It’s bittersweet as I finish the last step in the last number of the last ever North American Riverdance show. Some 6,000 people are on their feet in the fantastic outdoor arena at WolfTrap, Vienna and boy has it been a long journey!

Our final bus journey

The last two weeks of tour were extremely busy. After the first of three bus journeys in the first week, we found ourselves in the heart of hip Montreal. We were staying in apartments for a few days and most of us bought groceries, enjoying the luxury of cooking our favourite foods. Montreal, one of my favourite cities of the tour was jam packed as preparations were underway for the famous “Grand Prix Montreal Weekend”. I would have loved to experience it but unfortunately we had to move on. For our last Canadian show, we travelled a few hundred miles to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Sydney is situated on the east coast of Cape Breton Island. Luckily I stayed awake for the last hour of the journey as the scenery was outstanding. It also has a high population of irish people (one in four Nova Scotians are of Irish decent) and a nice little irish pub – the “Governors Pub” to boot.

I was delighted to be performing for my close family in Hartford, Conneticut on Wednesday. I had some free time in the afternoon so I got to visit them at their home in Enfield and I was very grateful for the lovely mug of tea waiting for me when I got there! With just one more show to go in Salisbury, Maryland, the countdown was well and truly on for the last weekend of tour.

My roommate Fiona and I went into overdrive obsessing about the weight of our suitcases. In fact, this was the general topic of discussion amongst us all, and we started our own little charity, compiling bundles of ‘bus clothes’ we had worn to death on the tour to give away.

With many dancers having ended USA tours at Wolftrap before, all of us were uber excited, particularly for the two huge malls beside our hotel. (Eek!!) With hair appointments booked and shopping trips to rival Kim Kardashian, some even rented cars and drove down on Thursday night. I decided it would be safer for my bank balance and arrived on the bus early Friday afternoon. With not much time to waste, I grabbed some food, window shopped in the amazing “Tysons Corner Mall” and caught the bus to the show.

Company at Wolftrap

Wolftrap is an amazing outdoor venue with an auditorium and open lawn. As part of the show experience at WolfTrap, patrons are allowed to sit on the lawns and watch us warm up an hour and a half before the show. As we drove up towards the arena, the place was swarming with people laying their blankets out, sipping wine and eating their picnics in preparation for the show. With a quick make-up and hair fix, I headed for the stage. It was totally surreal having the audience there in broad daylight and with “Beyonce” and the like blasting, ‘the craic was 90′ as we warmed up together. Even more surreal was the fact that we could see everyone in the audience for the whole first half of the show.

John McColgan chatting to cas

John McColgan, director of Riverdance was present for opening night and made a lovely speech at a champagne reception held afterwards before flying to Dublin for the “Electric Burma Concert”.

Closing Party

After our two shows on Saturday, we also had a fantastic closing party. With ice sculptures, and an impressive display of foods such as fresh seafood, our very own pasta chef and a “Ben&Jerrys” ice-cream counter, we were in our element. Our executive producer, Julian Erskine made a heartfelt speech thanking us all for our hard work and there were a few tears amongst us.

I made an early exit as I was preparing for my second performance of Trading Taps the following day.

Once again, as we arrived hundreds of people were flocking to the lawns and we were totally energised for the show. We were given tour T-Shirts as a keepsake for the tour and the whole company gathered at 1pm for a photoshoot. Trading Taps was fantastic. Unlike other numbers, you really get to interact with the audience and since I was able to see them, it was even more enjoyable than my first performance.

The venue put on a barbecue for us in between shows which was brilliant as we enjoyed hotdogs and burgers in the sun. James Greenan and I had also spent hours during the week preparing a ‘tour video’, a compilation of video footage and photos from the tour. We projected it onto a huge screen and once again there were a few tears as we got ready for the last show of the tour…and what a show it was!

VIDEO : Riverdance Final Nth American show Wolf Trap June 17, 2012 curtain call (video by Merle Frimark, Riverdance North American Marketing/Press Representative )

And so, after 29,500 miles and 133 shows in 27 states, we boarded a flight at Dulles International Airport on Monday night. We’ve had a fantastic few months and yes it has been exhausting at times but we’ve been in some amazing places, all whilst doing what we love!

Troupe photo at Wolftrap

And so, we are back on home soil performing at the Gaiety Theatre for what promises to be a fantastic 10 weeks. It’s always so enjoyable performing to a home crowd and I must say I think I will be avoiding the bus for a little while!

