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Who we are
Translated from its Gaelic origins, siamsoir means
'the entertainers'. As an independent performance Irish dance company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, we strive to be just that.
The Irish Dance Academy
is the perfect place to learn Irish Dance in Edinburgh.
New classes have been added for 2012 visit our Academy pages to find out more...
Siamsoir Performance Troupe
The Siamsoir Elite Performance Troupe dancers offer a thrilling repertoire of energetic rhythms and captivating lyrical performance tailored to suit any event. The Troupe has performed at prestigious events throughout Scotland and internationally.
Siamsoir Workshops
Siamsoir also offer team building workshops delivered by the director and members of the Elite performance troupe. Visit our work shop pages for more information.
Our Mission
The work of the company creates opportunities for participation in dance for everyone.
Our Vision
Through dance we want to encourage people to learn about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating and hopefully lead longer and healthier lives.
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 had achieved that goal and I knew that we had something unique; something that should be shared with more audiences. Little did I know the things we would achieve as a group and how we would grow.
I set the aim in 2005 that each year we would achieve something bigger and better; to constantly improve what we had, I am more than proud to say that Siamsoir has done this year after year.
The future:
Eventually, we will roll out more workshops in schools. It is envisioned that the finance raised from the Irish Dance Academy and Performance Troupe activities will fund these social aims.
Summer Schools
We will also be rolling out our summer school workshops with residential courses in and around Edinburgh where Irish dancers can come to learn about performance Irish Dance, nutrition, having an active lifestyle and how to prepare to go on stag. The end of the coursewill see the dancers deliver a performance to parents, friends, colleagues and the local community
Premises
Siamsoir will hop to open its own studio and rehearsal space. This will allow the dancers access to more classes from the Academy but also from complementary classes like yoga, ballet and circuit training.
Watch our Twitter account @siamsoir to hear all the news first.
Thank you
I know that the dedication and passion of the Academy students, Performance Troupe dancers and Management Team are the reasons that Siamsoir continues to produce such excellence.
As Siamsoir expands, I know their dedication will carry us to new levels of achievement.
I hope you will join us on our journey – Jennifer Roxburgh
2012
The Prophecy was such a critical success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011 that it has inspired Jennifer to create a new show to tour in Scotland with the newly formed summer school class 'Irish Dance Theatre Group' open to all Academy members.
The Academy has introduced new classes and hopes to grow student numbers. New relationships with other dance companies have been created. Siamsoir will work with Red Flame Dance company to deliver two new beginner classes in Haddington starting in September 2011. Our ongoing relationship with Edinburgh University will mean the continuation of the beginner Irish Dance class at the Dance society.
There will be more workshops in the new season with the first corporate workshop happening in September.
Taster sessions will be offered to all the local primary schools in Leith.
Siamsoir will take part in Dancebase's Big Dance in July and the Best Dance Group Competition in October.
There will be big news coming in August 2012 so keep up to date by joining our newsletter by emailing info@siamsoir.co.uk or signing up on the contact page.
Our History
2011: It has been an extremely busy year with more bookings than ever for the Performance Troupe and an average of one new student joining the Academy per week.
'The Prophecy', the third in the series of Irish dance theatre shows was performed at the Edinburgh FestivalFringe.With incredible reviews from the critics, including a four star review from Broadway Baby and impressive audience reviews, this has been our most profitable and successful show to date.
The Performance Troupe will make appearances as guest entertainers at festivals and competitions throughout Britain and Europe.
The annual St Patrick's Day event 'Celtic Celebrations' was completely sold out for 2011.
2010: 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 VooDoo Rooms, Edinburgh. 2010 saw the launch of the Academy of Performance Irish Dance.
2009: In the following year, 2009, the troupe took their second Irish dance theatre show ‘Celtic Caledonia’ to Birnam Arts Centre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We had a bigger stage and welcomed bigger audiences which resulted in a nod of ‘Best of the Fringe’ by the Scotsman newspaper.
2008: Siamsoir branced out and relocated to Edinburgh increasing the amount of events we performed at and increasing the size of the troupe. This was the first year that auditions were held for the troupe.
2007: In 2007 we took this show ‘Battle for Eire’ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A management team was established to help me cope with the increased work that the Fringe created.
2006: In 2006 I wrote, directed and choreographed our first Irish dance theatre show premiering in St Andrews. The Troupe started to grow and positions were sought after.
2005: The company was launched in St Andrews, with the help of 11 other dancers who were interested in doing more performances. We've never looked back since!