Moate's Dancezone receives 12 Dance Awards Ireland nominations
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Moate-based dance school Dancezone has received a total of 12 Dance Awards Ireland nominations.
Dance Awards Ireland will take place at The Mansion House in Dublin from Friday, October 23, to Monday, October 26, for a weekend of masterclasses, international choreographers, and industry connections.
The centrepiece of the Dance Awards Ireland weekend is an awards evening of recognition, live performance and celebration, bringing together Ireland’s dance community on Saturday, October 24.
Founder of Dancezone, Sandra Julian, received a total of five nominations, including categories such as Lifetime Achievement in Dance, Outstanding Contribution to Ireland’s Dance Industry, Dance Educator Award, Choreographer Award, and Dance Advocate Award
"They're heavy hitters! It was some very kind mums, past and present, who put me forward for the awards, and I was very humbled," Sandra said.
"When you're put in front of the camera, it can be a bit daunting. The categories are just phenomenal. I won Outstanding Contribution to Ireland’s Dance Industry last year, and I'm still reeling from that, so to be nominated again, I'm just blown away.
"I have put in a lifetime, but it doesn't feel that way. I feel very lucky, I'm humbled to even be considered."
Sandra is now in her 32nd year running Dancezone, having spent five years previous with Moate Variety Show.
"My dad has produced a number of shows, I grew up in a very musical house, so I guess it stemmed from there," she said.
Dancezone Stage School also received a total of seven award nominations.
These included Dance Studio/School of the Year, Dance Training Programme, Leadership in Dance Education, Community Dance Project, Inclusive Dance Programme, Dance & Well-being Champion, and Social Impact through Dance.
"The nominations for wellbeing and inclusion, they are very close to my heart," Sandra said. "Some students coming in here do have challenges, and it's up to me to make it work, and make sure everyone is a part of the puzzle."
Speaking about the wide range of nominations, Sandra said it was "quite an achievement".
"What particularly stood out to us was the breadth of them. They recognise not only dance education and training, but leadership, advocacy, inclusion, community work and the wider contribution that you and Dancezone make through dance," said Sandra.
"There were a lot of tears, I was overwhelmed to see 12 nominations in total. We are very lucky in Dancezone to have a lot of support, people have been very kind. We're confident, and we do things right. We are really excited about this year."