Who we are
Translated from its Gaelic origins, siamsoir means 'entertainer.'
As an independent performance Irish dance company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, we strive to be just that.
The Siamsoir Performance Troupe offers a thrilling repertoire of energetic rhythms and captivating lyrical performances.
The Performance Troupe performs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every second year with original Performance Irish dance theatre creations written and choreographed specifically for Siamsoir.
Siamsoir runs the Academy of Performance Irish Dance in Edinburgh offering a holistic approach to dance. Our students learn steps and performance techniques and through our unique approach to dance, the Academy enables students at weekly workshops to learn about themselves, team work, positivity, health & fitness and ambition; all whilst having fun learning to Irish dance!
Our work at the Academy allows us to achieve our social aims; bringing Irish Dance entertainment to everyone through community tours which includes visiting community centres, residential care homes and schools, throughout Scotland.
Message from the Director
I had dreamt of Siamsoir Celtic Dance Company for years before making it a reality in 2005. When I set out, I envisioned a company that would perform at social and corporate events, guaranteeing a spectacular performance without exception. Within Siamsoir's first month we achieved that goal and I knew that we had something unique; something that should be shared with more audiences.
I set the aim that each year we would achieve something bigger and better, constantly improving what we had.
In 2006 I wrote, directed and choreographed our first Irish dance theatre show premiering in St Andrews. In 2007 we took this show ‘Battle for Eire’ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Siamsoir branced out In 2008 and relocated to Edinburgh increasing the amount of events we performed at and increasing the size of the troupe. In the following year, 2009, the troupe took their second Irish dance theatre show ‘Celtic Caledonia’ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to a bigger stage and bigger audiences which resulted in a nod of ‘Best of the Fringe’ from the Scotsman newspaper.
In 2010 Siamsoir hosted the first annual ‘Celtic Celebrations’ evening which showcased live Celtic music and dance on St Patrick’s Day (17th March) in the Voo Doo Rooms, Edinburgh. 2010 will see the launch of the Academy of Performance Irish Dance; Celtic Dream, the third in the series of Irish dance theatre shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; appearances at festivals and competitions throughout Britain and Europe.
Looking forward to 2011 Siamsoir will be in the position to give back to the community. The finance raised from the Academy and Edinburgh Festival Fringe will help fund our Community Interest and Social Aims.
I know that the dancers' passion and dedication is the reason that we are able to perform to such a high calibre every time. As Siamsoir expands, I know their dedication will carry us to new levels of achievement, and above all else, entertainment.
I hope you will join us on our journey – Jennifer Hogan