Titanicdance is an Irish Musical Dance sensation that tells the story of the world’s most famous ship from its beginning in the Belfast shipyard to its tragic end in the Atlantic Ocean.  Help us to bring this emotional journey to audiences in the USA, after it received three standing ovations at its World Premiere here in Ireland, in Belfast, the birthplace of the Titanic.

Titanicdance took audiences in Ireland by storm during its first performance in 2014, selling out The Odyssey Arena, Belfast & Millennium Forum, Derry, leaving many people disappointed when they couldn’t get tickets. The reception it received from local audiences was phenomenal – and rightly so - as it’s an electrifying show featuring hugely talented World Champion performers of the highest calibre.   Titanicdance represents the history and culture of Ireland given that the original ship, the Titanic, was built in Belfast.  Irish dance and music has an exceptionally strong tradition worldwide and there is no show of its kind elsewhere in the world. This is not just an Irish dance show, it’s an emotional journey of hope, aspiration, love, heartbreak and sadness and we are asking for your help in bringing it to audiences in the USA in 2016.  

Sweeney brings a wealth of experience to Titanicdance, having performed with Michael Flatley’s ground-breaking hit, Lord of the Dance for over fifteen years. Joining him initially onstage and assisting with choreography is Louise Hayden and James Keegan.  

This Indiegogo campaign is hugely important to us as it will allow us to take this production to the USA & will cover additional travel & accommodation expenses, rehearsal fees, cast & crew fees,  marketing & pre-production,  theatre rental costs and will help to improve on our costumes, lighting design & visuals and set & staging. 

Your contribution to this campaign will bring the dream of taking Titanicdance across the globe a reality; something that has involved a huge amount of hard work & much hope! 

Preproduction costs: Rehearsal fees; Cast & Crew fees. 

Production costs: Equipment Hire Shipping Set & Props; Cast & Crew Fees, Theatre Rental.

We want to raise $150,000.00 for our inimitable musical dance extravaganza based on the globally known story of the world’s most famous ship.  (See our ‘Perks’section for the manner in which this is broken down).

The whole Titanicdance team has worked tirelessly to bring this unique production to this level.  With your help we can bring this cast of 30 world class Irish dancers, singers and musicians to the USA to allow people to experience this wonderful production first hand.

Every donation is appreciated by us which is why we have outlined nine different funding levels in our ‘Perks’section.  We really hope you will come on board and help us in our journey across the Atlantic. 

We’re so excited about bringing Titanicdance to the world as we truly believe in our show.  Patrons who have been to see it also believe in it & here’s what some of them have had to say: 

“Powerful . . . Exhilarating!”  **** (Irish Post)

“An intoxicating, invigorating phenomenon on stage”(NW Culture)

“The choreography was outstanding…each act left me wanting more…Titanicdance is a must see!”(McCabe Academy, Dublin)

If we don't reach our entire fundraising goal, we will keep fundraising!  We truly believe that we have created a fabulous show.  Our audiences give us standing ovations and we want to share this with the world.  Please help us to tell our story! 

1. Show in New York - $150,000 

We complete the original voyage of the Titanic by arriving in New York!  A dream come true for all involved with Titanicdance.

2. Lighting & Visuals Design – additional $50,000;  A subtotal of $200,000 

We have big plans & ideas for the lights & visuals and we would hope to be able to provide the equipment & experts in order to make this happen.

3. Improving Sound Mix & Music Recording  - $30,000;  A subtotal of $230,000 

We have put a lot of time and effort into the music and arrangement and now Titanicdance can upgrade the software and system to get the best results.

Raymond Sweeney, Creative Director, further explains why he believes Titanicdance is valuable to everyone who contributes to the performance and to the world:

“I am honoured to say that I am the Creative Director of such a magnificent and exciting production. It has always been my dream to create and produce a dance show myself but I never thought I would be lucky enough for my dream to become a reality. Of course this would not be possible without the help of my amazing production team, co-producers Sean McAnaney and Kerry Toland, marketing Kevin Toland and co-choreographers Louise Hayden and James Keegan. I can’t speak highly enough of them and would like to thank them for all their hard work, support and dedication. I would also like to thank the musical directors Jimmy Higgins and Stephen Doherty for their professionalism and expertise throughout the entire process of creating Titanicdance.

The show has exceeded my expectations of what I ever imagined the final product would be. The true story of the Titanic combined with the show’s staging, choreography and spectacular live music brings together what I guarantee will be a gripping, emotional and exciting experience and will leave you wanting more.” 

