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

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

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

For Belfast native Jason O’Neill, being an audience member at one of the iconic show’s performances was a moment he’ll never forget.

I saw Riverdance when I was 10, and it just changed my life, said O’Neill, who now works as a lead dancer with the show.

It’s the last time they’ll be doing it in the United State for many years I’m sure, O’Neill said of the Farewell tour. They want to go to new countries and explore new places.

A blend of dance, music and song, Riverdance transforms Celtic traditions into a contemporary art form. Working with music by Bill Whelan, the group of dancers and musicians continues to inspire multiple generations of audiences.

The dance troupe, which premiered in Dublin in 1995, has had an amazing run for 17 years — and more than 10,000 performers.

Being a part of the show has enabled O’Neill, who joined the cast in 2009, to travel around Europe, Canada, Korea and the United States.

The schedule is a roller coaster, he said.

Despite the hectic travel, the performers have to stay in top shape. In addition to dancing, O’Neill runs, swims and skips rope.

It’s very challenging physically. I think the older you get, you learn to look after your body better.

You have to rest, and I put my legs on ice every night to keep inflation down, O’Neill said.

The dancer has found that life on the road actually can be better for his fitness regimen.

Your body adapts. It becomes a routine. Sometimes at home there are more distractions, and it gets difficult to get into it, he said.

The show’s run in the United States may be drawing to a close, but O’Neill hopes to remain a part of the Riverdance legacy.

At the end of the summer, it’s going on to South America, he said. I want to join and keep going on with the show.

Interview  with PostStar.com

Read this on the Riverdance website: A dream come true

It’s the last dance. After all those years of foot-stomping, heel-tapping, stiff-backed, step-dance prancing, the Riverdance folk are hanging up their shoes.  Well, that’s what we’re told anyway.
Truth is, it’s only the North American market that will see a hiatus of the popular show.
“We’re going to India and China, lots of places,” says sprightly Caterina Coyne,  Riverdance star and champion Irish dancer. “And there will be a new Irish dance show in North America from the Riverdance folks before you can say leprechaun. You can count on that.”
Coyne was born in Surrey, England, but grew up dancing in Ireland. This summer, she’ll be dancing her feet off in Dublin at The Gaiety Theatre before having a holiday in Galway where she has a permanent home.

“You could say Riverdance started as a real phenomenon. I mean, it was a small part of a Eurovision Song Contest in 1994. It just took off from there. It was partly Bill Whelan’s music and partly the smart dance steps I suppose. It’s just been entertaining people ever since.”
“It’s a gruelling thing to dance eight Riverdance shows a week,” Coyne says. “Hard on the knees, legs and back. It makes you ache all over. Doing it on tour, as we are now, every night is opening night and you feel such responsibility to make the show good.”
Coyne says a physiotherapist travels with the troupe and is kept busy all the time.
“The thing is you forget how hard it is when you’re up there doing the performance. It’s just all about making the show work.”
Coyne says the life of a dancer is governed by injury and health, so you protect yourself the best way you can.
“You’ve got to look after yourself. People come and go in this show, but I’m in it for the long haul. And that’s because I love it.”
Coyne has been stomping those feet for eight years now and she has no intention of stopping.
“I love the choreography. It’s 100 per cent high-energy stuff. Is it traditional Irish step dance? Yes and no. The costumes, of course, are quite different. Irish folk dance outfits would be too heavy and cumbersome for what we do. I just know that before Riverdance there was nothing really for an Irish dancer. This show changed all that.”
Coyne admits there are recorded taps to augment the live performance on stage, but she says these sweeteners on the soundtrack are just that, a form of augmentation.
“We’re doing everything flat out, I can tell you that.”
Coyne laughs when you suggest the show is as much about guys in tight pants and girls in micro-minis as it is about dance.
“If you’re saying the show makes Irish dancing sexy, that’s true enough. And it’s definitely a show where you’re free to express yourself. What isn’t traditional about it is the way we use our hands. That’s not really part of Irish folk dance.”
Coyne dances the star part in this travelling production and she says that means being an example.
“The other dancers look up to you. And in some ways you are the face of the show. People expect plenty of you.”

Gary Smith has written on theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator for more than 30 years

Read this on the Riverdance website: Dancing off into sunset, for now

Riverdance performs in Kent State PAC, New Philadelphia, OH

4th and 5th April 2012. Ticket Prices: $42 – $61. Box Office 330 308 6400.

The show, in two acts, has 19 scenes which take the audience on a magical journey with spectacular backdrops and lighting that enhances the performance.

English-born Chloey Turner, who started Irish dancing at age 8, is one of the lead dancers the audience will see when the tour pulls into New Philadelphia.

She is an accomplished dancer and a personal fitness trainer who believes fitness and nutritional techniques have been invaluable during her career.

In a telephone interview with The Times-Reporter, Turner said seeing the original Riverdance production caught her interest.

“I don’t have any Irish connection,” she said, adding her father — her biggest fan — is of French descent. “Riverdance inspired me and I started dancing and winning some competitions and in 2007 I got a call to join the company — so I feel very lucky.”

Turner said the two-hour show is high-energy and she goes through seven or eight costume changes. That keeps people behind the scenes busy as most dancers are involved in all the scenes.

“We have an amazing wardrobe crew,” she said.

She said the show has evolved and features other types of dancing such as Flamenco.

The first act deals with people in a primitive world coming to terms with the world and themselves.

“It’s a lot about myths and legends,” said Turner.

The second act is about how people learned to belong to the world.

Turner said performing up to eight shows per week can be taxing. She said it is important to keep up with exercise during time off and there is a physical and massage therapist for the performers.

With about 60 people involved with the production, Turner said it is like traveling with a big family. Time off is spent gym training, watching movies and hitting different restaurants.

Exploring the world is another part of the Riverdance experience. Turner has been to places such as Singapore, Japan and Canada. She calls Radio City in New York the biggest stage on which she’s performed and a highlight of her time touring in the states.

“It’s quite a prestigious venue,” she said. “America has been the best audience.”

When the U.S. and Canada tour winds up in June, Turner said she is planning to spend some time in Dublin over the summer. Then she will be back dancing again as the production visits countries like India and China.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Last chance to see Riverdance in New Philadelphia, OH

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PLAY
WGN Radio Live in-studio interview and fiddle performance Saturday, March 17 in Chicago, with Rose Duffy and Declan Masterson. (Playing time: 7 minutes)

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Rose Duffy, Riverdance Fiddle Player: Live performance_WGN Radio Chicago 17 March 12

RIVERDANCE Rose Duffy and Declan Masterson with Bill Moller on WGN Radio on St Patrick's Day 2012

RIVERDANCE Declan Masterson and Rose Duffy WGN Radio St Patrick's Day 2012

Read this on the Riverdance website: Live in-studio interview and fiddle performance

It’s an International phenomenon that has delighted audiences in America for 15 years. But 2012 will bring the final curtain call for “Riverdance”, here in the United States. The popular Irish dance show is ending it’s tour and making one last stop in the Mid-South. James Greenan and Chloey Turner are principal dancers for “Riverdance”.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Interview with Riverdance principal dancers James Greenan & Chloey Turner