Thanks for reading.
Maeve x

Read this on the Riverdance website: End of the line – Final Shows North America

They conquered North America in hard-soled shoes, short black skirts or slim black pants, this troupe of Irish dancers and musicians. Sweeping the continent by storm with jigs, reels and hornpipes, Riverdance grew into a millions-served phenomenon, resuscitating an interest in Irish culture and big, flashy arena-style shows showcasing dance and music. In its wake, it has left millions dazzled by heartbeat-quickening, Irish step-dance rhythms performed with the precision of a military drill team.

It started as a bit of a lark: In 1994, the producers of Eurovision Song Contest needed a seven-minute filler to bide time while judges deliberated. A composer, choreographer and producer came up with Riverdance, a music-and-dance number. It combined the pinpoint accuracy of a Radio City Music Hall Rockettes line with the heartfelt ballads and spritely jigs of Irish folk music, featuring Bill Whelan’s compositions.

This weekend, the massive North American operation of Riverdance — 60 dancers, singers, musicians and crew — will sing and dance for the last time on these shores. The Dublin-based production company is closing down its North American tour with five performances at Wolf Trap, one of its earliest and most consistent venues.

“We just thought this was a good time to close down here,” said Julien Erskine, who, as the show’s executive producer, is a bit like a general, his office wall plastered with maps filled in with color-coded dots denoting the cities, countries and continents where Riverdance has stepped.

“I think it’s the right call at the right time,” he added. “Nearly 12 million people in over 400 cities have come to see Riverdance in North America. We’re very, very happy with that and we don’t want to spoil it by outstaying our welcome.”

Padraic Moyles (pronounced Poor-ick Moy-ills) has Dublin and Bronx in his makeup — born in Ireland but schooled in the New York borough where his parents moved when he was a child. He grew up watching his mum and dad and their friends socializing on Friday nights in their living room with Irish set dances, which are similar to American square dances.

A Riverdance veteran, currently touring with the New Zealand and Australia cast, Moyles spent the majority of his career traveling and performing across North America, which he insists has the most effusive audiences in the world.

He remembers seeing the show in its first U.S. performances at Radio City Music Hall in New York in 1996. “I liked dance, but I didn’t love it,” Moyles said; at 16, he was taking Irish dance lessons because his parents wanted him to. “That night I saw Riverdance and it changed everything. I realized how cool it looked up there and I said to myself, ‘I need to be a part of this.’ ”

Hearing about an audition, Moyles and another dancing friend skipped class and drove to Boston to try out. A few weeks later, he came home from school to find his mother holding an envelope, wondering why Riverdance was writing to him. Moyles had been offered a position in the company. His mother hugged — and scolded — him. His parents agreed he could join the tour as soon as he finished high school.

Now 33, Moyles is married to one of the original dancers, Niamh O’Connor. He thinks he has performed at Wolf Trap at least a dozen times, and it remains among his favorite venues. “You walk out on the stage and see the people sitting on the hill and within the theater, with all the wood,” Moyles said, “and it’s always packed.”

Riverdance has been a phenomenon for Wolf Trap, said Ann McKee, the venue’s senior vice president. Over the years the company has performed 109 times, with 492,877 people attending the shows. Wolf Trap has grossed more than $23 million — not including this year — making Riverdance its all-time bestseller.

For McKee, that’s a huge relief. When she booked the tour for its first two-week visit in the summer of 1997, she had never seen the show; all she had to go on was a video excerpt she caught on the nightly news. It was enough to convince her that Riverdance would be perfect at Wolf Trap.

“It was a mighty roll of the dice,” she said, “but it proved to be an amazing collaboration.”

Riverdance Troupe. Final Farewell Tour of North America.

Asked whether Wolf Trap has anything special planned for this weekend’s final North American run, McKee kept mum. Erskine will travel from Dublin to see the cast take its final bows on American soil and to bid farewell to Wolf Trap, a venue he names as one of his top five in the world.

“There’s a great moment at Wolf Trap,” he said, “when [the ushers] drop the ropes and the crowd comes pouring over the hill to get the best place on the lawn . . . coming over the top of the hill with a great sense of excitement.”

Erskine won’t rest on his laurels. Riverdance he said, has other nations, other continents to conquer. In the coming months and years, Riverdance will add India, China, South America and the Middle East to its territorial expansion.

