Recently engaged Kelly Isaac, Tapper and Rocio Montoya, Flamenco , interviewed by  Aisling McVeigh 

When, where and how did you meet? Was it love at first sight?

Kelly and Rocio

Kelly:  We first met in Japan 2005. It was my first full tour of Riverdance. Love at first sight? Sure, I thought she was very attractive, but didn’t have the courage to try talking to her at the time.

Rocio:  That’s right; it was in Japan, my first tour with the company and one of my favourites. Of course there was attraction in the first sight, but we didn’t start our relationship until 2008 during the European tour.

Is it true Rocio that you couldn’t speak any English? How did you communicate at the start?

Ay Dios mio!! Haha! Totaly true. When I started, all I knew was “hello, goodbye, and please can you help me?” (I used the last one a lot!) haha!

The beginning was a little bit difficult especially for communication. I was very fortunate to meet some wonderful company members that helped me and taught me with lots of patience. I thank all of them so much.  They have no idea how much they helped. Now, with my private tutor Kelly I learn more and more.

Kelly, you are from America and Rocio you are from Spain, where do you both spend your downtime between tours?

We try to even it out as much as possible. Fortunately, we’ve been able to do all our travelling together, which is really nice. At this point, I feel just as much at home in Spain as I do in America. I think Ro feels the same way.  We’ve got family in both places.

Where/ when did you get engaged?

Did you see the movie “The 5 Year Engagement?”  The whole first scene is pretty much how it went down.  I had the whole thing planned in my head how and where… with Rocio’s family and everything… Things started falling apart, and it just wasn’t gonna happen.  I ended up doing it in the car. Not the most romantic thing in the world, but it was funny to us… She said “Si Kelly!” and that’s all that matters to me.

Did you ever think that joining Riverdance  would lead to finding love, getting married and a wedding?

When I first joined, I’d say no way.  After being with the company for a few years, you can easily see how it could happen.  I’ve met friends I know I’ll have for life. Riverdance is like another family.

Rocio and Kelly

Any date or plans for the big day yet?

We’re looking at June of next year in Granada.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Newly engaged Kelly and Rocio

New Wardrobe Duo - Barbara McCarthy and Mary Sheehan

Aisling McVeigh,  Irish Dance Troupe,  Moy Company

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 and the visual that has captivated over 22 million people across the globe to date.

The wardrobe department plays a key role on tour, maintaining the costumes and ensuring that all cast and band members are comfortable in what they are wearing for each performance.

Barbara McCarthy and Mary Claire Sheehan are the newest members to join the department. The duo was responsible for the entire operation on the recent Farewell Tour of Australia and New Zealand. Fascinated by their job and how one ends up working in a costume department, I spent many an interval sitting on a washing machine, watching them go about their business, chatting about their experiences.

Both Barbara & Mary studied Drama & Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin, specialising in costume design for their final year.

 

Barbara preparing for the post-show laundry

Since graduating in 2009, Barbara has worked on many Broadway and West End productions that have come to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin.  Some of her favourites have been Grease, Hairspray, Peter Pan and White Christmas.  Having had a taste of touring life with Plaza Suite on a national tour of Ireland, she was delighted to have been offered a place on tour with Riverdance. Barbara spent a brief stint in North America with the Shannon Company before joining the Moy as Head of Wardrobe on the long road across Australia and New Zealand.

Wardrobe Assistant Mary checks through every costume before each performance

I accompanied Mary on a walk-through wardrobe as she prepared the costumes for a show in Christchurch, NZ. She told me all about her passion for the theatre and her experiences working at The Gate in Dublin on Little Woman, The Speckle People and Death of a Salesman to name but a few….

It is no easy task making sure every dancer and band members dress, shirt, belt or trousers are clean, intact and in the right place before each show. The precision, passion and attention to detail they apply to their work is phenomenal. I have seen them doing laps backstage, chasing the leads up and down with their water bottles and towels.  They are always at hand in the wings to, for any quick costume changes side stage, armed with a tool kit for any last minute hitches to a hem line or sleeve.