David McLaughlin, Executive Producer of Titanicdance and Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum, Derry, has an incredibly successful track record which will ensure that Titanicdance will be well equipped to set sail on its global journey.

David has been one of the most successful and prolific theatre producers of the last 20 years, staging a number of sell out performances at the Millennium  Forum in Derry, as well as touring those productions throughout Ireland & the UK. Most recently, he produced extensive Irish tours of Carthaginians and The Factory Girls by Frank McGuinness as well as Performances and Translations by the late Brian Friel.  In addition, he produced Hugh Leonard’s Da and Juno and the Paycock which won an Irish Times Theatre award.  He was also the producer of two major outdoor concerts with Bryan Adams and Oasis.  Titanicdance is delighted to have him on board.

Raymond Sweeney:  Creative Director, Producer and Lead Dancer

Raymond is from Drumkeen, Co. Donegal and started dancing at the age of 9 with the Terri Lafferty School of dancing. He competed in major championships and won many titles and medals including Ulster’s, all Ireland, British nationals, all Scotland and World championships. At the age of 16 Raymond started his professional career joining Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, his first performance being the prestigious Feet of Flames in London’s Hyde Park. He then went on to spend the next 6 and a half years performing with Lord of the Dance in Las Vegas where the show was resident in both the New York New York and Venetian hotels. He continued his touring career travelling all over the world including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, and Canada. Raymond is now based in Donegal where in partnership with his girlfriend Louise he continues to perform in many corporate and local events.

David McLaughlin: Executive Producer of Titanicdance & Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum, Derry.

David McLaughlin is the Chief Executive of The Millennium Forum in Derry. David has also been one of the most successful and prolific theatre producers of the last 20 years, staging a number of sell out performances at The Millennium Forum in Derry, as well as touring those productions throughout Ireland & the UK. Most recently he produced extensive Irish tours of Carthaginians and Factory Girls by Frank McGuinness, Performances and Translations by Brian Friel, Hugh Leonard’s Da and Juno and the Paycock which won an Irish Times Theatre award. He was also the producer of two major outdoor concerts with Bryan Adams and Oasis. Titanicdance are delighted to have him on board.

Sean Mc Ananey:  Producer and Director of Overseas Marketing

Derry man Sean Mc Ananey has been living in China over the past number of years where he is involved in the development of sports, education and culture exchange programmes. Sean's sporting background is in table tennis. As an ITTA coach, Sean was the first Irish based player/coach to go to China for training, leading the way for others to follow.  He now has his own table tennis school of excellence based in Beijing. Over the years Sean has developed strong links between Ireland/UK and China through sport, education and culture exchange.  His greatest achievement to date has been the success story of a young Chinese table tennis champion named Liu Na who he brought to N.Ireland back in 2002. Having remained here for 10 years she went on to play for team GB at the 2012 London Olympic games.

It has always been a passion of Sean's to take Irish dancing to China and he is hoping that this new venture will top any previous projects he has undertaken.

Kerry Toland: Director

An important part of the team with a great flare for design and detail.

Kevin Toland: Head of Marketing

Kevin Toland has been a self employed businessman for over 20 years dealing in retail, property, printing, promotional and marketing work, which has seen Kevin create and market the biggest model competition the North West of Ireland has ever seen, Kevin has been involved and marketed numerous events throughout Ireland, all of which have had a huge success, Kevin believes having a chance to work with Titanicdance as Head of Marketing, was an opportunity he could not pass up, and is relishing the challenge of helping to make Titanicdance a worldwide success.

Louise Hayden: Choreographer and Dancer

Hailing from Kent in the South East of England, Louise started dancing at the young age of 6 for the Linda Fryday School of dancing, and later the Maguire O’Shea Academy London. Louise competed regularly and won many titles including the South East England championships and medals in the British nationals, all-Ireland, North American nationals and World Championships. As well as competing Louise also showcased her talents by performing in many theatres, festivals and TV including the London Palladium, Lord Mayor’s Ball Vienna, SMTV live and BBC’s Record Breakers. Aged 18, Louise then started her professional career when she was asked to join Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance where she was later given the lead role of Saoirse (the good girl). Throughout the 11 years in which Louise toured she also performed with Michael Flatley in Celtic Tiger and Feet of Flames travelling to the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa, Taiwan and all over Europe. In January 2013, she took the TCRG exam with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha and is now a fully qualified Irish dance teacher. Louise is currently living in Co. Donegal, Ireland, with her boyfriend Raymond Sweeney where she plans to open her own dance school and continue her love of Irish dance.

