Acts of Criticism, this weekend's conference at the Institute for Choreography and Dance (ICD), in Cork, aims to establish the critical context of dance in the Republic, in the run-up to next May's International Dance Festival. As dance here matures into a confident art form, the need to develop expertise in writing and criticism on choreography and performance becomes acute; the ICD has joined forces with the Arts Council's Critical Voices programme to generate debate. An international panel of writers, critics, choreographers and dancers will join Mary Brady, director of the ICD; Diana Theodores, dance-writer-in-residence at the ICD and former dance critic of the Sunday Tribune; and dance writer Michael Seaver for discussions and workshops on Saturday, preceded on Friday by a showcase.

You can get more information on the seminar, which costs £30, from Hilary O'Malley, ICD, Firkin Crane, Cork (021-4507487 or e-mail hilary@instchordance.com)

Edited by Helen Meany

arts@irish-times.ie