A DONEGAL founded aerial dance company has launched an ambitious new strategy for international success.
Fidget Feet has grown into one of Ireland’s leading aerial dance and contemporary circus companies since it was founded in 1998 by Letterkenny woman Chantal McCormick and her husband Jym Daly.
The company wants to dance for the stars while continuing to develop the county’s flagship Irish Aerial Dance Festival.
Fidget Feet has created more than 38 productions and performed across Europe, North America, Australia, Africa and Asia.
The company has now unveiled its Strategic Plan 2026-2029 during the 17th Irish Aerial Dance Festival at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny, where aerial artists, performers and industry leaders from Ireland and overseas gathered for the launch.
The three-year plan outlines ambitions to increase international touring, develop new creative partnerships and grow audiences in Ireland and abroad as the company prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2028.
Founder and artistic director Chantal said: “When we started Fidget Feet, our ambition was to create extraordinary aerial performances that would inspire audiences while proving that this artform could flourish in Ireland.
“Almost three decades later, we’ve built something that reaches far beyond our own productions. We’ve helped create a thriving aerial arts community and supported artists who are now shaping the next generation of the sector.
“We want to create bold, world-class work that tours nationally and internationally while continuing to mentor artists, foster collaboration and ensure Ireland is recognised as a global centre for aerial arts.”
While Fidget Feet will continue to strengthen its creative base in Limerick, the strategy also commits to growing the Irish Aerial Dance Festival in Letterkenny as one of Europe’s leading showcase events for aerial dance.
The company plans to deliver more than 200 performances nationally and internationally over the lifetime of the strategy.
It also intends to offer eight scholarships for emerging artists and launch the €5,000 Emma Insley Commission in 2029 to support the creation of new work.
Chairperson Gerard Dollard said the strategy marks an important milestone for the company: “Fidget Feet has spent almost three decades pushing artistic boundaries and creating opportunities for artists, audiences and communities across Ireland and internationally.
“This strategy provides a clear direction for the next stage of that journey.
“The Irish Aerial Dance Festival has become one of the most important gatherings for aerial arts in Europe and reflects the leadership role that Fidget Feet continues to play in developing the artform.”
The company receives support from bodies including the Arts Council and Donegal County Council.
Fidget Feet, founded in 1998, has unveiled 2026-2029 plans. Credit Jym Daly.