Read this on the Riverdance website: PREVIEW: Wolf Trap ready for a last ‘Dance’

Riverdance boasts The Riverdance Dance Troupe, Musicians and Singers, Irish and International dance and song soloists from Spain, Australia, Great Britain and the United States. Musical Director/Keyboardist Declan Masterson runs a tight ship and if there was one note gone awry in this whole production neither I nor my professional musician friend caught it.

The tappers and singers are amazing but one of the brightest stars of the show is the percussionist, Mark Alfred. Far right of the action but somehow right in the middle of it, Mr Alfred gives an incredibly energetic performance, calling to more primitive blood with his booming rhythms on two enormous drum sets, and on castanets, chimes, and the wonderful Irish hand drum called a Bodhran. He came out center stage to play a duet with the talented fiddle player, Niamh Ni Charra and he played that drum so fast that his hand was literally a blur while never missing a beat. People were on their feet cheering.

Declan Masterson

Mark Alfred

Niamh Ní Charra

The audience were on their feet a lot during this production and most deservedly so. Somehow the stage was miked to amplify the sound of the dancers tapping in perfect unison and at times the very real impression of thunder filled the Fox Theatre.

Jason E. Bernard

Ben Mapp

One of the best bits in the production is the introduction of Jason E. Bernard and Benjamin Mapp, street tappers, equally breathtaking in their mastery of jazz tap. They and the four of the male Irish dancers have a dance duel, highlighting their differences and similarities as they change styles back and forth, the street dancers doing their comatose version of the stiff armed Irish style, and the Irish dancers giving us one of the best illustrations of jazz hands ever.

The choreography is incredible. Men and women flying across the stage, women linking hands to do a stiff armed chorus line where nothing moves except their legs and feet and those appendages are a blur of precision. The singers are equally polished and wonderful, ethereal harmonies abound.

James Greenan

Alana Mallon

James Greenan and Alana Mallon danced the leads the night we went. They were a beautiful pair and I didn’t miss Michael Flatley one bit; and although I’m not quite clear on what Spanish Flamenco dancing has to do with Irish step dancing, except perhaps as a progenitor, it was a treat to watch Marita Martinez – Rey, haughty and wonderful, dancing in that most beautiful style.

Riverdance is a feast for eyes and ears, a call to cultural identity and a ripping good show.

Riverdance played The Fox Theatre, St Louis, 18 – 20 May 2012

Read this on the Riverdance website: Dancing Magic, Music and Timeless Beauty at the Fox

Mark Alfred Percusion Riverdance Farewell Tour St Louis

After over 15 years of touring the US, Riverdance has truly become a household name. When someone sees Irish dancing, it is most likely the first thing that comes to their head. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Last night at the Fabulous Fox Theatre marked the start of the Riverdance Farewell tour in St. Louis.

I have always been a fan of dance, but somehow avoided ever seeing Riverdance much to my chagrin. Sure, I’ve seen performances of the famous show on television and DVD – but never in person, and never at the Fabulous Fox. And one thing I can now say for certain is that there is nothing like seeing it live at one of the best theaters in the country. As the show starts, the beautiful Irish music fills the massive auditorium, taking us on a transformational journey to Ireland. A bright and colorful screen takes center stage for the duration of the performance, changing from scene to scene as it sets the mood and season for each breathtaking dance.

The show is a wonderful amalgamation of music, dance and song. Of course the dancing is the main attraction of the show, being called Riverdance after all, but without the rich traditional music it would be nowhere near as impactful.

The band is comprised of only 5 musicians, but their talent is relentless as each of them resonates powerful and rich music through multiple instruments. Much credit should be given to Declan Masterson, who plays the keyboard and acts as musical director for the show.  Each song sets the scene for the dance that follows, and sends the kind of feeling through your body that powerful music tends to do.  Matt Bashford, who plays a beautiful rendition of “Caoineadh Chu Chulainn” on the Uilleann Pipes, also plays the low whistle and tin whistle.  Niamh Ní Charra plays the fiddle, having a couple of solo performances that are truly outstanding, while Dave McGauran plays the saxophone during the show. Last but not least, Mark Alfred is at the helm of the percussion section and takes over the stage as he plays every drum, symbol and chime. His drum kit seems endless as sound after sound emanates from his side of the stage.  He also has an incredible solo session with the Bodhrán, a round Irish frame drum, where you wouldn’t believe the magnitude and range of sound that comes out of it.

