Oran Leong

Oran Leong

Uillinn Access Dance Residency Award in partnership with Croi Glan

17 to 27 August 2026

Oran wishes to explore the theme of neurodiversity, drawing from autobiography as one who has had to ‘come out’ to himself and often, to others, about his ASD. Utilising his diverse dance practice and spoken word, he will spend time in reflection and movement research to consider what ND means in a neurotypical world. He also hopes to find and connect with a supportive ND community to discuss and exchange experiences.

My aim of this Residency is to spend time looking at neurodiversity (ND) and, in particular, Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. This might manifest itself through physical, verbal and / or non-verbal communication by a combination of spoken word, contemporary dance, music and song, Irish and percussive dance.

While my artistic expression has usually been a blend of genres, never before have I focused them around a theme like this – or perhaps I work this way because I’m like this. It’s not a label, but it is part of who I am and it absolutely affects my how my creative brain thinks.

How is this only a recent discovery?! Has anyone else felt the same? During my Residency, I hope to actively connect with members of the ND community to find support and to share our experiences. There can be conversations in-person or online, and I would be only delighted to share the studio with anyone who feels comfortable enough to move with me. Please get in touch via Facebook or Instagram @OranLeongDance

As Dr. Stephen Mark Shore wrote, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” To point out the obvious, neurodiversity is diverse. There are undeniably clear neurodivergents, while others are quite subtle – for some, you would never know because they have the ability to hide or ‘mask’ their true selves so as to fit seamlessly into our neurotypical society.

While the arts have been mostly a safe space for everyone to be anything, I am curious as to how much of my ‘tism’ has gone unnoticed in myself because of the very world in which I am expected to self-express.

A multidisciplinary artist in the genres of traditional Irish, contemporary and aerial dance, and music, Oran creates original works that cross over fields of theatre, abstract, integrated and spectacle performance.

An emerging artist for his own work, Oran has worked for many Irish and international companies. He has been Fidget Feet’s Associate Artist since 2022. In 2023, he was Dance Artist in Residence at Ballina Arts Centre, Mayo. In 2024, Oran became Croí Glan’s Associate Artist and is very grateful for their support throughout this Uillinn Residency.

Read more about Oran on www.oranleong.com and follow @OranLeongDance on Instagram and Facebook.

Instagram: @oranleongdance
Facebook: Oran Leong Dance
www.oranleong.com

Croí Glan Integrated Dance Company continue to support Oran Leong through their Associate Artist programme funded by the Arts Grant Fund of Arts Council Ireland.

Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of The Arts Council  / An Chomhairle Ealaíon in making these residencies possible.