Dance2Connect (D2C LAB) 2026

The D2C LAB is a professional development intensive programme for international and Irish professional dance artists, who locate their practice at the intersection between street dance and contemporary dance theatre.

Each year participants engage with a leading international
guest choreographer/mentor over a number of days, concluding with the showing of a short work in progress.

Collaboration and Learning

D2C LAB provides a space for street dancers and contemporary dancers to come together and share technical knowledge and approaches to performance.

Each participant will have the opportunity to delve into their own choreographic practice and learn from each other’s dance methods.

Marking the 8th Edition in 2026

2026 will mark D2C’s 8th edition, led by founder/Artistic Director Matt Szczerek in collaboration with ongoing partners, Dance Ireland, the national development organisation for dance, Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company and the Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, Universityof Limerick. Supported by producing partners Promenade and funded by the Arts Council.

With this continuing partnership we are delighted to announce in 2026 we will be delivering
workshop programs in Dublin and Limerick.

We are very excited to announce this year’s mentor,

Arias Fernández, aka Joker from Spain.

Arias has worked as a teacher, jury member, and performer in various competitions such as “Krumpire” (Russia), “International Illest Battle” (France), “Cheza Street Battle” (Belgium), “La Machine Festival” (Costa Rica), “Kill The Stage” (Russia), “No Man’s Land” (Philippines), “Spoffin Festival” (Holland), “Buckyard” (Czech Republic), “Xám Studio” (Vietnam), and more.

He has been part of companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Adn De L’Ánima, and D’block. He is currently part of the Nadine Gerspacher & Nicolas Ricchini Company with the show “Ever After,” as well as “Birth” by Gricka Caruge and “Geometry” by Roseland Musical.

As the founder and visionary of OM RASA, he has developed a unique training method that integrates multiple disciplines: Krump, parkour, contemporary dance, community organizing, dance theatre, gymnastics, martial arts, free diving, and music.

He is the main representative of Krump in Spain and is recognised worldwide for his contribution to the culture. He is part of the crews Titans, Madrootzhe and TightEyez Fam.

Join the D2C LAB Community

D2C LAB is for advanced/intermediate dancers in all genres of movement.

D2C LAB 2026 Schedule and Details

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D2C LAB Dublin

• Dates: 13 April – 17 April 2026 (5 Days)
• Location: Dance Ireland, Foley Street
• Participants: We will pick 15 dancers per location to delve into 5 days of intense creation process.
• Conclusion: Concluded with showing of work late afternoon of the last day of rehearsals on Friday.
• Daily Schedule:
• Morning class 10am – 11am
• Rehearsals 11.15am – 5.30pm

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D2C LAB Limerick

• Dates: 20 April – 22 April 2026 (3 Days)
• Location: Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick
• Participants: We will pick 15 dancers per location to delve into 3 days of intense creation process.
• Conclusion: Concluded with a video recording and showing of work on the last day of rehearsals.
• Daily Schedule:
• Rehearsals: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

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Application Details

• Applications Open: 12 December 2025
• Deadline: midnight 09 February 2026
• Application Process: Complete the forms for Limerick, or Dublin.

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Fees

• Limerick: €20
• Dublin: €35

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Funding and Support
Dance2Connect (D2C LAB) is funded by Arts Council Ireland in partnership with Dance Ireland and Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company.  Additional support provided by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick and Promenade.

Our Mission Statement

Dance to Connect is committed to supporting professional and emerging dance artists who locate their practice at the intersection between Street Dance and Contemporary Dance Theatre.

Dance2Connect Partners are a key resource and an invaluable asset to the programme.

Dance Ireland | Dance Ireland put the dance artist at the centre of all that wethey do. They respond to the needs and ideas of the dance community and take the lead in advocating for and exemplifying the conditions and environment in which
dance will thrive as a profession, a practice and a passion.
Every day in their studios, people explore new ways to express themselves through dance. They encourage and champion that spirit of inquiry which seeks to learn, to grow, to try something new.  By doing so, they seek to build audiences for dance,
inspire confident participation and progress professional practice.

Luail | Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company is a contemporary dance ensemble in Dublin that creates and tours dance work internationally, fostering audience engagement. In collaboration with partners such as Maiden Voyage Dance and the Irish World Academy, they offer development opportunities and invigorating dance experiences across diverse disciplines and spaces.

Funding and Support
Dance2Connect (D2C LAB) is funded by Arts Council Ireland in partnership with Dance Ireland and Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company.  Additional support provided by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick and Promenade.

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D2C TEAM