00 pm) focusing on improvisation and creative development.

• Original Choreography: Unlike a standard workshop where you just learn "steps," participants will have an original piece created on them throughout the week.

• Live Theatre Performance: On the final day (April 1st), all participants will perform the original work on a professional stage at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray as part of the ECDA: Live showcase.

• Professional Networking: This intensive is a "stepping stone" for those looking to study dance in Europe or the USA.

• 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (March 26–31) | 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm (April 1)

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Martha Graham Technique classes with Rafael Molina and Penny Diamantopoulou.

• 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Improvisation, Choreography, and Repertory workshops.