Barbara and Mary love what they do and are enjoying every minute of their new role with Riverdance. They are both really looking forward to overseeing wardrobe in their hometown of Dublin this summer, when the show opens June 26th at the Gaiety Theatre for a scheduled 10 week run.

Dancer Yvonne McNelis with her costumes

New Wardrobe Duo - Barbara McCarthy and Mary Sheehan

Read this on the Riverdance website: New duo join wardrobe department

Dancers Shaun, Aisling, Anne & Deirdre at the O'Neill School of Irish Dance

Our final stop of the tour took us to Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and gateway to the South Island. With 3 days off, many of the cast & crew hired cars as soon as we touched down, departing in various directions to explore the New Zealand country side – Hanmer Springs, Kairkoura and Queenstown were amongst the main ports of call.
Those of us, who remained to explore Christchurch, paid a surprise visit to a local dance studio on Monday evening. Dancers at the O’Neill School of Irish Dancing gave us a very warm welcome. They were full of questions about life on tour and danced some jigs and hornpipes for us while we were there.

On Tuesday, we had a lovely meal at No. 4 restaurant to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Company Manager, Laurie Small.

Rocio, Deirdre and Shaun with their Snowman in June

Snow in June……..!!
As predicted by the weather folk, we woke up to a snow capped Christchurch on Wednesday morning. Despite the sudden drop in temperature outside, it was stunning to look out at from the warmth of our hotel and resembled a scene from a Christmas movie. With the seasons reversed from home, it was hard to believe that it was June! Those brave enough to bare the cold brought flamenco dancer, Rocio Montoya to a local park to build her first snowman ever…!!.

 
Thursday called for opening night and a meet & greet with one of our oldest fans – 93 year old Roy Green, who was accompanied by his 3 daughters. Roy has been a fan of the show since it first took the world by storm and still watches a very old video he taped off the TV many moons ago (despite the terrible and distorted image it holds now, as his daughters informed us). It was a pleasure to meet with him and his family. He was full of charisma, cracking jokes with dancers Lauren Smyth & Shona Cobbe backstage.

Shuttle buses ferried us all to Cargo Bar after the show for an end of tour bash. Pizza’s, bubbly and an open fire made for an enjoyable evening for all in the Moy.

Cashel Mall

Cashel Mall built out of shipping containers is a new temporary city mall. Buildings damaged in the earthquake have been demolished and replaced with cargo containers. The precinct houses more than 20 stores and coffee shops, representing a new beginning for the quake-ravaged CBD.

I took a stroll down to the funky Mall on Saturday morning with some other dancers before the matinee, to have a look around and pick up some gifts to bring home.

Farewell Hoodies

Homeward Bound

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.

It has been fantastic tour, one of my favourites to date. Thanks to all who came to see us, we hope to see you again sometime, somewhere soon…
Until then,
Aisling x

Read this on the Riverdance website: Farewell New Zealand – we’re homeward bound

Justine Rae with Lauren Smyth at MoreFM Wellington

A short flight from Auckland, took us to our next stop on the North Island– trendy Wellington. Lead dancer, Lauren Smyth announced our arrival in town live “on air”, with a radio interview at More FM.

A Cause for Celebrations

Fiddler Pat Mangan with his wife Natia

Opening night provided much cause for celebration. It was the first time Riverdance had ever performed in Wellington and fiddler Pat Mangan had also arranged a birthday party for his wife Natia, who had just landed in from New York to visit. Natia toured for many years as a Russian dancer with the show before turning her talents to new ventures in the US. The Apartment, a chic bar, hand-picked by Pat for the occasion played host to cake, candles and opening night celebrations.

Wellington Must-do’s

Wellington Cable Car

In between shows, the cast and crew visited some of the recommended must-do’s around town. A scenic journey on the Wellington Cable Car offered amazing and expansive views of the city and surrounding bay. The short, steep ride up into the mountain, direct from downtown Lambton Quay, also offered an entry point into the beautiful Botanic Garden. The smell of freshly cut grass reminded me of home. St. James theatre, our venue for the week, was only a stone’s throw from the Wellington Waterfront. Some simply enjoyed a relaxing stroll, taking in the fresh sea air, while others experienced the nearby “Te Papa”- New Zealand’s national museum.

