Renu BegumYou’d think that nearly 2 hours of feet tapping would be a dreary, repetitive affair, but Irish dance show Riverdance ensures your eyes are firmly planted on the stage throughout.
Bidding goodbye to Singapore fans on their farewell tour after 15 successful years, Riverdance is back in Singapore for the first time in 10 years; also marking the grand opening of the new Sand Theaters of Marina Bay Sands. The immediate hush that fell over the audience when the lights went out was indicative of just how far this troupe, which began in 1994 as just a 7-minute filler act during the interval, has come.
Complete with instrumentalists and singers, Riverdance is an amazing experience of an intrinsic mash of tradition, culture, song and musicin a highly energetic show that chronicles the Irish story and historical struggle against poverty. Aside from the nifty footwork, Riverdance impresses with its touches of ballet, gymnastics and blend of influences from various American, Spanish and Russian dances.
The ladies start the show on a sprightly note. The breathtaking synchrony of lifted legs coupled with the formations they weave on very light feet gave them the illusion of being real sprites, and your attention is fixated on every rhythmic tapping until the entrance of female lead Chloey Turner, who is their queen.
Her alluring smile and girlish demeanor are one of the highlights of this show, perking you up even at the few low moments that Riverdance has. Even while keeping her face impassive and upper body ramrod straight, as per the tradition of Irish dancing, her tapping denotes the frustration of her character as 4 persistent suitors approach her.
Yet another highlight often mentioned is the dance-off between male lead Padraic Moyles and African-American tap dancers Kelly Isaac and Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton, and it lives up to the hype. The difference in style is translated to cocky fun between the 2 groups, cheeky Irish lads and smooth movers, against a city setting. The camaraderie between the tappers and their tireless ability to perform is what makes the scene a winner.
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While music usually plays second fiddle to the main act, it can be said that here, the band is just as good, if not better than the dancers. Skillfully, the band effortlessly evokes feelings ranging from poignancy to exhilaration, forming medleys of wistfulness and alternatively good old Irish cheer where required. Even individually, they’re talented enough to hold their ground, just the instrument, musician and spotlight, alone on that vast stage.
Deserving special mention is Niamh Fahy, who plays the fiddle. Having played the instrument since she was 4, she moves as one with her instrument, and single-handedly spellbinds the audience with her uplifting sound. One particularly delightful scene was a showdown of sorts between cheeky drummer Guy Rickarby, when they challenge to better each other. To watch her face screw up in earnestness as she plays music out of that small instrument is a joy.
The clever use of back projections, lighting and the accompanying shadows work to form ethereal gothic settings and warm community gatherings. To further emphasize the simple set is the thought put into the choreography and formations, making for an astounding show that is based purely on talent and nothing gimmicky.
With expert feet flying through the air at impossible speeds, a lively spirit and entertainment that infuses culture with ease, Riverdance is a show that begs to be watched at least once in your lifetime.