Peta Anderson, Dancer, Irish Dance Troupe, Moy Company

Well the time has finally come, the Australia/New Zealand Riverdance tour has arrived in Oz and I am 30 minutes away from  the hotel where I will meet my fellow cast mates. It feels good that for once it’s not me with the jetlag, because as you can imagine when you fly all over the world from Australia you don’t get the shortest trips, that’s for sure.

I have to admit that it still feels surreal to be part of this amazing show. I was in rehearsals a few weeks ago with the other five newbies and the music started playing.  We all looked at each other in disbelief with our smiles going from ear to ear. What made me realise that I was involved in this major production were very small things –  like receiving my Riverdance luggage tag in the mail a few days before I left home. Obviously it doesn’t sound like a big deal but when it actually happens to you its completely different.

Riverdance 'newbies' enjoying the sun before show Newcastle

The first day of rehearsals in Newcastle  and I feel the nerves kicking in. It’s the first time that I’ve danced within the full troupe.   Niamh O’Connor, the Riverdance dance captain begins rehearsals with a great cardio and stretch followed by a lot of core work.  I’ll have abs of steel at the end this tour!

Those days before our first show flew by and then I was standing side stage for my first press call, just about to dance the number Riverdance.

Adrenalin kicked in and then I finally realised what I’m a part of and to top it off,  in my home state and country…. NSW,  Australia.

It was great to see some local Irish dancers at the press call, showing their love for the show.  The local Irish dancers were given the chance to learn part of the show from some of the talented troupe members. They danced their socks off!

The troupe with some ballet dancer fans in Newcastle

I will never forget how I felt the night after finishing my first show. It was nowhere near as daunting as I thought it would be, and I think that’s because everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. I must admit there has been a fair amount of ‘slagging’ going around as everyone gets used to the accents, especially my Aussie accent.

I’m sure after a week in Australia they won’t even notice my very posh accent…bloody oath, good on’ em!

Keeping you up to date with the Moy Company!

Peta x

Read this on the Riverdance website: A ‘newbie’ with the show

Riverdance was born in 1995, the energetic young offspring of Big Eighties shows like Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.

It was bred with that curious – and theatrically unsustainable – mind-set that bigger is better. It’s a lovely relic – unlikely, it seems, to have made such a remarkable global impression if it were born in these cost-conscious times.

That makes its last stop in Boston – April 13-15 at Boston Opera House – a milestone worth recognizing.

Of course, there’s no future in shows built around helicopters hovering above stage, and it’s probably also a deal-breaker to tour a dance show that requires teams of professional dancers. Dance, like plays, has gotten small. And although we all know it’s dangerous to trade art for opulence, there’s no denying the power of a line of dancers – extending from one end of Boston’s biggest stages to the other – hammering out tightly choreographed Irish dance steps that look like the height of military precision and sound like Celtic thunder.

The show is a feat of teamwork, built around the idea of a dancer being part of a whole, being part of something bigger than herself. Despite the fact that the show gave us Michael Flatley,  Riverdance is not a show about stars, it’s about the company. And, arriving on the heels of street-bred dance shows like Stomp and Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk, Riverdance  found humor and insight with its playful competition between step and tap dancers, a competition that’s clearly more of an appreciation than a rivalry.
Dancing is in these days, as you may have noticed. And it’s not really professional dancing; it’s the amateurs who are stealing the show. Ellen DeGeneres’ dancing became a signature moment of her hit talk show, and we cringe at the foibles of the overmatched “stars” of Dancing with the Stars, but deep down we admire them for dancing like nobody is watching, even though everyone is watching.
You can’t give Riverdance all the credit, but it surely deserves some of it. Just ask the suburban moms trundling their kids off not to soccer games, but to Irish step-dancing classes and competitions, complete with over-the-top costumes, sometimes hand-sewn by moms who can’t explain their kids’ obsession, but secretly love it. It’s a phenomenon that certainly wouldn’t have occurred with such force without frequent Riverdance stops in Boston, rousing our Irish roots.

It’s a fitting legacy for the show. I remember when I first saw Riverdance all those years ago, it seemed odd that the audience sat so still, spiritually moved by the spectacle onstage, but physically, literally, unmoved. Good dancing makes you want to dance, and Riverdance does that. Not only is this incoming production a chance to see, one last time, one of the defining touring shows of the past 20 years, it’s a chance to pay tribute to a show that, I’m sure, swells the ranks of local dance classes, where young girls and boys turn step dancing from something you simply see into something you do.

Read more: www.patriotledger.com/entertainment

Where: Opera House, Boston, MA
When: April 13, 2012 – April 15, 2012.
Shows: Friday & Saturday at 8pm. Sunday at 6.30pm
Matinee: Saturday at 2pm & Sunday at 1pm

Read this on the Riverdance website: “one of the defining touring shows of the past 20 years”

By Sid Smith, Special to the Tribune
March 15, 2012

Perfectly timed for St. Patrick’s Day, “Riverdance,” the spectacular display of Irish folk dance, speckled with the arts of a few other ethnicities in its mix, returns for what’s billed as its farewell visit, on view through Sunday at the Oriental Theatre.