Coffee on Cuba
Dancers and crew alike could be spotted spontaneously along Cuba Street over the course of the week. Filled with trendy local fashion and urban design stores for shopping, locally roasted coffee and dozens of tasty options could also be found amongst the variety of inner-city café s, lining the street.

An Evening of Culture – Spanish Sangria and Irish Tunes

Aisling with Kelly and Rocio

The newly engaged, Rocio Montoya (flamenco) and Kelly Isaac (tapper) hosted an evening of Sangria and cheese. Tasty dips homemade by Kelly and Rocio’s zesty Sangria had us all in good spirits for the “trad session” to follow at Molly Malone’s off Courtney Place. Instruments in tow, the shows band, blended perfectly with the locals, as the reels and jigs were belted into the early hours of the morning. All departments –dancers, wardrobe, lighting and sound, jumped up for the Walls of Limerick! Emma Warren graced us all with a beautiful rendition of “Carrick Fergus”, bringing many to tears and some brush dancing on stage completed a fantastic night of cultural display.

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!!!

Last stop Christchurch……………
Soon to update from the South Island,
Your Moy Blogger, Aisling x

Brush Dancing at Molly Malone's L-R; Louise, Deirdre, Emma & Aisling

Read this on the Riverdance website: Trendy Wellington, NZ

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.
Moy blogger & troupe dancer, Aisling McVeigh, chats to Conor McCarthy backstage during the show in Wellington, about his role as Physio on the road with Riverdance.

Conor McCarthy, Riverdance Physio

Aisling:  Given the physical demands required of a professional dance troupe, you play a very important role within Riverdance. How did you become a Physio, touring with the world famous production?

Conor: I was working at Dr. Noel McCaffrey’s clinic, when a position came up with the Avoca Company. He is Medical Director for the show and recommended me for the role. I joined the show on their European Tour shortly after in August 2005, and have not looked back since.

Aisling: Did you always want to become a Physio?
Conor: I have always had a keen interest in sports of all kind. Growing up, I wanted to be a professional footballer and when I realised, that might not materialise, I knew that I wanted to work in the sports industry regardless. For me, it was always going to be a career in either Sports Journalism or Physiotherapy.

Aisling: What qualifications and training did you have to do to become a Physio?
Conor: Falling slightly short the first time round, I sat the Leaving Cert twice, to get the required points for studying Physiotherapy at University College Dublin. I spent 4 years on campus there, learning from the experts, graduating with an honours Degree.
I am currently half way through a Masters of Manual Therapy in association with The University of Western Australia, Perth.

Aisling: What are the most common injuries you come across in the show?
Conor: The most common injuries I see amongst dancers in the show are;
1. Foot and ankle   2. Calves  3. Hip & groin 4. Lower back  5. Knees

Rocio Montoya icing after the show web

Aisling: What advice would you give to an Irish Dancer to prevent getting injured?
Conor:  Firstly, be sure to drink enough water and eat enough food before going to your class, competing or doing a show. Do plenty of strengthening exercises such as calf raises, lunges and squats. It is vital to do a proper warm – up along with stretching before you dance, and just as important to cool down and stretch properly again afterwards. Your body uses a lot of energy when you are dancing so I would advise to refuel soon after also.
Here at Riverdance, we use ice buckets after each show to help prevent injuries. During the show there may be some damage done to muscles, ligaments and tendons. While it might not be enough to cause an injury, the ice can take any possible or potential inflammation down. Icing afterwards also helps to clear away any waste products produced in the muscles during exercise. As important as everything else, people always feel better after icing.

Aisling:  How does working with Irish Dancers differ from your work with other athletes?
Conor:  Boxers are the athletes I work with most outside of the show, which at the moment mainly involves preparing and training for the 2012 Olympics, to be held in London this summer.
The main differences would be the type of injuries that occur. Boxing concentrates mostly on the upper limb, from hands to the lower back, whereas Irish dancers mainly use the lower half of their bodies, which is where the majorities of their injuries occur
Another difference lies in the preparation processes. Preparation for a boxing tournament is shorter but more intense. Dancing is more like a marathon causing less sudden acute injuries but more wear and tear to the muscles.
Despite the differences there are also many similarities between a professional boxer and dancer. Both are at the top of their sport, committing to countless hours of training and dedication from a very young age to get to the level that they are at today.
I enjoy working with both as it keeps things interesting and my work varied.

