IT is now possible to study part time for a third level course from the Irish World Music Centre, University of Limerick in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. The new Shaylyn Traditional Performing Arts Centre is offering a series of exciting initiatives including the establishment of a Traditional Talent Agency, International Irish Dance Holidays, Adult classes in Irish Dance and Music, A Cross Border Culture and Dance Reconciliation Initiative and much more thanks to funding of ¤221,940 part-financed by the European Union.

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Right now the focus is on the courses from Limerick due to run at the weekends from March to October this year so time is short for potential students and teachers to apply.

Interreg and Border Action are funding two different but complementary projects based on traditional performing arts that will run from the centre. The link with UL is a further vital element. The university will be placing their courses into the centre and will also select tutors and audition applicants as part of the outreach programme.

The Irish Dance Performance Skills course and the Irish Music course will facilitate students to develop their personal style of playing/dancing while also expanding their experience and knowledge in related areas. A combination of one on one attention, ensemble work, theory and practical classes with first rate tutors from the world of Irish music, dance and song will make the experience one that music and dance enthusiasts will thrive on. In addition a number of master classes will be included with industry legends such as Colin Dunne who is set to launch the centre on March 23. Colin will also host two master classes in Ballinamore on Saturday, March 24 with booking now open.

The centre itself is based in the top of a beautiful new building in the old market town of Ballinamore with fantastic light and space plus unobstructed views of the Sliabh an Iarainn mountains and breathtaking surrounding countryside. Two fully kitted out studio spaces with floors just made for dancing and wall to wall mirrors make the centre a truly inspirational setting for something so creative.

If you are interested in applying for the third level music or dance courses as a student or as a tutor please contact the Shaylyn Centre immediately on 00353 719681101 or by email info@shaylyn.net

In addition if you are an Irish or Ulster Scots/Scottish country dancer and would be interested in a cross border/cross community dance project again as a tutor or as a participant please do get in touch for details.

Finally if you are an adult and would be interested in learning Irish dance or an instrument, either as a beginner or an improver contact the centre for information on adult classes starting the first weekend in March.