A Dancing Success, Dylan Quinn’s Journey
This was certainly the case for Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre a new creative, dynamic and developing company who recognised an opportunity and need for the development of dance activities across Fermanagh and its neighbouring counties.
The Company which was founded in 2009 was legally incorporated as a Community Interest Company. In order to establish whether or not there was a demand for the development of dance activities in Fermanagh a pilot scheme was undertaken by the Board of Directors in 2009/2010 which involved engaging a number of artists and administering a large scale primary school dance project. Such was its success it was decided to commence trading as a company under the name Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre.
The Company soon realised that there were no other dance organisations providing creative opportunities to the community and education sector in the West of Northern Ireland or the North West of the Republic of Ireland. As a result the Company identified its aims and objectives and set out actions as to how these objectives would be achieved: to support positive artist and creative growth and development with in its community, to be actively involved in initiating, supporting and creating social change through its activities, to create and produce high quality dance and physical theatre performances and to provide an positive example to young people interested in a career in the arts.
Under the leadership of Dylan Quinn, Artistic Manager and through the support DQDT has received from Omagh Enterprise Company through the Social Entrepreneurship Programme the company has grown from strength to strength since its inception. Throughout the past two years the Company has received Mentoring on their pitch to the Dragon’s Den, Customer Relationship Management Systems, Employee Management whilst also receiving expert advice and support in relation to the Company’s Marketing and Online Strategy.
Located in the Fermanagh Enterprise Centre, the Company’s success is clear to be seen having now employed three members of staff. The Company has also been recognised for their achievements by the Social Economy Network who awarded DQDT the Social Enterprise Start up of the Year Award 2010. The Company subsequently went onto represent Northern Ireland at the UK finals in the O2 Arena London.
Dylan and the Board of Directors continue to deliver a diverse range of dance activities to its target market, they are a committed team of creative people all working to make dance in and from Fermanagh unforgettable.