Aisling:  For those wondering what it must be like backstage at Riverdance, can you describe your working day?
Conor: Normally, I get into work about 2.5 hours before the show to deal with any injuries that need to be dealt with before the cast are called for warm up. I get all the strappings done about 30 minutes prior to each performance.
During the show, I continue to treat any on-going injuries along with anything new that might happen or occur.
After the show when the cast are icing, I make sure no one has picked up any new injuries.

Aisling:  Any favourite places you have visited so far while on tour?
There have been so many to date, but I think doing a shark dive in Cape town, while on tour in South Africa last year, has to top my list. Travelling the world is a great perk of this job. We are in New Zealand at the moment, and I’ve planned to go swimming with Dolphins in Kaikoura on our next day off.

Aisling:  How do you spend your downtime on tour?
Conor:  I always try seeing as much of the cities we are in, as possible. I also try to keep some discipline and do a bit of training while I’m on the road, like running or going to the gym – although it can be a lot harder to do so on tour than at home.

Aisling:  Is there any advice you would give to someone who would like to become a Physio, in particular those wanting to work with dancers or a touring production like Riverdance?
Conor:  The best advice I can give, would be to work hard in school to get a place on your preferred Physiotherapy course at University/College. Once you’re in, work as hard as you can to get involved with your chosen sport, dance form or discipline. Also, take as many opportunities as you can get along the way, as you never know where or what they might lead you to.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Interview: Conor McCarthy – Riverdance Physio

Following three great weeks in Australia, our final farewell performance in Adelaide marked the half-way point of the tour, and a scheduled move onto New Zealand.

Travel Day to Auckland
The Adelaide audiences were fantastic and sent us off in true style as we boarded the bus only a few hours later, for the first leg of our trip to Auckland, NZ. We joined the birds in their chorus at 4.30am, with 2 flights and a bus journey ahead, before reaching our much anticipated destination. There was no time for duty free shopping as we sprinted (literally!!), after company manager Laurie Small, through Sydney Airport to make our connecting flight to Auckland. The half hour stopover didn’t leave much time for terminal browsing!
All aboard, the eye-masks and sunglasses were out, (a common sight on travel days with such early start), as cast and crew tried to catch some zzzzzzzzz’s before landing in this beautiful country. Upon touch down, the crew were whisked straight to the venue for load-in, as the cast declared any forgotten fruits left lying in the end of their bags at customs…
Mondays at the Moy usually mark a travel day, so with no show that evening many of us headed down to the Viaduct area for dinner by the water.

Day trip to Waiheke Island
It was a busy week for everyone on the Press front, but most still managed to fit in some sightseeing as planned. Waiheke Island, just a short, picturesque ferry ride from downtown Auckland, proved a favourite amongst cast and crew. A witty bus driver sporting an infectious, boisterous laugh brought us on a scenic bus tour around the island. It’s coming into winter here now, but we were lucky to get a clear day of sunshine, allowing for fish & chips on the beach before returning back to the mainland, where a big dark rain cloud lingered over Auckland City.
Teapots and Ballads
With so many café’s, restaurants and funky bars in Auckland, we managed to sample a few during our downtime. We sipped cocktails from tea pots in the Quirky Cassette 9 and sang-along with dancer Emma Warren, when she was passed a mike at Danny Doolin’s Irish Bar on Sunday night.

As we reluctantly said goodbye to Auckland, there is still much to look forward too and planned for the 2 last cities that lie ahead.
To Wellington we go…….
Aisling

Read this on the Riverdance website: From Oz to NZ

Dance Caption Niamh O'Connor rehearsing with the troupe for the Good Morning Show

An inevitable part of touring life and the job of any performer is Press and PR related work. Dancers regularly meet the media, chat with journalists and give live Radio interviews and TV performances in many of the cities we visit. Wednesday May 23^rd, 2012 marked a well-planned and very eventful day of Press for the entire Riverdance team.