As impressive as the music of the show is, the singing is just as wonderful.  Songs like “The Heart’s Cry” and “Cloudsong” are so heart-touching and beautiful that you just can’t help but to feel the emotion in the air.  The lead vocalist from the Irish Dance Troupe, who I believe was Aisling Drennan, was phenomenal. Every note left her mouth with what seemed to be perfection and ease. I have heard many versions of the songs from Riverdance, but none of them were sung as beautifully as I heard them last night. All of the male and female singers harmonized together so perfectly for each song, transforming their voices into their own rich instruments.

Alana Mallon. Lead Dancer

The lead male and female dancers, James Greenan and Alana Mallon, were both superb. Neither of them ever missed a step as they meticulously hit every note that resonated from their shoes hitting the stage.  James has to have some of the fastest legs I have ever seen, and proves it during a “dance-off” so to speak with two less-traditional tappers: Benjamin Mapp & Jason E. Bernard.  Mapp and Bernard furiously hold their own as they dance in a free style version of tap, and it is quite a site to see. Alana Mallon dances beautifully throughout the performance, and commands the lead with her presence.

Marita Martinez-Rey dances Flamenco and does a brilliant job during the “Firedance” and “Andalucia,” two solo performances.  Her fire-colored dresses wave through the air like flames as they match the fiery background and music during the dances.

If you have never seen Riverdance before, don’t miss your last chance to see it on tour.  I am certainly glad that I was able to see it.  The show is full of so much energy and passion, and you can tell that these dancers are among the best of the best. Every step is in perfect unison, as it partners with the lively music and song.  It’s different than any other show you’ve seen before, and if you love dance, I’m sure that it will not dissappoint.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Farewell Riverdance, you will be missed

Fiona McCabe, Irish Dance Troupe, Shannon Company

City Update

My delicious Quebecois version of le croque monsieur brunch

Quebec City, QC: A beautiful, historic city that delighted me in every aspect but I was not sad to leave behind a city where they STILL have winter in April! Highlights included early morning swims in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool and dining at the ‘Restaurant Le Retro’ bistro in the oldtown to taste the homemade assortment of local pates and seafood chicken pie. A brunch consisting of croque-monsieur on Friday afternoon gave a nice kick start to my day.

Saguenay, QC and Ottawa, ON: With over 800 kilometers of traveling over 2 days, we were restricted to day-time exploring in these lovely cities. I was looking forward to spending some time observing the history of the city of Ottawa (formerly known as Bytown) which was founded in 1827 by Colonel John By. Next time I suppose!

Bangor, ME: I was psyched to learn that our medical officer, Chris Barbour had the pleasure of driving past famous author (and my favorite writer), Steven King’s house- One of several of his properties which stood very close to out hotel on Odlin road. We wowed the Bangor audience after a record 11 hours and 25 minute travel day from Ottawa.

Glens Falls, NY: The Shannon enjoyed some breathtaking scenery as we drove via Woodstock, It gave it’s name to the famous music festival in 1969 which was located a mere 69 miles away. Former troupe dancer, Lexa Hickey payed us all a nice visit with her dance students.

Fiona McCabe with Dr. Pearce Lyons (President and founder of Alltech) and his wife, Mrs. Deirdre Lyons. Both Irish born, Dr. and Mrs. Lyons founded Alltech in 1982. Their headquarters is located in Lexington, KY was founded in 1982.

Richmond, KY: Our fist flight of the tour! Richmond saw us two well-earned, consecutive days off which we spent soaking up the beautiful southern weather in Lexington. Spirits were high as we were performing so close to the world-famous Kentucky Derby due to begin that weekend.

Knoxville, TN:  The beautiful, sunny weather continued as did celebrations for Cinco de Mayo which commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. Live music and craft stalls near Summit Hill Drive marked the famous fifth day of May.

Salem, VA:  We put our minds to the test with a general knowledge team quiz with some of the members from the band and the tappers at Buffalo Wild Wings. Go ‘Team Cidona’!

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Our old loyal friend and tour masseuse, Tony Clark comes to visit from the nearby town of Scranton. Always missed Tony!

Greensburg, VA: Dance captain, Maeve Croke celebrates her birthday in style at a wine- tasting party in the Ramada Hotel organised by several of the dancers. Happy birthday again Maeve!

