Since Riverdance began performances in Dublin in 1995, over 12,000 costumes have been worn. Nestled in the heart of Dublins Capel Street, is a little den where all the costumes, designed by Emmy Award winner, Joan Bergin are housed. Monica Ennis, head of wardrobe oversees the costume workshop in Dublin and is responsible for fitting all new cast members so that they look the part. The costumes are a vital part of the overall look of the show
This weekend, the massive North American operation of Riverdance — 60 dancers, singers, musicians and crew — will sing and dance for the last time on these shores. The Dublin-based production company is closing down its North American tour with five performances at Wolf Trap, one of its earliest and most consistent venues.
A four show weekend at the CBS Arena, marked the end of a 6 week farewell tour across Australia and New Zealand. The end of a tour always brings a mix of emotions. There is the exciting anticipation of getting home to see friends and family combined with an element of sadness when bidding farewell to fellow cast members, heading home in different directions. Working, travelling and socialising together pulls a cast & crew quite close and it always takes a few days to readjust when you finish a tour and are flying around solo once again back home.
There was so much bubbling excitement amongst the Shannon Co. in Raleigh, NC. I was particularly excited as I performed the role of female principal alongside Jason O’ Neill on the first matinee of the weekend. What an honor and pleasure it is to represent the leading lady in such a spectacle.
On June 18, AUNG SAN SUU KYI, Burmese opposition leader, will fly to Dublin where she will attend a concert in her honour. The tribute concert, Electric Burma, will commence at 5 pm on June 18th, at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Riverdance will join actors, musicians and dancers who will travel to Dublin from across the globe to celebrate this inspiring woman.
Opening night provided much cause for celebration. It was the first time Riverdance had ever performed in Wellington …….
……A busy four show weekend brought our time in Wellington to a close. With only one week and city to go, the tour has flown by!!!
On Friday, we set off to St.Louis and this was a huge weekend for me as I was preparing to become the first female ever to perform ‘Trading Taps’ – a number in the show which sees the male American tap dancers trade off with the male Irish troupe. I went straight to the venue for my first sound check and this was certainly nerve-wrecking especially with the whole company watching. Thankfully it went well and I was more than ready for my debut on Sunday evening.
Aisling McVeigh, chats to Conor McCarthy backstage during the show in Wellington, about his role as Physio on the road with Riverdance. Like most athletes, professional dancers put their bodies through immense physical training and exercise to continually improve their performance and to be the best that they can be. One of the most common questions asked is, whether we pick-up many injuries and how we maintain our bodies over the course of a long tour, performing 8 shows a week. With Physio Conor McCarthy on standby backstage at all times, the troupe are well looked after.
Since my last blog got such a good response , I figured I’d go ahead and do another feature this week. So, off I set backstage in Baltimore, MD with my pen and paper and set about seeking my next few victims! Let me next introduce to you the lovely Tokiko Masuda, who had a hard time narrowing her selection of favorite ‘things’ to one, so we agreed to feature her top two favorites..