TVNZ Breakfast

5.30am: I’m suddenly woken by alarming beeps; my mobile phone vibrates loudly, illuminating the room.  It feels like I’ve only been asleep 5 minutes but there is no time to contemplate turning over, a busy day lies ahead. I slip out of the room as quietly as I can so as not to wake my roomie (Shona Cobbe). We are staying in apartments on Queen Street in the centre of Auckland, so I move to the living room to continue getting ready for the day of work ahead.

Typically, I manage to bang into every table and chair possible, drop a knife and trip over a bag on the floor in my attempt not to make too much noise as Shona is still out for the count (not anymore I’m thinking). This isn’t a morning for a scoop of the instant stuff – the coffee plunger come out of the press for an outing and I make a pot of what looks like tar. Strong dose of caffeine consumed, teeth brushed and off I go.

6.00am: I meet our dance captain Niamh O’Conner in the lobby and check through the morning papers to pick up on any coverage following our opening night performance last night. The New Zealand Herald has featured some great pictures. I pick up a few of complimentary copies at reception for each of the dancers in the photos. Company manager Laurie Small joins us and we walk to the theatre. It’s still dark out and we are met by a throng of early morning joggers along our path – a familiar sight in this part of the world, one that would put many of us who make regular promises to ourselves to start such an early morning fitness regime (but have yet failed to do so) to shame.

6.35am: We are greeted at the venue by our New Zealand publicists Megan and Sandra. Their PR expertise has secured an active Press schedule over the coming weeks to promote the Farewell Tour across New Zealand, with this morning’s live TV being the pinnacle.  They introduce us to the TVNZ Breakfast crew and their weather presenter Tamati Coffey, who will be presenting live segments from the Riverdance set, throughout the morning.

First up in the pilot seat are John Lonergan and Niamh O’Connor for an interview on camera with Tamati. Niamh has been with Riverdance since it was first performed in 1994 as the interval act on the Eurovision song contest. As the longest standing cast member and dance captain with the Moy Company, Niamh is a favourite with the media. World Champion John Lonergan has also attracted a lot of attention from the press throughout the tour. It is an exciting time for John, as the newest dancer to join the Riverdance cast.

7.05am: Despite the early wake-up call Liam Ayres, James Keating and Chris Naish take on Kelly Isaac and Michael Woods in an energetic dance-off as they perform Trading Taps for the camera.

NZ TV Tamati Coffey with Trading Taps guys, Niamh and John

7.35am: Niamh O’Connor takes Tamati for an Irish Dance Master class on stage.  As his efforts are broadcast live across the country, the rest of the troupe start arriving at the venue. Given our line of work, we usually performing at night, so many have not seen this side of midday in a long time. The snail pace of their actions reflects this but a buffet breakfast being served in the green room, brings them slowly but surely back to life.

View Clip:  Tamati dancing with the Riverdance Troupe on TV NZ Breakfast News

8.05am: Tamati prepares to step into the Riverdance line. Wardrobe has dug out a costume for him and company manager Laurie Small gives him a helping hand side stage to look the part.  Lights, camera, action – the music roles and he is joined by the full company on stage to show the nation what he has learned. He slots perfectly into place centre stage and there are howls of laughter around the venue, all in good spirit for his entertaining efforts after the camera man shouts cut.

8.35am: The full cast are called to the stage. The ever professional Maria Buffini and Padraic Moyles warm up in the wings to shake off any early morning tiredness. Tamati presents his last weather segment for the morning and signs off to the nation as the troupe join Maria and Padraic for a live TV performance of Riverdance.

8.45am: It’s a wrap for the TVNZ Breakfast piece and after a few photographs with the presenter and breakfast crew on stage it’s back to bed for most.

TVNZ Good Morning

With the majority of the cast back at their apartments tucked up in bed, some fortunate others are shuttled to the nearby TVNZ studios.

We are due to perform two numbers on the GOOD MORNING show which is aired live across New Zealand. It is a great opportunity for the show to promote the upcoming farewell performances in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

last minute preparations for the Distant Thunder boys outside the TV studio

10.45am: Following a brief rehearsal during the advertorials, male lead Jason Oremus performs Distant Thunder with some of the boys.  He is then whisked off to another studio where he joins female lead, Siobhan Manson for an interview.

