Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company — Dance Classes In Londonderry

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is a Derry-based dance organisation with a home on the city walls, combining professional artistic work with classes and activities open to the wider community. It is far more than a rehearsal space, running workshops and sessions for a broad range of ages and abilities. The ethos is curious, inclusive and rooted in the local arts scene. It suits anyone drawn to contemporary and creative movement.

About Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company

People describe a warm, welcoming and genuinely open space, one that leaves participants feeling inspired and supported. Its connections to the international dance community give it an outward-looking, adventurous character. It reads as ideal for those who want dance to be exploratory and communal rather than strictly graded.

Classes & Dance Styles

Alongside its performance work, the company offers classes and activities for all ages, so dance classes in Londonderry here tend towards contemporary and creative practice rather than syllabus exams. Sessions typically explore movement, improvisation and expression in a supportive group setting. Because the programme shifts with projects and workshops, it is worth checking the current schedule to see what is running and who it is aimed at.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Newcomers can expect an easy-going, encouraging welcome with no pressure to have danced before. Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move freely in, and bare feet or soft shoes are usual for contemporary work. Come with an open mind; these sessions reward willingness to try more than polish.

Location & Contact

The company is based within Derry's historic centre, close to the city walls and reachable on foot from much of the town. Local transport and nearby parking serve the area in the usual way.

• Address: Waterloo House, Magazine St, Londonderry BT48 6HH
• Phone: +44 28 7130 8883
• Website: http://www.echoechodance.com/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am-5 pm

What Dancers Say About Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company

5/5 from 8 Google reviews.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is a company full of love and wonders. Their beautiful home on the city walls of Derry is brimming of a warm, welcoming, open, curious and welcoming feeling, which can also be described about each and every one of the wonderful souls that make up the company- it's thanks to them their home feels like a home open to everyone. I love their artistic approach, the intelligens and artdisposition and their unique human outlook. And how they support artists. This is a place you want to be at and people you want to share time with, be that as an audience, participant or— My Johansson

Besides its great artistic work Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is also a warm and friendly space with classes and activities for all ages. Stephen Batts, the artistic director of the company, creates connections with the international dance community through workshops, artistic residencies and the yearly performance festival and also with local community through movement classes, indoor and site specific performances. The dance practice of the company, Poetic Movement, developed by Stephen Batts is a great contribution to many professionals in the performative arts and inspiration for interna— virginia negru

The Echo Echo studios and people working within have been so supportive of my work since the moment I arrived in 2015 to this date. I always leave feeling inspired, supported and warm at heart. Please keep doing what you’re doing. It is such an important part of Derry. With gratitude and hope to see you all again soon, Maria Svensson— Maria Svensson

Genuinely world class contemporary dance performance space and venue for all sorts of movement based activities – performances are invariably excellent and a nice place to call in if you are into your contemporary arts – the folks there are really interesting and a great stop off if you are into your creative arts— Steve Lewis

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you learn to dance without a partner?

Yes, contemporary and creative dance is practised solo within a group, so no partner is needed to take part fully.

What should I wear to a beginner dance class?

Comfortable clothing that allows free movement is best, with bare feet or soft shoes for contemporary work. The company can confirm anything specific for a given session.

How much does a dance class usually cost?

Prices vary by session and programme. Because the schedule changes with projects, contact the company directly for current costs.

Which dance is best for beginners?

Contemporary and creative movement suit beginners because they focus on how you move rather than fixed steps, making them approachable for anyone new.

What is the best dance to start as an adult?

Contemporary is a rewarding adult starting point as it works with your own body and pace, though many adults also enjoy social styles. It depends what appeals to you.

Is dancing good for heart failure?

Gentle dance can support general cardiovascular health, but anyone with heart failure should seek medical advice before starting and mention any condition to the class leader.

Video