Erin’s Journey - A dance between two worlds

As part of the programme of cultural events to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Embassy of Ireland is pleased to present the premiere of Erin's Journey, a production developed by the School of Irish Dance, accompanied by live traditional Irish music performed by the Turn On Irish group. The performance showcases Irish culture through Slovene eyes and artistry, bringing together the traditions of Irish dance, music and storytelling. It celebrates the longstanding cultural and creative connections between Ireland and Slovenia and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Embassy of Ireland in Slovenia. Join us for Erin’s Journey and a celebration of 25 years of partnership, friendship and cultural connections. 

Erin lives on the beautiful green island but she finds herself trapped in a grey city, tired of the daily office routine, longing to be different and creative. With a little magic, she travels beneath the rainbow into the Otherworld of Irish folklore, where she plays with mischievous leprechauns, dances with the merrows, and is swept away by the enchanting fairy folk. Soon though, dark clouds start gathering on the horizon. The legendary giant heroes, forever locked in battle, are not to be taken lightly. The banshees haunt Erin with their mournful cries, and they summon the unpredictable divine Cailleach, who unleashes a mighty storm. Will the heroine be able to restore peace and harmony to the world beyond, and bring a spark of its magic and colour back into her ordinary, colourless reality? 

Since its establishment in 2005, the School of Irish Dance (PKD Erin) of Ljubljana has been responsible for the development of Irish dance and promotion of Irish culture in Slovenia. The dancers of the School of Irish Dance, both in Ljubljana, in Koper and in Ptuj, cultivate the culture of Irish dance, which represents a fun and energetic workout. The school also has a performance group that regularly and successfully performs at major events at home (Lent Festival, Irish evenings with the Ljubljana Mandolin Orchestra at Cankarjev Dom, the Slovenian Philharmonic, the Cultural Center Španski borci, as an opening act for Lord of the Dance at the Stožice Arena, ...) and abroad (Sarajevo Irish Festival, Irish Festival in Zagreb, Triskell Festival in Trieste). It reached its creative peak with the dance and music performance Erin's Heartbeat in collaboration with the band Noreia.  

Turn On Irish is a five-member Slovenian musical group, founded in 2014, united by their love for Irish traditional music. With their energetic stage presence and authentic Irish spirit, they delight audiences of all generations. Their repertoire combines Irish folk classics, lively pub anthems and modern arrangements in a recognizable celtic style.