Analysis of the loss and grief experienced by competitive Irish dancers

transitioning to post-competitive Irish dance careers

The Graduate Studies & Research Office/Loss and Grief Research Centre (Social
Sciences ConneXions) is offering a Research Postgraduate Scholarship to investigate
the loss and grief experienced by competitive Irish dancers transitioning to postcompetitive Irish dance careers.
Overview of research programme
In the literature on loss and grief, little attention has been paid to the experience of
mourning the dancer identity as one leaves behind the competitive scene in Irish dance.
It can be argued that this ambiguous loss may also coincide with other life changes for
the former dancer, including the loss of physical ability or agility as they age and
experience the multiple effects of injuries and the toll that years of competitive Irish
dancing can take on the body. It is anticipated that this concept of loss would be
explored through an investigation of the lived experiences of former competitive Irish
dancers who have made, or are currently making, the transition to a post-dancer role.
Scholarship Conditions: Fee Waiver and 6,000 stipend per annum (x2 years)
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
Level 8 Honours Degree (with a 2:2 Grade or higher) in an appropriate field of study.
Interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in an area related to loss and grief with a
strong focus on the intersection of theory and practice.
A track record of strong interdisciplinary, presentation, and detailed reporting skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work
independently at a professional level.
Evidence of an ability to gather, process, and draw, conclusions from various kinds
of data.
Be capable of lecturing up to two hours per week as required by the Department.
Desirable:
Experience of participating in competitive Irish dance.

Informal research enquiries should be directed to:

Jennifer Moran Stritch
Limerick Institute of Technology
Moylish Park
Limerick
Ireland.
Tel. 061 293488 Email: jennifer.stritch@lit.ie

Application forms should be returned to:

Graduate Studies and Research Office
Limerick Institute of Technology
Moylish Park
Limerick
Ireland.
For general process enquiries please contact graduatestudies@lit.ie
Note: Incomplete documentation will be returned to sender