Moves of Belonging

Slaney Court IPAS Centre, Baltinglass

Moves of Belonging was a vibrant eight-week dance project developed with children from the Slaney Court IPAS Centre, led by artist and choreographer Karen Aguiar in collaboration with dancers Josué Reis and Bboy Aleon.

Meeting weekly at Stratford Lodge, the children explored Hip Hop and Breakdance through movement, creativity and self-expression. Across the eight weeks, participants developed new dance skills while building confidence, working together and discovering different ways to communicate and express themselves through movement. The project provided a welcoming and energetic space for the children to connect with one another, have fun and explore their creativity.

Moves of Belonging was a development of earlier projects by Karen Aguiar with the Slaney Court community, building on her previous work with children there and continuing to create opportunities for creative participation, connection and expression.

The project culminated in a lively public performance at Stratford Lodge on 6 June 2026, as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. The performance gave the children an opportunity to share what they had created with their families, friends and the wider community, celebrating their energy, creativity and achievements.

Moves of Belonging was supported through the first round of the Creative Places Baltinglass Creative Community Activation Fund, which supports locally-led creative projects that bring people together through arts and culture.