Jonathan Kelliher

Background

About Jonathan Kelliher

Jonathan Kelliher Dance Master / Dance ArtistCo-Founder Céim Arts.Former Artistic Director, Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of began his creative journey with Siamsa Tíre in 1989 as a professional performer. In he ascended to the role of Dance Master, where he honed his expertise in the North Kerry Style, a tradition he has studied since the age of six. Following in the footsteps of a lineage of North Kerry Dance Masters, Jonathan has amassed over 35 years of teaching experience, earning respect as a leading voice on the style's history and significance, and establishing himself as one of its premier exponents in Ireland.In 2005, Jonathan was appointed Artistic Director of Siamsa Tíre, a position he held until 2024. Notable works he delivered include rEvolution for the Dublin Fringe Festival, Tearmann (2006), and Rithim/Rhythm, a collaboration with Printz Dance Project in San Francisco. In 2009, he directed Moriarty and performed in What the Folk at both the Dublin and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. His innovative direction of Anam for the Dublin Dance Festival in 2016 and An Ghaoth Aniar in 2018 further exemplifies his artistic vision. He also created An Damhsóir for Trad-Ireland's 20/20 Visionaries series in 2020 and produced new works for the Dance Master series at the Leitrim Dance Festival in 2022, along with Footsteps for John Scott’s Dancer from the Dance Festival the same year. In 2023, he served as dancer-in-residence at Echo Echo Dance Studios for their Tradition and Beyond festival.Since 2022, Jonathan has engaged with schools throughout Kerry through the Department of Education’s TAP and BLAST programs, sharing the unique North Kerry Dance style with diverse audiences of all ages and abilities. Recently, he partnered with Joanne Barry and founded Céim Arts, together they are continuing the legacy of creative education previously established by Siamsa Tíre.Through his dedication and passion, Jonathan Kelliher remains a pivotal figure in the Irish dance community, inspiring future generations while honouring the rich traditions of his craft.Examples of work:An Ghaoth Anair finale 2018: https://youtu.be/oQM_cOgjAjMAnam Promo 2016: https://youtu.be/7RzlF0FBqcQTrad Ireland 20/20 Visionaries: Kerry Blackbird on Banna Strand: https://youtu.be/xIrhhxkKXDYWhat The Folk – Edinburgh Fringe Promo 2011: https://youtu.be/FBSwrCWy9f0