Orla Hardie is currently a freelance dance artist. She started training at local dance schools before joining Swindon Centre for Advanced Training where she was introduced to contemporary dance. In 2018 she joined National Youth Dance Company under the artistic direction of Botis Seva. She went on to continue her training at London Contemporary Dance School graduating in 2022 with a first and recently furthering her training joining Scottish Dance Theatre as an apprentice. During this time she worked with Emanuel Gat, Roser López Espinosa, Joan Clevillé, Anthony Matsena, Yeal Flexer and many more. Other performances include We Are As Gods, an immersive work choreographed by James Cousins and Moving Cloud by Sofia Nappi, which celebrated folk festival Celtic Connections 30th anniversary with a special collaboration with Scottish trad band TRIP.
Orla was the winner of our REVERSE PITCH 2024 and also of the South East Dance Brighton Fringe Bursary, where she presented SKUMO as part of the Brighton Fringe, a double act that delves into The Uncanny, that eerily familiar feeling. With a movement language inspired by animation and popping with texture, two clown-like characters teeter between despair and comedy, carving a window into the mangled unconscious.
picture Orla – Tom Dale Company
Watch trailer of SKUMO HERE
Below – Orla pitching her idea and work at the Reverse Pitch
This extraordinary red carpet event, took place on 23rd February at the Court Theatre, Swindon Dance, and was the epitome of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, tailored specifically for the young generation aged 14 to 20.
4 talented young choreographers, each armed with a 20-minute slot to captivate the audience of young people aged 14-20 with their ingenious pitches.
But there was a twist –
it was the young people that held the power to make a difference.
They cast their vote for the pitch that resonated the most with them.
That pitch was by Orla.
Orla will receive a £2,000 commission and join Swindon Dance as an associate on our Professional Artists Programme for 2-years.
Check out Orla on Instagram
