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Helen Brennan’s collection represents an early example of collecting traditional dance on video in Ireland, much of which was recorded before the set-dancing revival in the 1980s. The collection consists of 18 VHS tapes and three 8mm films. These materials document some of Helen’s field trips ranging from the late 1970s to the late 1990s. These recordings include interviews with dancers as well as dance performances and demonstrations in locations across Ireland from Miltown Malbay to Drogheda and many places in between. Notable performers include Willie Keane, Ollie Conway, Jimmo Sexton, Brendan Bonar, Mike Dwyer, and others.
For the first time the ITMA has digitised this collection along with a new interview with Helen Brennan and made them available for dancers and researchers to reference and enjoy.
Please note, these videos come from archival sources and as such the quality may not be perfect.
