Derry dancer Janie set to shine in ‘Moonlight Dream’ at Millennium Forum”

Derry dancer Janie Doherty is set to star as a mischievous fox in ‘Moonlight Dream’, a beautiful dance and live music production from Maiden Voyage Dance, which will take place at the Millennium Forum Studio on Thursday, February 12.

A gentle, sensory-rich dance and live music experience for 0–6-year-olds and their families, ‘Moonlight Dream’ follows a curious child and her two lovable companions - a caring bear and a mischievous fox - as they explore the night sky and discover the limitless possibilities of the dream world. 

Thirty-seven-year-old Janie, who is originally from Bishop Street and is a former pupil of St. Cecilia’s College, has trained in Berlin, New York and Germany and performed in the Hong Kong New Year Parade for three years in a row! 

She says she is looking forward to performing in her home town for Derry’s youngest dreamers: “‘Moonlight Dream’ is such a special show and the perfect first theatre experience for families with young children. We’ve taken inspiration from classic children’s bedtime stories to create a truly magical experience with live music, gentle movement, and glowing lightscapes. I can’t wait for Derry audiences to see it!

"It’s so special to me to create work for this age group, especially as a mother myself to a small child. I think we underestimate just what babies can understand.  They are very intelligent and like wee sponges so they really soak in all the elements of the show.

"It is such a beautiful experience to bring your child to the theatre for the first time, so it is important to me as both a performer and a parent, that I make the experience as memorable as possible for the families in the audience.” 

Nicola Curry, Artistic Director of Maiden Voyage said: “Research has shown that early arts experiences are hugely beneficial for young children’s development.

"From presenting the show in a relaxed in-the-round setting, music, lighting and interaction between the performers and young audiences, our creative team has put a lot of thought into making ‘Moonlight Dream’ as accessible and meaningful as possible, to create some really heart-warming moments between children and their caregivers.”

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Literature and Dance at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland added: “I can’t think of a more wonderful way to spend time during half-term than to be swept away to a magical world with Maiden Voyage Dance and ‘Moonlight Dream’. The creativity, care and dedication from the company and their proven track record in producing meaningful and memorable shows for young audiences mean that this is definitely an event not to be missed!”

The production brings together an exceptional creative team, led by choreographer Georgia Tegou, with original live music composed and played by Ursula Burns, and performances by Sandy Cuthbert, Janie Doherty, and Andrea Madore. The stunning lighting and set design by Ciaran Bagnall, combined with beautiful costumes by Úna Hickey, create a truly immersive moonlit world.

‘Moonlight Dream’ is commissioned and produced by Maiden Voyage Dance, which is principally funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and supported by Belfast City Council. The show was co-commissioned with Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company, which is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

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‘Moonlight Dream’ by Maiden Voyage Dance will be performed at 11.00am and 2.00pm on Thursday, February 12 at the Millennium Forum Studio Theatre.

Tickets for 'Moonlight Dream' are £6.50 (includes £1.50 development fee) and can be booked online at millenniumforum.co.uk or from the box office on tel. 028 7126 4455.