SHIFT reinforces the urgency of climate crisis
2nd October 2024
This August we were proud to bring SHIFT to the stage at BBC Blackstaff Studios, Belfast. Through dance and music, this immersive event explored young people’s perspectives on the climate crisis, migration, and human resilience.
The impetus for SHIFT came from the DU Dance (NI) Youth Steering Group whose members were outspoken in their opinion that much more needs to be done publicly to address the environmental crisis. A call to action across the island of Ireland resulted in 70 young people and 16 children from companies in Belfast, Dungannon, Omagh, Laois, Limerick, Moira, Roscommon and Wicklow coming together. It started with a digital rehearsal period in July, workshops in the community and a seven-day rehearsal programme whilst staying in Stranmillis University College.
The experience of meeting, creating and performing has made a real impact on the lives of everyone involved in the project:
“It’s been an amazing experience to make new friends and bond over something we all care about, everyone has been so sweet and I hope to get to experience something like this again as it has made my summer the best one ever.”
“It was really fun and eye opening.”
“It was really fun to get to work with different people from different places and different dance backgrounds! Thanks so much for the opportunity to do this project.”
“I really enjoyed working with and meeting different people. As a dancer I specifically appreciated the musicians and thought it really added to the experience.”
“It’s been very exciting and inspiring seeing the range of different talents.”
The artistic, creative and collaborative approach of SHIFT was underpinned by an exploration of the climate crisis and feedback from the young participants shows the real impact of the project:
“The visuals of the performance and the text made me more aware of issues involving climate displacement. I thought I was more knowledgeable about this but was surprised to learn more which was great.”
“While I was already very aware of the severity of the climate crisis, this project reinforced the urgency of the situation and how quickly we need to take action.”
Watch a 2 minute film on the background to SHIFT and hear from those involved: HERE
The audiences who came to the three sell-out performances also felt better informed and really inspired to do more. They were awed by how SHIFT brought the climate crisis into sharp focus:
“SHIFT was the most electrifying and moving experience I’ve ever witnessed on examining the climate crisis.” James Orr, Head of Friends of the Earth NI
“It was so moving from start to finish, I shed several tears! The music was beautiful, the dancing so emotive and the visual projections were incredible!” Eve Shearer, Belfast City Council
You can hear more from the audience in this 2 minute film: WHAT DID YOU THINK?
If you have been inspired to DO MORE, check out our guide on sustainability with tips and ideas on how you can make the world a greener, cleaner, fairer and more creative place. Learn how easy it is to DO MORE!!
SHIFT was presented in partnership with Music Generation Roscommon and Queen’s University and creative direction and choreography was by Robby Graham of Southpaw Dance Company.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council for their core funding and the trusts and foundations who support our on-going programme.
