AD-Gifted
Lord of Dance is celebrating its 25-year anniversary in a large-scale, energetic production that wows.
Being part Irish, I’m no stranger to the traditional Irish dancing scene. I distinctly remember my nan painstakingly placing rags in my cousin’s hair. Ready for those big bouncing curls to accompany legs that flicked and kicked under stunning green dresses.
But what I learned from Lord of Dance is that the legendary Michael Flatley broke free of the rigid chains that comes with this style. He introduced creative freedom, storytelling, flair and speed, and in doing so invented River Dance.
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It’s more than just a dance show
Filled with a Grammy award-winning score of folk music, vocal displays, dancing fiddlers and river dancers, Lord of the Dance is more than just a dance show.
The start was ominous and not what I expected at all. Dancers slowly walked on stage wearing hooded capes and holding glowing orbs. I was getting hand maidens tale vibes and wondering where the excitement was. Thankfully, after a while, the energetic music kicked in and the show really started.
In a series of tableaux’s, we enjoyed solos, duets, male, female and group presentations. It didn’t feel too stop and start, even with the constant black outs.
I’ve got to be honest, the narrative escaped me. I think it was a battle or good vs evil but don’t quote me on that. It was vague and very surreal so I guess it’s up for interpretation. Either way, I was fully entertained even if I wasn’t sure of the intention. Especially during the on-stage dance battle! Who knew there was peril in River Dance.
Lord and Ladies of the dance
The magic really happened once the company were all together on stage. It was incredibly powerful to watch. The sound of the tapping resonated throughout the auditorium. Intricate and fast as lightning foot speed was unbelievable. Total precision and detail in every movement, second to none. And how they stayed entirely in sync is beyond me. Are they computer generated?
And I must mention the lead dancer, Matthew Smith, who orchestrated the show with utter confidence, serious style and extraordinary talent.
The stage sized video projection was a wonderful backdrop to the production, adding a real spectacle with Celtic emblems, volcanic eruptions and lush green magical forests. Although the quality of the images could have been rendered a little higher. It was also used for a special recorded act of three Flatley’s that was a cherry on top of the whole night.
Lord of the Dance is thrilling to watch and will leave you mind blown at the skill of these performers. I can see why it’s celebrated across the world with over 60 million viewers!
Playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Sunday 17 July 2022.