Billy Kanally and his brother, Bobby at King's Pats having the famous Philly Cheese Steak in Downtown Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, PA:  The weekend finally arrives and we lap up our free time . Some embrace the touristy side of things and do the famous run up the Rocky steps. Some pay a visit to the renowned King Pat’s to taste the famous Philly Cheese Steak

I, on the other hand was lucky to visit my Philadelphia relations on Sunday morning and gobbled down some an authentic Irish breakfast fry

My Irish 'fry' - breakfast

Read this on the Riverdance website: Quebec to Philadelphia via 10 cities

Kane Young www.themercury.com.au

Riverdance- Maria Buffini and Padraic Moyles perform in Hobart Photo: Kim Eiszele

Thousands of Tasmanians are tapping in to the power and grace of Riverdance, which made its long-awaited return to Hobart last night.

After thrilling millions of people over the past 17 years, the celebration of Irish music and dance is touring Australia for the last time.

When Riverdance last visited Hobart in 1998 it sold more than 16,600 tickets in two hours, an Australian record for the show.

The production rolled back into Hobart on Tuesday, with the touring party including 24 Irish dancers, two tap dancers from the US, a Spanish flamenco dancer, a four-piece band, 15 backstage crew and three shipping containers of equipment.

The task of wrangling the cast, crew and gear falls to company manager Laurie Small, who said “ We may yet see a ‘‘revitalised and revamped’’ version of the show. ‘‘It has been a very successful format that has worked very well,’’ he said. ‘‘We find that although we’re doing a farewell tour in one place, another market opens up somewhere else – we’re now very popular in China, and we’re also off to South America for the first time. ‘‘So while it’s a farewell tour here, it’s still going on in other places.’’

The Riverdance Farewell Tour is on at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at 8pm on 10th and 11th May and 2pm and 8pm Saturday 12th May and 1pm and 6pm Sunday 13th May

Tickets are $65 to $130.

Phone 136100 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.au for bookings.

youngka@news.net.au

Read this on the Riverdance website: Final twirl in Tassie

13 Weeks, 55 Hotel rooms and approximately 13,600 Miles under our belt and I think it’s about time I splashed out on some good eye cream!  This past week has been the toughest so far. We accumulated 31 hours of travel over three days at the beginning of the week and on one occasion, the quiet coach broke down once more meaning we were tightly packed for an 11hr bus journey. But the show must go on and minus the tired bodies and some nasty flus creeping in, we had some great times!

Callum and Chloey before Callums first lead performance

Over the course of our few days in Cornwall, Oshawa and Peterborough, the dance troupe changed significantly with five members of the cast leaving to join the Australian/New Zealand tour. It’s always hard to say goodbye to our friends and cast changes also mean a few more rehearsals.  But it was nice to be back in a dance studio and a fine studio it was at the “Grand Theatre”, Quebec.  This was even more important for one of our new troupe members, Callum Spencer who in just a few short days after his arrival would perform male lead for the very first time.

We arrived into the all-French speaking city of Quebec on Friday and spending the weekend in this beautiful old city was a joy. Quebec is a must-see with its enchanting old buildings, most of which have been transformed into hotels, shops, restaurants etc including the impressive “Le Chateau Frontenac”. Dating back to wartimes, its hilly geography allowed the French a great viewing post for oncoming enemies. After lots of walking up these steep hills and through the Parisian-like streets, we took a load off at a local creperie and headed to bed early. On Saturday, we made a short trek to the harbour for brunch at Cafe du Monde.  Two-hour lunch breaks are not uncommon in Canada, so the restaurant was overflowing with businessmen and women enjoying the beautiful food and some even indulging in wine. Taking some inspiration, we accepted an invitation to join John Grimes’ family at their holiday home (Also the set of an Alfred Hitchcock film – I Confess some years ago) after the show that night . They put on a huge spread for everyone and we all had a wonderful evening, finished off in style at Mick Jagger’s favourite hotspot, Maurice.

Regretfully we had to say “Au Revoir” and arrived quite late the following day to the small town of Saguenay. The Théâtre du Palais Municipal was definitely unique with our backstage area host to the set of a local folk show. We were blown away by not one but four standing ovations throughout the show here, quelling any signs of pain or tiredness from some of our tougher days on tour. We paid a quick visit to the wonderful city of Ottawa and once again crossed the border, returning to USA and Bangor, Maine. We were all looking forward to our much anticipated day off on Wednesday, a travel day much different to what we’re used to as we were flying to Richmond, Kentucky. When we arrived, the warm weather (22C) was a nice change and we were spoiled that evening by our assistant company manager, Oran and production manager, Mark who offered pizza and beer for everyone at our outdoor pool. They also kindly provided a bus to take us to the mall the following day for some shopping and relaxation.

