On March 19, 2013 we invited dancers from around the world to audition for Heartbeat Of Home.
From April 8, 2013 Irish, Latin (Tango and Salsa), Flameco, Afro Cuban (Tap, Lyrical) and Street dancers were invited to film their auctions and upload them to YouTube for the attention of our judges – John McColgan, Director; David Bolger, Choreographer; Dearbhla Lennon, TV personality and Padraic Moyles, Irish Dance Director who shared what they were looking for:
We wanted dancers to be original, creative and to show us the Heartbeat of their Home.
Which they did, with 168 world class dancers applying to be part of the show.
We had audition videos from all over the world – 17 countries in all – including Ireland, Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, the UK, Poland, Mexico, Bulgaria, South Korea, the Philippines, Romania and from all over the USA.
You can watch the audition videos online here
Over the three weeks of the talent search, 2.2 million visitors from 169 countries cast 1.7 million votes. Through public voting and judges choices 20 dancers were invited to come to Dublin, Ireland for the auditions in May.
“We are truly moved by the unprecedented response to the online talent search. The imagination, energy and talent of all who have uploaded their videos have surpassed our wildest expectations.”
MOYA DOHERTY, Producer
We welcomed our dancers for a whirlwind occasion of photocalls, dancing and auditions. For many it was their first time meeting – for others, it was an opportunity to catch up with friends.
“Using the latest online technology we have been able to access and tap into this incredible amount of talent from all over the world from our desks in Dublin and this is only the beginning of the journey.”
JOHN McCOLGAN, Director
In addition some dancers were invited on to Irish Television to share more about the process, themselves and the show:
TV3 – here
RTE Late Late Show – here
The judges believe that the Online Talent Search – the first ever online search for a theatrical production – was a massive success. Ten cast members were found via the search with many more considered part of the Heartbeat of Home Family.
Heartbeat of Home Dancers selected through the Online Talent Search