There is a quick costume change and another run through. This time we rehearse Riverdance and given the size of the tiny studio floor and prior concern about the amount of dancers that it would fit, everything has worked as planned.

11.30am: Riverdance goes live on TV for the final time today and by midday we have left the studio and a busy yet successful morning of press behind us. ….

View Clip:  Distant Thunder and Riverdance performed live in TVNZ Good Morning studios plus a chat with principal dancers Síobhan Mason and Jason Oremus

Performing Riverdance live on TVNZ Good Morning Show

Read this on the Riverdance website: Early Morning Press Call, Auckland, New Zealand

Riverdance Blogger Aisling McVeigh chatted with John Lonergan backstage in Adelaide, Australia about his amazing success and recent achievements.

John Lonergan on the podium at the Worlds 2012

Aisling :  You were crowned World Champion and performed with Riverdance for the very first time, all within one month. This is an amazing achievement John– how does it feel?

John :  I honestly can’t believe what I achieved and all within one month. It feels very surreal!! Winning the worlds was one thing, but to be on stage with the world’s biggest Irish dance show three weeks later was another.  It all happened so quickly, but it’s the most amazing feeling in the world.

 Aisling :  What do you find are the main differences between competitive Irish Dancing and being in a show?

John :  From the outside looking in, you wouldn’t think that there is much of a difference, but when you first join a show there are quite a few things to learn and adapt to.

Changing style from competition to show dancing didn’t come easy to me at the beginning, but I kept working hard at it knowing that it would all fall into place naturally. Step by step I’m getting there.

Definitely one thing I found hard, as do many other competitive dancers when they first make the transition into a show was, “letting the hands loose”.

Another big difference is facial expression and emotion. When competing, it’s all about your smile, whereas in a show you have to have a facial expression to reflect the emotion of each dance, which can be sometimes hard to master. But as they say “practice makes perfect”.

 Aisling :  Did you always hope to one day join a show?

John :  : Yes I did. Irish dancing became a very big part of my life from an early age. Getting into a show was all I ever wanted. So much so that I recently sacrificed a place in college, hoping that the chance to join a show would come along. There were moments when I doubted my decision, but being patient served me well, when the call from Riverdance finally came. Thankfully the blood, sweat and tears, along with the sacrifices I have made paid off, as I’m now living my dream on tour with Riverdance.

 Aisling :  What advice would you give to young aspiring dancers starting off their dancing career?

John :  My advice to any young dancers starting out would be to put your head down and work hard.

You’ll go through ups and downs throughout your career, but believe me anything is possible with self- determination and hard work. If you had asked me when I was 9 years old if I thought I would ever be lucky enough to win a World, I probably would have laughed and said “I wish”.

ALWAYS listen to your dance teacher as they’re the one with the qualification and know what’s best for you and your dancing. Their guidance combined with your hard work is what will make you the best dancer that you can be.

There will be tough times when you feel like throwing in the towel. Never give up because when you get the result you have hoped for in a competition, you’ll think back and remember that all the blisters, sweat and tears were worth it.

As you get older you will realise that there are many Irish Dancing professions if you decide that you want to make a long-term career out of it. There are shows all over the world, so make the most of your dancing and work hard to achieve your goals in competition. Then, when you feel you are ready to hang up the competitive shoes you can join a show become a Teacher or Adjudicator.

John Lonergan with his very proud parents celebrating his win at the Worlds 2012

Aisling :  There are not many dancers who have achieved 5 world titles.  What are the main factors that have led to your success?

John :  Without a doubt, the main factors of my success have been my family and teachers. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now or half as successful.

My parents have been amazing and spent hours sitting in the studio watching me practice, giving tips and corrections.

The time my teachers have put in has also been outstanding. Without their guidance I wouldn’t be able to dance, and without my parents’ encouragement and support I wouldn’t be able to compete.

I feel self-determination is also a major factor. I’m a very competitive person so I’m always striving to better myself. I am my own biggest critic, which I think is a good trait to have as you are continuously trying to improve your performance and technique.