It was back to the grind on Friday and we were called in early for Callum’s review before our show. Callum did an amazing job and was even better the following day for his first lead performance at our matinee in Knoxville, Tenessee. Interestingly, he was dancing alongside Chloey Turner, who used to teach Callum when he was younger. The audience response was fantastic and Callum described it as “The best experience of my life”. Knoxville was also in celebratory form, as it was “Cinco de Miau” – a celebration held every 5th May to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. A champagne reception was arranged by the staff at “Tenessee Theatre” after our show and it was also cast member Shane Cummin’s 22nd birthday. So with many reasons to celebrate, we moved on to the “Preservation Bar” and enjoyed the delightful sounds of a local bluegrass band – “Christabel and the Jons” to end a rather eventful week of tour.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Grand Theatre, Quebec to Cinco de Miau, Knoxville

The CN Tower, Kensington Market, Little Portugal and Bloor Street… Oh! Toronto how I have missed you. Riverdance returned to the fabulous city in Ontario exactly three years later except this time it wasn’t the Cannon Theatre on Yonge. It was to the exquisite Sony Centre in the heart of the financial district. For five final performances we bring you the phenomenon one last time.

Two bus loads of tired but excited dancers and musicians depart 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, ON after another cracking performance. One hour later we are scattered within the lobby of the Hyatt on Queen Street West. Yes, Toronto we have landed! Please note we are well past the half way point in our tour and we have no concept of time anymore! Day equals night, night equals day. Being 11:30 at night doesn’t even enter the equation and, as you can imagine, everyone is anticipating exploring Toronto in their own way. Some enjoy setting into their hotel rooms and check out all the latest luxuries within. Some are keen to accommodate hungry tummies and others simply want to paint the town red! Whatever the curiosity, something is on offer!

For those lucky enough to have spent the blissful five weeks here previously, we know our way around and I am more than ready to hit my favourite spots all over again. After a quick supper I retire to my dreamy bed and no sooner has my head hit the pillow but I am out like a light. After a short fight with the alarm clock, I surface at half past nine. Boy, am I glad I won that fight because it would be sinful to sleep through a gorgeous sunny morning such that it was that Friday. I begin with a quick hot tea in the Tim Horton’s next to the hotel and with that I’m fuelled to hit the stores on Yonge-Dundas Square, in particular, the H&M in the Eaton Centre. Gentlemen you can choose to skip the next few lines if you please, women I urge you to read on!
Well once upon of time there was an Italian clothing designer who to this day is know as ‘Marni’. Long story short her limited collection was still on display in this particular H&M. Bare in mind, many’s the vogue magazine I stared at longingly wishing to own some of these ‘Marni’ creations. Wish granted: I managed to snap several outfits which were sitting all alone on a sale rack in the store. I am gladly reporting to Marni her collection has now gone to a happy home!
And we’re back….

Subject shopping is now closed and I take you through the rest of my day up Chinatown past all the many authentic restaurants, Asian food stores, hair salons and beauty parlors. It’s too early for dumplings but hunger strikes. I ignore the pangs, temporarily as I have brunch already planned. I finally reach my destination. Somewhere near and dear to me. I present to you; Kensington Market. Many is the afternoon I spent here lounging aimlessly about the narrow streets. I decided on an old favourite; The Grind House for a mug of cappuccino and a breakfast bagel. I sit out in the basking sun and do what I do best- people watch!

I am soon joined by Spanish dancers, Marita Martinez and Nelida Tirado (whom is temporarily filling in for Marita due to injury) and tapper, Jason E. Bernard. We spend the rest of the rest of the afternoon ducking in and out of old vintage stores, cheese-tasting and general fool-acting with locals

My Twitter obligations continue and I am happy to report that my capabilities to tweet on behalf of @Riverdance have, dare I say, improved! This time I report for the Sony Centre for the duration of our performances in Toronto. I was very proud to include live photographs from behind the scenes at ‘Canada AM’. Our Riverdance male troupe did us proud (despite a grumpy early start that morning!) Wouldn’t you think they’d be used to it by now?!

Peterborough, Ontario brought the end of an era for some of our dancers here in the Shannon. Veterans Padraic Moyles and Niamh O’ Connor bid adieu to the American stage after serving many years with the ‘American’ Company. Niamh and Padraic were joined by Lauren Smyth, James Keating and singer/ tap dancer, Micheal Wood on their transfer to our sister company, the Moy. Here they join the Moy on a six week tour of Australia and New Zealand until June. We wish them all the very best. But, as the saying goes, one door closes and another opens and it did just that for their replacements. We have since welcomed Megan Baffa, Owen Barrington, Ben Mapp, Tokiko Masuda and Callum Spencer. They shall complete the remaining seven weeks with the Shannon Company.