James Keegan:  Choreographer and Lead Dancer

Born and raised in Manchester, influenced by his parent’s Irish roots in Co. Leitrim and Co. Roscommon, James took up Irish dancing at the age of 4 with the Lally School. From a young age James competed in many Feisana consistently being placed top 3, winning his first title at the American National Championships at the age of 7. He continued to excel, winning a total of 4 American Nationals, 8 British Nationals, 9 Great Britain’s, 3 All Irelands, 1 European and 2 World Championship titles. 2000 was an incredible year for James, winning every major title that could be achieved competitively in Irish dancing. For the past 10 years James has been performing with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and, due to his incredible talent only 10 months after joining the cast, he was asked to perform the lead role of the Lord which he performed for the first time in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and became the youngest dancer to have ever performed the role. He has continued to travel with the show performing in various countries such as USA, Mexico, Egypt, Dubai, Russia and all over Europe. James is now a qualified Irish dance teacher and, in between touring, teaches many children around the world as well as at his own Irish Dancing Academy in Manchester.

Jim Higgins:  Musical Director & Titanicdance band

Jim hails from Renmore in Galway. Born into a musical family, he went on to study music in University College Cork under Micheal O Suilleabhain amongst others. While in Cork, Jim caught ‘the bodhran bug’, playing alongside players such as Mel Mercier, Colm Murphy and Frank Torpey. During this period Jim was an active member of ‘The Stunning’ rock band playing trumpet and keyboards as well as percussion. He went on to play drums with fellow Galwegians ‘The Sawdoctors’ following a four year stint with ‘The Riverdance Show’ which took him around the world. He is an honorary member of the Donegal based traditional group ‘Altan’ having recorded and toured extensively with them for the last fifteen years from the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House. He has recorded and performed with such luminaries as Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Donal Lunny, Bill Whelan, Martin O’Connor and Lunasa. Jim also specializes in ethnic percussion encompassing the djembe, the darabukkas, the dumbeq and the mbira. 

Stephen Doherty:  Musical Director & TitanicDance band

Stephen Doherty hails from Foxford, County Mayo. Steeped in Traditional Irish Music from a young age, he has won numerous All-Ireland titles on Flute and Melodeon. Stephen has been touring internationally as a professional musician over the past seven years with various bands and productions including Ragus, Celtic Legends, Celtic Crossroads, Slide, Gráda and Atlantic Steps, performing in over 25 countries to date. He has also featured regularly on various RTE radio and television programmes. Stephen has recorded in Nashville alongside Tim O'Brien and Alison Brown and has performed on many other recordings including his own album The Foxford Way. Stephen’s own compositions have been recorded by top traditional Irish groups and he has performed live throughout Ireland with many leading artists. He has just completed a tour with Ragus and is currently appearing with the Sean Kean Band.

All ventures have possible risks, here's what we face and how we've accounted for them.The Titanicdance team has previous producing and directing experience and has been through the many things that can go wrong in a show.  This means they are also resourceful, creative people who are ready to solve any problem that arises. 

Injuries could happen!  But we've got great understudies in the wings ready to step in if needed. 

How do you know if this new work is of good quality?  Our group of choreographers have TCRG qualifications which means that they are all qualified Irish Dance Teachers. They have also won a number of prestigious awards and accolades, such as the World Irish Dance Championships!  We're confident that they will create something special for our audience.

There are certain fixed costs such as venue rental, travel to America, accommodation in America and flexible costs such as marketing and promotion. This project is supported by the generosity of in-kind donations.  Your donation is also tax-deductible!  

If we do not reach our campaign goal, we will strive to raise enough money via other avenues as we believe that this production deserves to be seen on an international scale and global audiences deserve to be given the chance to see it.  It's impossible to do this without this funding.

If we exceed our campaign goal, we will use the additional funds to embark upon our Titanicdance  journey across the United States Of America. 

Even if you can’t help us financially, we appreciate your help in other ways.  Please share our Indiegogo campaign on Facebook, twitter @TitanicDance_ and as widely on social media as you possibly can.  The indiegogo share tools are useful in this regard.  This will be a huge help to us in getting the message out and will help to launch the Titanicdance ship on its own maiden voyage to unchartered waters.  Don’t forget to go online to our website at www.titanicdance.com for your chance to engage with our exciting passage to America! 

We want to raise $150,000.00 for our outstanding musical dance extravaganza based on the globally known story of the world’s most famous ship.  This is how we envisage breaking this sum down, how you can easily contribute and what you can expect in return:

DECK STEWARD

Donation: $10 dollars: 

•  We’ll thank you for all your help on our journey across the Atlantic and acknowledge your contribution on our webpage.

