Some months ago I was approached by Gordon Hewitt, who writes and produces articles for the Belfast based Community Arts Partnership. Gordon was interested in talking to me about my career. At first I was extremely reticent, but he coaxed me into talking to him - and this series of articles is the result.

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The Monthly, Community Arts Partnership's online arts sector magazine, dance edition, looks into the work of local dancers and dance organisations, at the creative engagement of those involved in dance, particularly those with an orientation towards community. We look also at dancers and dance organisations internationally, connecting them to those working locally.

This issue, we highlight in the incredible career, in both theatre and dance, of designer, director and artist, Alistair Livingstone. We cover his early childhood in England, where he had an almost constant fascination with theatre and dance, finding ways to replicate staging and lighting at his home, organising local children to be part of performances in a neighbour's shed. He builds his knowledge, connecting with many important mentors along the way, attends university and eventually embarks on a career in set and costume design.

There are so many highlights, working with legendary figures such as Stephen Joseph (the key figure in the development of 'Theatre in the Round' in the UK) Nicholas Georgiadis (a renowned stage and costume designer), and actor, writer and director, Ken Campbell. He went on to work in Australia and later on set and costume design with the National Ballet of Japan.

And there are difficult moments, where injuries sustained in a car crash meant a long period of rehabilitation and which lead to his commitment to yoga and homeopathy. Alistair's keen interest in the life of James Joyce, and particularly the life of his daughter, Lucia, connects with an interest in the mental health of theatre and dance practitioners.

We also delve into what shapes the thoughts of a set and costume designer and look finally at the work Alistair is creating now, with the Light Theatre Company, in Rostrevor where he now resides.

So, in this Dance Edition of The Monthly, Community Arts Partnership's online arts sector magazine, we focus on a life spent working in theatre and dance and the transformative elements of the arts which emerge throughout a life-long career. Gordon Hewitt for CAP