A chara, is mise
Oran Leong
Irish dancer
Contemporary dancer
Aerialist
Artist
Beathaisnéis – Biography
A multidisciplinary dance artist in the genres of traditional Irish, contemporary and aerial dance, Oran creates original works that cross over fields of theatre, abstract and spectacle performance.
Oran’s movement journey began at the innocent age of 6 when he mistook an Irish dance class for breakdance. Nevertheless he returned and competed for 18 years, winning three World Championship titles amongst numerous other regional and national championships. He is also a qualified teacher (TCRG). An alumnus of Dublin Youth Dance Company and Step Up Dance Project, he holds an MA in Contemporary Dance Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. During that time he met Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre which has been crucial to his aerial practice. Oran proudly acknowledges his movement as homegrown – being one of the few Irish-born dancers to have never studied abroad.
Working for a number of Irish and international companies in his variety of dance styles, Oran has also been Assistant Artistic Director of Laois Youth Dance Ensemble and was the backstage presenter for TG4’s dance show ‘An Ríl Deal’. He has created his own solo dance works which have been presented at multiple Irish festivals and events, Lisbon Dance Platform and Project Dance Paris. Oran has successfully received Arts Council Ireland awards in the Traditional Arts, Dance and Circus disciplines to develop his multi-faceted practice, and offers his accumulated knowledge to other dancers and aerialists through mentorship. In 2020, he received Dance Ireland’s HATCH Award under the mentorship of Fearghus Ó Conchúir. Oran has been Fidget Feet’s Associate Artist since 2022 and in 2023, was Dance Artist-In-Residence at Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo.
His artistic identity explores the use of objects, concepts of gender, and the interplay of his diverse styles. In movement research Oran is driven by the spirit of curiosity, but it is not merely the physical feats nor innovation of material that has sustained his interest in dance. The relationships that manifest themselves to form his ever-growing community are the driving force for his creating, sharing and experiencing movement. He values collaboration, authenticity and having the absolute ‘craic’ through an artform that brings him, and hopefully others, joy.
He has yet to take a breakdance class.
Tionscadail Reatha – Current Projects
Oran is a multidisciplinary dance artist who has worked with traditional Irish, contemporary, aerial and pole dance in the fields of TV, film, theatre, abstract and spectacle performance. Driven by the curiosity of new movement experiences, he values collaboration and authentic relationships. See below for some of his most recent projects and running collaborations.
Dance Artist-In-Residence 2023
At Ballina Arts Centre
Oran was awarded the Dance Artist Residency Scheme 2023 (DARS) in partnership with Ballina Arts Centre, Co Mayo, funded by Arts Council Ireland and supported by Mayo Arts Services and Mayo County Council. From an extensive period of R&D, Oran has started creating a full-length solo work utilising all his movement expressions.
Change
By Croí Glan Integrated Dance Company
Currently in its research phase, Oran is excited to rejoin Croí Glan for a new show inspired by climate resilience and justice. Croí Glan is the only company in Ireland that brings together people with and without disabilities to create performances with diverse bodies. Set to premiere at the Dublin Dance Festival 2025.
When the Moon
Spun Round
When the Moon Spun Round
By Fidget Feet & Ceol Connected
Oran brings his multi-faceted skillset to this indoor show for young audiences. Based on the writings and poetry of W.B. Yeats, it is a collaboration with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre and Ceol Connected. In creation since 2021, it premiered at Siamsa Tíre Feb 2023 and had its first national tour in autumn 2023. Set to tour UK venues in 2024.
Caróg
With Dr Jennifer Fahey de Brún
With a shared interest in dance, circus and collaborating, Oran and Jen have been developing a movement partnership since late 2021. Under the mentorship of Dr Grant McLay and Lee Harry Clayden, they are deepening their creative process to create a site-specific duet. Funded by Limerick City and County Council, Arts Council Ireland and generously supported by the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick.
The HOUSE! Project
By Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre
An outdoor drive-in show combining dance, theatre, aerial and community engagement. This spectacular and bizarre large-scale work was all brought together through a game of bingo, created to overcome the social isolation and restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Oran worked as artist-collaborator in the shows and as Fidget Feet’s Public Engagement Officer, liaising between the company and local community groups and individuals. Premiering in 2022, it returned in 2023 and is set to tour UK festivals in 2024.
Tuilleadh – More…
- Mentoring a number of artists in technique and creativity at various stages of their careers.
- ‘Is There Balm In Gilead?’ by Justine Doswell & Luca Truffarelli (international screendance tour)
- Member of the Board of Directors with Dublin Youth Dance Company
- ‘In The Vicinity Of The Sun’ (international screendance tour) by Irish Modern Dance Theatre
- International collaboration with Rachel Strickland Creative
Teistiméarachtaí – Testimonials
"A great team worker, always attentive and considerate towards his fellow dancers. If there was a problem he would be more interested in finding a solution than complaining about it.What I love about Oran is how he tackles each job, how he gives his 100% each time, his commitment and determination. And if he gives you his word, he will do what he was set to do no matter what! His most admirable dance skill, Oran does not jump, 'Oran levitates'!"
Mariam Ribón
Artistic Director DYDC & Mentor
"Nothing short of a pleasure to work with. Hardworking and rigorous in his work, kind, empathetic and understanding in his dealing with others. He cares deeply about the work and always contributes his best self sharing generously in rehearsals. I know when I give him a note, I will see it fully embodied in the next run. He is always willing to push himself, learn more and grow and at the same time he is respectful and always manages to bring a touch of lightness and humour to the room which is always welcome."
Catherine Young
Choreographer
"Oran is a wonderful presence to have in a creative space, supportive of his peers and generous with his contributions. As a mover he possesses a sublime and engaging sensitivity in his physicality, curiosity and resilience made manifest."
Rachel Strickland
Artist, Business Coach
& Speaker
"Oran is a very responsive, sensitive dancer with an unusually large range of techniques and styles to draw on as a performer, which makes him a dream to work with as a choreographer. On top of that he is incredibly personable, professional, kind, attentive and responsible, and just a gorgeous human being. All of which make him one of the best dancers I've ever worked with."
Tara Brandel
Co-Artistic Director Croí Glan Integrated Dance Company