Join the first ever dance awards in Northern Ireland

To celebrate International Dance Day, Newry Dance Theatre Arts teachers have officially launched the Inaugural Dance Awards NI.

These prestigious awards, celebrating excellence in Northern Ireland's Dance Community, will take place at The Culloden Hotel on Saturday, October 5.

Co-founders and teachers Catherine Hughes and Danielle Hughes Quinn, along with various dancers unveiled the launch at The Culloden Hotel.Fuelled by their shared ardour for dance and commitment to providing a platform for commitment and dedication to dance, Catherine and Danielle conceived the idea for The Dance Awards NI, a pioneering awards ceremony dedicated to honouring the extraordinary talents and contributions within Northern Ireland's dynamic dance sphere.

Catherine said: "We are committed to providing a platform for both exceptional accomplishments and unwavering dedication to dance. "Our mission is to applaud the dedication and talent of those who significantly impact the dance industry, from educators and studio proprietors to volunteers and event organisers."

Danielle continued: "The Dance Awards NI promises to be a premier gathering, attracting dancers, choreographers, educators, and enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland. It will serve as an essential space for acknowledgment and admiration, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among like-minded individuals.”

The awards will simultaneously raise money for the Tired Movement.

Catherine and Danielle extend a warm invitation to all members of Northern Ireland's dance community to participate in this historic occasion. "Together, let's illuminate the incredible talent and dedication that define our dance industry," they urge. "Let's celebrate our achievements and inspire future generations of dancers.”The awards will span a broad spectrum of categories, including but not limited to:**Special Recognition Awards**- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award- Dance for Wellbeing Award- Choreographer of the Year- Dance Assistant of the Year- Dance Teacher of the Year- Dance in Education Award- Dance Parent Award- Community Engagement Dance Award- Dance Photographer of the Year- ⁠Dance Costume Designer Award- Lifetime Achievement Award (teaching 25+ years)**Dancer of the Year**- 9 and Under- 13 and Under- 17 and Under- 18 and Over**Event Awards**- Event of the Year Dance Competition- Event of the Year Festival- Event of the Year Irish Dance Competition**Dance School Awards**- Antrim Dance School of the Year- Down Dance School of the Year- Armagh Dance School of the Year- Tyrone Dance School of the Year- Derry/Londonderry Dance School of the Year- Fermanagh Dance School of the Year- Secondary School of the Year Dance Award- Primary School of the Year Dance AwardTop Performing Schools in Individual Styles - Jazz, Irish, Line, Ulster Scots Highland Dance, Tap, Hip-hop, Cheerleading, Acro, Ballet, Contemporary, Ballroom, Aerobic, Lyrical, Freestyle and much more ..

The Dance Awards NI extends its gratitude to the generous support of its sponsors, whose dedication to the arts enables events like this. Sponsors include: Associated Board of Dance, Perform Festival, Can You Dance?, Membermeister, Shades Dancewear, Local Women Sport Magazine, I Am Digital and Younqiue Aesthetics.Local Businesses including: R Kings, Cole Groundwork’s, Ross Construction and MP Safety.