The Hammerstep Initiative was initially conceptualized in 2009 by two-time World Champion Irish dancer, Garrett Coleman, and longstanding principal dancer for Riverdance, Jason Oremus. Initially launched as an experiment in progressive Irish dance, integrating it with tap, hip hop, and other dance forms, Hammerstep is slowly becoming the modern day seedling of a unified cultural revolution.  An experimental preview performance in Boston, July 2009 (in association with  'BalletRox') as well as various scratch dance and festival appearaces in the UK over 2009 and early 2010 started to hone Hammerstep's performance direction and vision.

 

Since its official US premiere at New York City’s Lincoln Center in May 2011, the movement has inspired others worldwide to progress the Irish dance form and change how it is conveyed to the public. In addition to dozens of formal theater performances, Hammerstep has ambushed the public through dance from New York to Australia and has conducted outreach dance workshops as far reaching as Soweto, South Africa.

 

As a grassroots movement, Hammerstep is in the process of building a full-scale touring production along with its other initiatives. We are always in need of the public’s help to spread the message of our movement. If you’re interested in hearing more about Hammerstep or how to get involved, please contact us!