The Shaylyn Traditional Arts Centre recently opened in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. Established by voluntary community Irish Dance & Music group Shaylyn Ltd.

The centre is being funded by cross border EU funders Interreg and Border Action and will feature a number of exciting initiatives including: the only part time third level training option in Ireland for Irish musicians and dancers in an outreach programme with the University of Ulster.

This will be the first-ever course exploring Irish and Ulster Scots Dance together. The centre also holds Beginners classes in Irish Dance & Music for adults and hosts a Traditional Talent Agency. The centre plans to host an International Dance Festival in September with a high profile launch in March with Colin Dunne.

Shaylyn is a non-profit voluntary company limited by guarantee. It was set up in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim in 200I by sisters Jane and Martha Gilheaney to create performance and development opportunities for young traditional Irish dancers, musicians and singers of the region through the development of a voluntary run professional show. Shaylyn provides the next level in Irish dance, music and song beyond the classroom and competition experience. To date Shaylyn have performed at festivals and theatres nationwide including the Rose of Tralee in 2002.

For further information: Tel: +353 (0)87 7677782 or
Fax: +353 (0)71 9645829, E-mail: info@shaylyn.net,

Web: www.shaylyn.net