Aisling :  Do you find there is a lot of pressure when you are the top?

John :  For me, after I won my first Worlds, it was amazing at the time but coming back the following year to retain the title was terrifying.  The thought of people thinking my performance wasn’t good enough, or my teachers not being happy, scared me to bits. As I got older I learnt how to deal with all this pressure, as it is a lot to take being so young. Confidence is a major factor as well. You could be shaking inside, but you have to give off a confident vibe and look composed on stage.

If you believe in yourself, thinking you’re the best in the competition and that you’re going to show everyone that you are , then people will believe it, as everyone can see on stage who wants it the most, and is eager to be on the top box.

Keeping calm and having a cool head is also important, as is not letting success go to your head. Everyone is the same off stage. Just because receive good results doesn’t mean that you are better than them in any other way outside of competition, and I think it’s important for people to remember that.

Aisling McVeigh interviews John Lonergan

Aisling :  You’ve just finished your first week on the road with The Moy Company – How’s does it feel to be touring Australia and New Zealand with the world famous phenomenon?

John : Oh My God, what a week it has been. Meeting everyone was such a pleasure. The cast are all so nice and encouraging. Every single person in the whole troupe came up to me before my first show wishing me luck, saying it’ll be great and to enjoy every minute. It meant the world to me. It also really helped settle the pre-show nerves, and made the whole experience of my first “Riverdance” show, unforgettable!! It was a very special moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

When I finally got to dance on stage, I had to hold back a big smile because the number I was in, was one where you have to look very proud and serious. The minute I got off stage I was smiling from ear to ear, and was buzzing with joy and excitement.

Our dance captain Niamh O’Connor was so helpful, assuring us everything would be ok and there to answer any questions we had regarding any dance. It’s my second week on tour with the show now, but I still don’t feel like I’m actually in Riverdance.  It’s one of those things where I have to keep pinching myself to remind me it’s real and not a dream. I know the people on this tour will be friends for life as everyone is so genuine and down to earth. That makes such a difference, as I wasn’t intimidated by anyone, which made everything so much easier and more relaxing for me.

 Aisling :  Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

John :  I hope to continue touring with the show and sit the TCRG exams so one day I can open my own school. I would also like to keep competing for as long as I can as I still have a few personal goals I’d like to achieve on the competitive front.  Eventually I’d like to become an adjudicator and pursue a long-term career in the Irish Dancing world.

Aisling :  We all miss something from home when we are on the road. Is there anything in particular you miss from home?

John :  : My friends, family and Barry’s Tea

Aisling :  What essentials are in your tour bag?

John :  : – Dancing shoes, i-phone, L’Oreal hair gel, black socks and my i-pod

Read this on the Riverdance website: Interview with John Lonergan, World Champion

Aisling McVeigh,  Irish Dance Troupe,  Moy Company

Press Office

Having recently completed an internship at Edelman PR, Dublin during the downtime at home between tours, I will be assisting with the Press on the current Moy Tour.  This is an exciting new element of my role within the show. In Newcastle, we held a Master class with local dancers, who joined the cast on stage and enjoyed an Irish Dance lesson with our expert dance captain Niamh O’Connor.

Maria Buffini, Lead Dancer also visited ABC Radio Station for an interview live on-air and Peta Anderson spoke to Paula Xiberras from the Tasmanian Times.

Downtime in Newcastle
Downtime on tour is spent exploring new cities and is one of the many great perks of life on the road. Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Region is the beachside city of Newcastle. There are few cities in the world beyond Newcastle that can say their city centre is surrounded by eight beaches. With the sun still shining before the winter sets in, the cast enjoyed some sun, sea and sand this week (not something we get to do too often in Ireland!!)

Newcastle has a rich history, quirky arts culture and a thriving dining and boutique shopping scene. Darby Street is renowned for its quirky outlets and is an absolute must for anyone with a passion for good food and vintage shopping. Frankie’s on Darby Street became a popular haunt among the cast this week, famous for its funky retro interior, delicious coffee and gourmet sandwiches.