And this is where I leave you folks. Back on American soil next week!. Who needs National Geographic subscription when you have the Riverdance blogs?! I will take you to far off towns you have never thought of visiting. Live the American dream with me.
Slán!

Read this on the Riverdance website: Oh! Toronto how I have missed you

I spoke to the lovely Peta last week fresh from a successful performance at Newcastle as Riverdance begins its farewell tour of Australia. Peta is sad that this is being billed as the farewell tour as she would like nothing more than to be touring with this show ‘forever’.

Peta has some Irish heritage on her Mum’s side but that heritage is generations back so how did an Aussie girl get to be part of the phenomena which is Riverdance?.

It’s a long story and is in part due to Peta’s past foray into Irish dancing in a show that also came to Tassie. That show was Rhythm of the Dance. Rhythm of the Dance, although a presentation inspired by Riverdance is not representative of that show.

Peta’s journey to Riverdance included taking part in ‘Dance Off’ a reality TV program on Irish channel RTE. The program invited dancers from all over the world to send in their DVDs to be one of 35 contestants on ‘Dance Off’ and Peta’s DVD of her performance in ‘Rhythm of the dance’ saw her being among those chosen for ‘Dance Off’.The program included 5 weeks of bootcamp which literally couldn’t be a more appropriate phrase in the case of ‘Riverdance!’ Her success in ‘Dance Off’ saw her take the female lead in ‘Noctu’ a production by Riverdance alumni Breandán de Gallaí’s which dealt with the story of dancing from the viewpoint of the dancers and all their wrestling with insecurities about feared deficiencies in talent versus the desperate desire to dance.

From ‘Noctu’ it was a short step, (pardon the pun!) to joining Riverdance .

I asked Peta about the origin of Irish Dancing and it’s well known position of the dancer holding their arms stiffly by the sides. Peta confirms what I had read by some writers that the lack of upper body movement was significant at a time when the church frowned on and feared a display of such physical activity. One way lovers of dance could indulge in their passion and avoid the wrath of the church and prying eyes at their windows was holding their arms straight to their sides and thus appearing unmoved to what was visible at their windows while their feet danced up a storm unseen.

Riverdance is divided into acts, all of which tell part of the story of Ireland and it’s relationship to it’s culture. and mythology.

The first part of the performance is about pride of a people in their culture. A pride they would keep with them no matter how far they travelled from their home. And travel they did from that first enforced exodus due to nature, in this case the factor of famine. Riverdance is about that natural world and as the title says the story of a river, moving , undulating, meeting and merging with other rivers. It’s migration is a metaphor for the Irish people themselves who migrated to new lands taking the pride of their culture, music and dance with them. Also like the river picks up materials along the way, the people pick up influences from other cultures along the journey and like the river return home shaped and formed by their experience. In their travels the Irish people merged with other cultures and acquired other influences to their dance such as tap and flamenco among others and these are explored in Riverdance .

The multiculturalism evident in the show is echoed behind the scenes of the production with the make up of the cast, which includes artists from Ireland, the US, the UK, Granada and of course Australia with our very own Peta Anderson and some other talented Aussies.

Riverdance will be performing farewell shows at the Derwent Entertainment Centre from the 9 to 13 of May.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Aussie dancers triumphant return to tassie with Riverdance

New York, New York so good they named it twice. Well I’m relabeling the city for all you Bostonians out there; “Beantown Beantown!” What a splendid weekend we endured as we took the Opera House by storm one last time for the fine people of Massachusetts. Five spectacular performances over three days simply could not afford me enough time to whisk around and complete my usual touristy stunts.We were simply blessed yet again with the fine weather which peaked well into the 80′s.

Preparations for Boston Marathon on Boylston Street

Leaving the Fairfield Inn Concord , we embarked on the eleven o’ clock public bus service into the city. I almost jumped with excitement at the sound of the ” next stop South Station ” announcement. We easily made our way to the mouth of Chinatown and walked straight on up through ……..st. There dazzling before my eyes was the giant, purple ‘W’ sign glittering in the early afternoon sun. I had the pleasure of staying with some wonderful relatives at the fabulous W Boston Hotel right in the heart of the theatre district. Regrettably the weekend wasn’t enough time to spend with my dear cousins.

