Gaelforce dance

Gaelforce dance

Gaelforce dance is an Australian musical project and dance show based in Melbourne, active since 1981. It combines Irish dance and music with elements drawn from African dance drumming, jazz and classical music. The work is described as a story about two lovers and is closely associated with Irish traditional performance.

Creative background

The project is linked to Colm O'Foghlu, who is credited as composer, producer and arranger of the Gaelforce CD. He studies dance from a young age at the O'Shea School of Irish Dance, then studies instruments at the Irish Academy of Music and the College of Music in Dublin before entering the B. Mus. programme at University College Cork. There he studies composition with Dr. Michael O'Suilleabhain, who is described as a leading authority on contemporary Irish music.

Awards and related work

O'Foghlu receives awards including the R.T.E. Creativity Award, Feile Na dTeangacha, Feile Pan-Ceilteach, Slogadh and Oireachtas. His solo album F.Choing appears in 1997.

Associated performer

Michael Durkan is described as an inspiration behind Gaelforce Dance. He sings and plays in many parts of the world, is one of the founding members of the Irish Drovers, and later moves into solo work through this production.

Style and membership

The project name also appears with a broad set of associated performers, including Paul Erikson, Simon Monroe, Lisa Gerrard, Brendan Perry, James Pinker, Scott Roger, Peter Ulrich, Gus Ferguson, Richard Avison, Pieter Bourke, Michael Edwards and David Kuckhermann.