Longford's Shawbrook sways to the rhythm of West Africa

Dancing is good for the soul. It's a diagnosis and a treatment all rolled into one.

Last weekend Shawbrook hosted a high energy West African dance workshop with live drumming.

The day was presented by Kerry dancer and artistic director Catherine Young who drew on a wealth of experience for the gathering.

Saturday's workshop delved into the indigenous dance traditions of West Africa. The emphasis was on singing, dancing and drumming as collaborators Henning Fuchs, Martin Schärer and Barra O’Flanniagh provided a pulsating soundtrack to the day.

Catherine's background in West African dance afforded those in attendance with a grounding in how the dance is linked with the bountiful earth.

The day delved into the primal beats that evoke myth and ritual.

Catherine's workshop is the first in a series at Shawbrook. The artistic centre will also have presentations by Morgaine De Leonardis, Katherine Maxwell, Clare Parker, finally Becky Namgauds in the coming weeks.

The public are invited to enjoy the full experience, with workshops from these wonderful artists and view their work in progress.