Died: 1992.
Biography:
Joan Denise Moriarty (died 24 January 1992) was an Irish ballet dancer, choreographer, teacher of ballet, and traditional Irish dancer and musician. She played a pivotal role in the development of both amateur and professional ballet in Ireland.
Little is known about Moriarty’s early life. The exact year of her birth is estimated to be between 1910 and 1913, but no documented evidence has been found to confirm this. Even the country and place of her birth remain uncertain. She was the daughter of Michael Augustus Moriarty, who was an alumnus of Stonyhurst College and a contemporary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and his wife, Marion (née McCarthy). Her uncle, John Francis Moriarty, served as Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal in Ireland. The Moriarty family originally hailed from Mallow, County Cork, where her grandfather, John Moriarty, enjoyed success as a solicitor.
Moriarty spent her early years in England, possibly in Leeds or Liverpool, where she resided during the 1930s. She received ballet training from Dame Marie Rambert until her early teens, although the exact duration of her enrollment at the Rambert School remains unknown, as the records only document performers and not students. Dame Ninette de Valois later referenced Moriarty’s training at the Rambert School. In addition to ballet, she excelled in Irish step-dancing and traditional music, earning the title of Champion Irish Stepdancer of Britain on 24 April 1931. She also achieved success in swimming competitions. Moriarty was an active member of the Liverpool branch of the Gaelic League. Her early dance and music awards include winning the Champion Irish Stepdancer of England at the London Irish Step Dance Championship in 1931 and receiving a gold medal for her solo war pipes performance at the Tailteann Games in Dublin in 1932. She also emerged as the winner of the Munster Open Championship in solo war pipes in Killarney in 1933. Additionally, she participated in the solo war pipes competition at the Scots Gathering and Highland Games in Morecambe and Heysham, Lancashire in the same year.
In the autumn of 1933, Moriarty returned with her family to their hometown of Mallow in County Cork, Ireland. In 1934, she established her first dance school there. From 1938 onwards, she conducted weekly ballet classes in Cork at the Gregg Hall and Windsor School. During the 1930s, she actively participated in the Cork Feis, an annual art competition that focused on traditional dance and music. Moriarty competed in Irish step-dancing, war pipes, and operatic solo singing. She showcased her talents on the war pipes in numerous public concerts and gave at least two radio broadcasts. In 1938, she was invited by Seán Neeson, a lecturer in Irish music at University College Cork, to perform at a summer school organized by the Music Department for primary school teachers.
Tragedy struck in February 1940 when Moriarty’s mother passed away. As a result, in November of the same year, she relocated to Cork, where she established the Cork Ballet Company. This marked a significant milestone in her career as she became the driving force behind the development of ballet in Ireland. Moriarty remained dedicated to promoting ballet as an art form accessible to all, regardless of financial means, and she even devised strategies to ensure that affordable tutus and costumes were available to her students. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment earned her the admiration and respect of her students and the wider community.
Moriarty continued to expand her influence in Irish ballet through her work with the Irish College of Music, Dance, and Drama (ICMDD) in Dublin. Founded in 1954, the ICMDD contributed significantly to the professionalization of ballet in Ireland. As its director, Moriarty nurtured talented dancers and choreographers, guiding them towards successful careers both in Ireland and abroad. She also collaborated with renowned composers and musicians, championing new works that incorporated Irish themes and traditions. Moriarty’s commitment to her craft and her ability to seamlessly blend classical ballet techniques with Irish dance and music undoubtedly contributed to the growth and recognition of Irish ballet on the international stage.
Moriarty’s impact extended beyond the realm of dance. She actively promoted and encouraged young women to embrace ballet as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Her work helped challenge traditional gender roles and create opportunities for women in the arts. By breaking barriers and advancing the art of ballet in Ireland, Moriarty left an enduring legacy for future generations of dancers and choreographers.
Joan Denise Moriarty’s contributions to the world of ballet were recognized and celebrated throughout her career. While a comprehensive list of her awards and recognitions is not available, her pioneering work and dedication to Irish ballet undoubtedly earned her widespread acclaim and admiration.
Awards:
– All awards and recognitions are not available.