Not all of the Riverdance Company were lucky enough to lap up the luxury of the W Hotel, some resorting to the assigned hotel in Woburn and the Mariott in Quincy. It was on the forefront of everyones mind to make the most of what Boston had to offer.

After a delightful opening night I went to spend some more quality time over a late dinner with my cousins at the contemporary Italian restaurant, Teatro. If you have never had duck ravioli and wish to try it, I recommend you to pay a visit to one of the chefs here. The Friday night special on the menu left me licking my fingers and wishing I hadn’t ate that poor bird so quick. I urge you, GO!

I had the responsibility to tweet on behalf of Riverdance for ‘Broadway in Boston‘ , a company which promote and advertise musicals, dance shows and other such theatrical performances coming to Boston. I confess I am quite unfamiliar with the use of ‘Twitter’ as a means of social networking however duty calls and I was delighted to assist the staff of ‘Broadway in Boston’ on such a privileged task . I enjoyed giving updates on life of a professional Irish dancer offstage. A sneak peek into how we prepare for an opening night performance is obviously still as intriguing as ever to the outside eye. Thank you to Rich Jaffe and the Broadway in Boston team for the wonderful baseball hats and welcome letters!

Thank you to the Broadway in Boston Team for the baseball caps

Boston itself ,being a city quite influenced by the Irish, makes it a hub for many Irish Dancing Schools. We were so thrilled to welcome Irish Dance students from many different dance academies to our performances over the weekend period. Autograph signing and partaking in group shots with throngs of young dancers and enthusiasts makes my job on the road as exciting as ever. Certainly the Nevin, Cunniffe, Hayley and Woods Academy added to the wonderful atmosphere in the Opera House. I remember only too well seeing Riverdance for the first time in Dublin and how it inspired me to better myself as a dancer. I hope we too, have the ability to deliver such inspiration to the young generation of dancers today.

Temperatures soared into the high 70′s on saturday afternoon. This made choosing a lunch stop too difficult. What an array of foodstuffs, spoiled by too many types of restraunts and cuisines . Was it sinful to gorge on the All American bacon and egg and cheese bagel and donut for breakfast? (That’s meant to be rhetorical.) No! It’s a sin to walk straight past a Dunkin Donuts and not treat oneself to a fresh Boston Cream!

ME AND MARITA EXPERIENCING THE AMERICAN DREAM!

Lunch brought Korean BBQ for me after my matinee. I was torn between that and the Dumpling House in the heart of Chinatown! With some time to spare after I wet my apetite, I made my way down to Faneuil Hall at Quincy Market. Blown away by the assortment of food there, I felt cheated by the feeling of satiety or rather upset as I passed the stalls of fresh oyster and Boston clam chowder ( pronounced ‘chowda’!). Making my way outside the market I was met by street performers such as jugglers, magicians and dancers effortlessly entertaining dozens of Bostonians and visitors alike. Hmm, yes, Saturday afternoon in Downtown Boston wasn’t such a bad place to be in I thought to myself….

Strolling back up the Freedom Trail off Washington Street I was nostalgic and moved at the Irish Famine Memorial by the fine sculptor, Robert Shure. It was a grim reminder of hard times endured by our predecessors but signified hope and the start of something new.

Famine Memorial at the Freedom Trail

After some R&R at the Quincy Mariott, I woke a happy girl Sunday morning ready to take Boston once again by storm. With the excitement of the preempting Boston Marathon (since 1897) and all the preparations underway I was excited to explore the city and follow some of the route for the following day. Aimlessely strolling (with emphasis on word strolling) down Boylston Street, I couldn’t help think how so many brave runners were going to partake in this epic world-renowned race in such hot temperatures. I was soon distracted at the thoughts of Copley Mall and the Prudential Centre. Ah yes! The reason for my visit to Newbury St.! With my usual, unfortunate time constraint I whizzed around as many stores as quick as I could. Thank you Alex & Ani, Kate Spade, Rag & Bone and Lululemon Athletica for emptying my wallet and depressing me at the sight of all the things I am unable to afford from your store!

So here I bow out and leave with you another chapter of our travels. With a fond goodbye to Beantown Beantown, we leave with great sadness but hope the joy and life of Riverdance this weekend brought something special to each and every one of you.

Fiona's Style File

Read this on the Riverdance website: Boston – a fond goodbye