Five Reasons To See … Lord of the Dance
Manchester born James Keegan
is about to make a return visit to his home town, as the Lord Of The Dance in Michael
Flatley’s hit show of the same name. After being personally invited to
star in the show by Flatley himself, in 2003, James has remained with
the show ever since. Here he gives us five reasons why you should
succumb to the power of the dance.
1. The Experience
Lord of the Dance
is no ordinary show for a number of reasons. I’ve listened to feed back
from audiences across the world over the past several years and what
seems to be the main ‘wow factor’ is the co ordination of the dancing
throughout the show especially when most of the cast perform a dance in
one single line doing exactly the same footwork and leg movements. It’s
nothing the audience has seen before and the experience is spectacular.
2. The Storyline
The
show is the classic tale of good versus evil delivered to the audience
by some of the greatest Irish dancers in the world. Throughout the show
the audience sits through solo performances from each lead dancer as
well as some spectacular choreography from the rest of the cast. Towards
the end of the show the ‘Lord’ and ‘Don Dorcha’ give a display of
exciting rhythm and beats as they duel it out to be crowned the true
‘Lord of the Dance.’
3. The Movement
From the moment the
lights go down to the last encore the audience is treated to precision
dancing and great choreography. The cast is 40 dancers strong and we
have been trained to the highest standard of Irish dance. The dancing is
so energetic and uplifting, members of the audience often feel it is
them who have been performing up on stage!
4. The Music, Lighting and Pyrotechnics
As
well as spectacular dancing, the show has some very talented musicians
and an amazing singer.They perform many lively pieces in the show as
well as some more soft and relaxing numbers. The lighting helps create
the mood throughout the show whether it be dark and mysterious or
bright, colorful and happy. Watch out for the use of extravagant
pyrotechnics which add a dramatic effect to the story line and the show
in general.
5. The History
Over the last 13 years the show has
rarely been out of the best sellers list and has established itself as
one of the greatest dance shows in the world! The show has performed in
over 50 countries such as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Dubai,
Mexico, Russia, United States, South Africa, Canada and all throughout
Europe. The list of countries that have experienced the show goes on and
on! I am lucky enough to be performing in my hometown of Manchester on
our upcoming UK tour and can’t wait for my family and friends to
experience the show.
Lord Of The Dance is at the Manchester Opera House from 2 – January, 2012.
