TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY (TIDC) has significantly changed the direction and scope of Irish dance, re-introducing the art form as the phenomenon it is today. Founded in 1990, this innovative, nonprofit, repertory company was created to celebrate the pioneering work of Founding Artistic Director Mark Howard. Howard’s uniquely Irish-American company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, an innovative movement genre which “ushered in a new era for Irish step dance” (Chicago Tribune), opening new avenues of artistic freedom that led directly to commercial productions such as “Riverdance.”

By using Irish dance as an instrument and a metaphor, TIDC redefines the medium with passion, flair, and precision. Through a unique blend of uncompromising power and grace, TIDC sends a consistent message of female empowerment with a repertory that has elevated the art form for over three decades.

Considered an American treasure by critics and enthusiasts worldwide, TIDC has performed sold-out tours in Europe, Asia, and North America, appearing in distinguished venues, such as New York’s The Joyce Theater, Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, UCLA’s Royce Hall, Ottawa’s National Arts Center of Canada, Tokyo’s Orchard Hall, and Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, among many others. TIDC has traveled to entertain dignitaries as varied as Monaco’s royal family, Irish and American presidents, Japanese royalty, and Indian meditation masters.

TIDC holds an important place in the dance world, offering both a highly skilled presentation of traditional Irish step dance and a brilliantly engaging interpretation of contemporary world vision.

PRESS

“It’s not ‘Riverdance’ — there’s no New Age hash of Celtic mythology, no cocky male showboating. But the claim of Mark Howard, Trinity’s founding artistic director and principal choreographer, that he anticipated ‘Riverdance’ is bolstered by the inclusion of “Johnny,” a piece he made for “The Tonight Show” in 1991.” – The New York Times