by Brandon Penny
A few months ago, the worlds of figure skating and Irish dancing collided like never before. Only it was much more of a harmonious collaboration than a collision.
That collaboration aired Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, on NBC, in a special called “Riverdance on Ice,” which stars the Riverdance troupe and 12 Olympians. The show rebroadcasts on Hallmark Channel March 15 and 21, 2011.
Columbus is the capital city of Ohio, the home of one of the world’s biggest college campuses (Ohio State University) and the home city of one of the Riverdance greats – Joe Moriarty! Joe has performed with the show for quite some time, performing the lead role for many years.
That rhythmic tap-tap-tapitty-tap at warp speed, like a fast steam train, and, in perfect alignment, black-stockinged feet slice the air to shreds so quickly it looks as if they may snap at any moment. – It is fascinating.
There will be a last minute rummage for dance shoes, elastics and electrical tape. The likelihood of laces snapping or tights ripping is as imminent as ever. The scent of tiger balm and bio freeze will fill the quick change room. The noise of saxophone scales and constant trebling and tapping will be as loud as ever. It is now ‘clearance’…We all rush to the tepees backstage like obeying children to the sound of a school bell. It’s Showtime……
Riverdance is almost impossible to describe in words. The immense skill, timing and precision of the dancers is breathtaking. And add to that a four-piece band comprising a drummer, a violinist, a whistler, a saxophonist and a host of incredible singers, and you have a heady feast of Irish music and dance.
The Riverdance cast looked forward to a day off due to the super bowl coverage, with some of the cast members venturing out to Chicago only a mere hour away. Some of us stayed in Milwaukee to watch the local team of Green Bay take on the Pittsburgh team on their quest to be Super bowl champions.
Sheer artistic eloquence of world-class troupe wows SA audiences.
The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe is probably most readily recognised by its perfectly synchronised foot-stomping steps, or as the troupe calls it, “hard-shoe routines”.
A brand-new show combining the music, rhythm and artistry of Riverdance with the grace and athleticism of skating. NBC Airdate: Saturday, February 19, 2011
Riverdance and the Emmy-award winning actor Brendan Gleeson will lead a gathering of some of the finest talent in Ireland to raise vital funds in the Variety Gala Concert in aid of funding for St Francis Hospice, Raheny / Blanchardstown in the Helix, Dublin on Saturday, February 26th, 2011.