The harbour area of Honeysuckle was another popular spot among cast and crew. Boasting a chaotic but exciting scene, restaurants and chic bars line the water front where we enjoyed views of an eclectic mix of yachts, fishing boats, ferries and coal ships in the harbour.

Birthday Celebrations
Both James Keating and Siobhan Manson celebrated their Birthday this week and we all had a night out at a local bar to mark the occasion.

Upwards and Onwards

Newcastle played host to a great first week of the tour. It was a busy one, in particular for the 6 new dancers who worked very hard, yet rewarding for both cast and crew who enjoyed all the local amenities had to offer. Jason Oremus proudly got to dance for his family who travelled from Sydney to watch him. Yvonne McNelis and Siobhan Manson also had friends and family come visit. This always adds something special to a performance, knowing that you are so far from home yet have loved ones sitting so close, out front amongst the audience.
With the shoes & costumes packed away, we bid farewell to Newcastle and moving onwards we board for Hobart, Tasmania.

World Champion John Lonergan practicing his jumps on Newcastle beach

Read this on the Riverdance website: Masterclass, PR, performances and downtime in Newcastle

Aisling McVeigh,  Irish Dance Troupe,  Moy Company

Packing for tour……a challenge I have yet to master
After many years on the road, I once again find myself sitting in the middle of my bedroom floor at home in Dublin, surrounded by a mountain of clothes and a busting wardrobe. I contemplate the task ahead. Armed with a travel itinerary strictly stating 23kgs and a brand new suitcase (my attempts to fit everything but the dog into the last one proved too much), I laugh to myself. That all too familiar feeling comes upon me as I imagine the scene I will have at the check-in desk in the morning, hoping to get away with the excess baggage as I will watch the numbers climb higher and higher on the airport scales. Urgent text messages are fired out to fellow cast members and I ring my tour room-mate (Shona Cobbe) to make sure that I am actually packing for the right season!! I download a weather app onto my i-phone for each of the cities we will visit, just to be sure.

Bidding Farewell to loved ones at home……

It’s a normal Thursday morning at home, with the usual hustle and bustle as people scurry about the house. Rush hour hits the bathroom and kitchen in preparation for the workday ahead. One by one they leave for work.
After many years on the road, I still find it hard to say goodbye. Instead I opt for a low key exit and shout “see you later” to those left inside, as my taxi to the airport pulls up outside. I leave for work like everyone else that morning, except my briefcase is a little bigger than others and I know that I won’t be home for dinner ….. I make-up for it by leaving an order for a Sunday roast upon my return in 6 weeks time.
Airport Reunions…..

Cast and crew are reunited at Dublin airport. Hugs, kisses and lots of chit chat fills the air, as we all catch up on the past few months. It’s been a while since the Moy Company have travelled together. It’s also an exciting day for new dancers Patrick O’Mahony, Emma Warren, John Lonergan, Louise O’Sullivan and Shaun Kelly who will perform with Riverdance for the first time ever on the upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. Peta Anderson from Sydney will also join the company when we land in Australia.
Only 1 kilo over, I am checked-in and feel a little proud that I didn’t deviate too far from the stated baggage allowance. I think to myself, perhaps it’s a good thing because now there’s not an inch of space left for any outrageous clothing purchases along the way (to which I am usually prone)….deep down I know this will not be the case despite my greatest efforts, as does everyone else around me.

First Stop Newcastle, NSW, Australia…..

After 3 flights, lunch in London, dinner in Singapore and a bus ride from Sydney to Newcastle we arrive at our first stop. Niamh O’Connor, Padraic Moyles and James Keating join us from the Shannon Company. They too have had a long journey and everyone retreats to their rooms to sleep off the jetlag.

Rehearsals……………….

The first few days are spent at a local dance studio where the 6 new dancers work hard with dance captain Niamh O’Connor and Padraic Moyles. They are later joined by the entire cast as rehearsals for opening night get well under-way. The new dancers have been through an intense training programme with dance director Breandán de Gallaí in Dublin, before coming on tour. Their hard-work pays off as the curtain opens in Newcastle and the audience applauds the shows arrival in town.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Back on the Road with the Moy Company in Australia