NI student who found dance during pandemic performing on one of London’s most prestigious stages

He is also getting to perform infront of some of his family for the first time in Galway this summer

An NI student who found his feet during lockdown is now performing on one of London’s most prestigious stages.

Patrick Adair is celebrating a major milestone in his training, having only taken up formal dance training when he was 18 years old.

Growing up in Dunmurry, he had always loved music and appeared in amateur musical theatre productions but it was only when the world was faced by a global pandemic that he began following his passion.

He said: “When the pandemic stopped the world, I found myself dancing.”

He went on to study musical theatre at Performers College in Essex, where he trained in ballet, tap, jazz, singing and acting. During his studies, he developed a passion for contemporary dance after seeing Message In A Bottle by ZooNation.

“The narrative spoke to me without needing words,” he explained.

“It showed me how movement could tell such a compelling story.”

Encouraged by his teachers, Patrick successfully auditioned to join the BA programme at London Contemporary Dance School, where he is now completing his training.

This summer, he will perform in Colossus at the Southbank Centre, a large-scale production featuring his entire graduating cohort and created in collaboration with the renowned Australian Stephanie Lake Company.

Patrick added: “Finishing my time at The Place by performing at the Southbank Centre is pretty next level.”

Patrick is also excited that the production will tour to Galway as part of the Galway Arts Festival, marking his first major performance on home soil.

“My family are coming to see me, and for a lot of them it will be their first time seeing me dance – that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking.

“As I’ve grown, I’ve realised my family just want me to be happy

“And dancing makes me happy.”

Reflecting on his journey, Patrick hopes other young people from Northern Ireland will feel encouraged to pursue ambitious creative goals.

“You’re not defined by where you’re from,” he said. “You can make your own story, but be proud of where you’ve come from and what you carry with you.”

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