The Art Of Fugue
fugue /fjuːɡ/ noun
1.MUSIC - a contrapuntal composition in which a short melody or phrase (the subject) is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others and developed by interweaving the parts.
2.PSYCHIATRY - a loss of awareness of one's identity, often coupled with flight from one's usual environment, associated with certain forms of hysteria and epilepsy.
Origin: Late 16th century: from French, or from Italian fuga, from Latin fuga ‘flight’, related to fugere ‘flee’.
During her Percolate residency at Dance Limerick, Justine plans to continue her choreographic inquiry and undertake a period of practice-based research. Working with dance artists Emily Kilkenny Roddy, Oran Leong, Justine Cooper and Salma Ataya she intends to take inspiration from Bach's masterpiece Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of the Fugue) BWV 1080, exploring the complex compositional structure of the work through movement.
“Bach plays to God and himself in an empty church”, wrote the composer and critic Wilfrid Millers of The Art of Fugue. Soli Deo Gloria, Glory to God alone.. regularly inscribed at the end of Bach's compositions, a doctrine that everything that is done is for God's glory to the exclusion of mankind's self-glorification and pride. Justine is interested in talking to people about their faith and bringing these conversations into the studio.
“Study Bach. There you will find everything.” Johannes Brahms
In relation to this task, Justine wants to further explore the meaning(s) movement and the body represents or confers, both portrayed and interpreted. Functional, pedestrian, gestural, stylistic, contrapuntal, juxtapositional, disembodied or subsumed. And in what context? She wishes to play with the presentation of disparate elements, and how then, these elements can be perceived in multiple ways. Justine is very much looking forward to having the space and time to research with her collaborators, supported by Dance Limerick and the Arts Council.
For info on Justine's Professional Morning Class on Wednesday 22 May class click here.
For info on Justine's Work-in-progress Sharing on Thursday 23 May class click here.
Through a combination of performance platforms, residency opportunities, master classes, talks and lectures, Dance Limerick will advocate for artistic dialogue and exchange. In collaboration with dance artists across a range of practices, Dance Limerick will promote the creation of new and innovative work and will devise programmes of access, engagement and participation for the wider public.
Based at the premises of the former Daghdha Dance Company, Dance Limerick houses offices and a fully equipped studio space along with a separate performance venue known as the Daghda Space
Further information about facilities and opportunities for professional dance artists available from Jenny Traynor at