ABLE SEAMAN

Donation: $50 dollars:

•  Our grateful thanks/ acknowledgement on our webpage and signed programme.

LEADING FIREMAN

Donation: $100 dollars:

•  Limited edition certificate outlining your unstinting support for our voyage to the USA.

•  Our grateful thanks/ acknowledgement on our webpage and signed programme.

•  Plus a Titanicdance T-Shirt.

QUARTERMASTER

Donation: $250 dollars:

•  1 x ticket to our Opening Night in the USA

•  Signed Titanicdance CD & Poster

•  Plus a Titanicdance T-Shirt

•  Limited edition certificate outlining your unstinting support for our voyage to the USA

•  Our grateful thanks/ acknowledgement on our webpage and signed programme.

CHIEF ENGINEER

Donation: $500 dollars:

•  2 x tickets to our Opening Night in the USA

•  Signed Titanicdance CD & Poster

•  Titanicdance T-Shirt + Hoodie

•  Limited edition certificate outlining your unstinting support for our voyage to the USA

•  Our grateful thanks/acknowledgement on our webpage and signed programme.

FIRST OFFICER

Donation: $1000 dollars:

•  Champagne Reception in dedicated 1^st Class Lounge at Venue

•  Signed Titanicdance T-Shirt + Hoodie

•  4 x tickets to our Opening Night in the USA

•  Signed Titanicdance CD & Poster

•  Limited edition certificate outlining your unstinting support for our voyage to the USA

•  Our grateful thanks/ acknowledgement on our webpage and signed programme.

CHIEF OFFICER

Donation: $5000 dollars:

•  10 tickets to our opening night in USA

•  A personal meet & greet with lead performers

•  Invitation to opening night after show party with cast, production & creative team

•  Use of 1^st class lounge including Champagne Reception

•  10 signed T-Shirts and Titanicdance merchandise.

1^st CLASS PASSENGER

Donation: $10,000 dollars:

•  Be the first to view the show with an invite to the dress rehearsal show

•  Dedicated programme credit and a shout out on our LED screen at the interval

•  Souvenir framed photo of the evening plus exclusive signed Titanicdance merchandise

•  10 tickets to opening night in USA

•  Personal meet and greet with lead performers

•  Invitation to opening night after show party with cast, production & creative team

•  Use of 1^st class lounge including Champagne Reception

•  10 signed T-Shirts and Titanicdance merchandise.

CAPTAIN

Donation: $25,000 dollars:  

•  Exclusive golden dance shoes worn by Creative Director & Lead Dancer Ray Sweeney in a Titanicdance presentation case

•  Plus a dinner date with lead dancers, producers and creative team

•  20 VIP tickets to our opening night in USA

•  Executive producer status in programme and a personal shout out on the LED screen at the interval

•  Be the first to view the show with an invite to the dress rehearsal show

•  Personal meet and greet with lead performers

•  Souvenir framed photo of the eve plus exclusive signed Titanicdance merchandise

•  Invitation to opening night after show party with cast, production & creative team

•  Use of 1^st class lounge including Champagne Reception

•  10 signed T-Shirts and Titanicdance merchandise.

If the project doesn't reach its funding goal, do I get my money back?

We're doing a Flexible Campaign, so even if we fall short of our goal, we will nonetheless put whatever we raise towards Titanicdance going to America and you will get your perks. If this is not possible you will get your money back.

When will the perks be delivered?

Perks will be delivered by Summer 2016.

Do the T-Shirts come in multiple sizes?

Yes. If you snag a T-shirt perk, we'll be sure to contact you to ascertain your t-shirt size.

I put the wrong e-mail address on Indiegogo and I'm afraid I won't receive my perk. How do I fix that?

Have no fear! Please send an email to lisal@millenniumforum.co.uk and we will update your new e-mail address manually to our database.

How do I update my shipping address?

Send your new address to lisal@millenniumforum.co.uk and we will update our files accordingly. All Perks are + Shipping.  We ship worldwide.

How will the funders be kept informed during and after the campaign?

We will be frequently updating our Indiegogo page, as well as our Facebook and Twitter accounts.  Also look out for updates on this page & in your inbox from Indiegogo.

Will tickets for the show be sent out with perks?

Tickets for the show will be held at the Box-Office under the name given.

Will I get expenses and accommodation paid for when I travel to see the show?

Travel, food and accommodation is not included in any of the perks.