Surely it winds down as one of the more phenomenal and unlikely ventures in pop dance history, centered on what seemed in the beginning an eccentric craft, Irish step-dancing. But, in its tour, it then went on to make that craft familiar and even beloved while anchor of a unique variety show only now nearing its close after an impressive 15 years.

“Riverdance” rendered a highly competitive past time commercially compelling, while heightening awareness of the thrills, pluck and artistic subtleties of folk dance in general. Shrewdly throwing in flamenco and tap, it arrived as part of a broader, worldwide revival in percussive dance, a revival it helped inspire, and a reminder that people everywhere love to tap their feet and always will.

The show itself should be a bit creaky by now, but Tuesday’s opening proved anything but. The energy is still sky high, the seductiveness still irresistible, in part, it must be said, because the trappings of the show were always a tad dated and greeting-card corny to begin with. The wholesome, New Age circus gloss isn’t any more old-fashioned now than it was back in the ’90s. You tend to look past it to relish the extraordinary technical virtuosity.

The cast is excellent, the enthusiasm infectious and the technical skills better than ever. That starts with Tuesday’s outstanding principles, Padraic Moyles and Alana Mallon. She’s graceful, thin-limbed but exquisitely muscled, keen in her stepping and yet able to stylishly master the ballet-like stretches that depart here and there from all the step-dancing clickety-clacks. Moyles, sporting a slight resemblance to actor Gabriel Byrne in his younger years, is an irrepressible showoff and peacock, as delighted by his own performance as anybody. But Riverdance always served as a cheerleader for its art, and Moyles is as persuasive a cheerleader as they come, looser and more freewheeling in his overall approach, but electrifying in his intricate footwork and breathtaking speed.

Indeed, the Act II tap and Irish square off, a metaphor for American immigrant conflict and reconciliation, is as exciting as ever, if not more so, Moyles deliciously showing off his uncanny athletics while well matched by two dynamite, post-Savion Glover contemporary tappers, DeWitt Fleming Jr. and Michael E. Wood.

The show always boasted fine flamenco specialists, but Marita Martinez-Rey is especially beautiful, combining rapid-fire feet with flowing, undulating and sensual body work. She also has some of Moyles’ contagious enthusiasm, warmly inviting the audience into her art.

The musicians have always been a key component of the variety, and here the Uilleann pipes are mastered by Matt Bashford, Rose Duffy is a lickety-split fiddler and percussionist Mark Alfred is a one-man spectacle all by himself. Tap-dancer Wood doubling as baritone delivers his solo with mournfulness and compassion, and the clean, high-pitched voices of the choir are sonorous and pure.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.

Tickets: $30-$85.

Box Office: 800-775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com

Read this on the Riverdance website: After 15 years, ‘Riverdance’ continues to kick up a storm

Mardi gras, cajun cooking, live jazz and creole alligator….Sounds like New Orleans to me! Set in the heart of the french quarter this is the story of five friends celebrating the vivacity and colorful mode de vie in the lovely state of Louisiana. I hear someone calling ‘roadtrip’! It’s our first official day off of the Shannon spring tour and we figure what better way to spend it than in New Orleans. Departing the Houston Hyatt, Texas, one Spanish flamenco dancer, several musicians, a physiotherapist and I begin our 5 hour journey east.

With a blazing early evening sun to greet us we approach our destination. I feel like I have experienced a time warp as I stroll down the buzzing Spanish and french-influenced side streets. I certainly feel like I am back in the 1700′s at the birth of ‘The Big Easy”.

Preparations for Mardi Gras

Making friends with the locals outside the art galleries

After some much hype exploring Bourbon Street and peering in several local art galleries, Marita (Spanish Flamenco dancer) and I hit the world-renowned “Cafe du Monde”. Built in 1862, the charming original french cafe still stands on the same corner at the periphery of the french market on the Mississippi riverfront. She and I sit in golden silence as we wet our apetites with cafe au laits and delicious warm icing dusted beignets. Were we satisfied? Beyond doubt! We happily stroll back to the hotel to meet the rest of our party.

After much debate (due to choice of course) we decide to dine in “Cochon” the rustic, yet contemporary restaurant which seemed to attain much positive review (note the co-owner and head chef is Donald Link who has just been nominated for the James Beard Awards for Outstanding Chef). So, without further ado let the dining continue…..! Eyeing the menu hungrily we order the following: Rabbit stew and dumplings, baked oysters, seafood gumbo, fried alligator and hog jowls.

Fiona McCabe, Matt Bashford, Pat Mangan, Chris Barbour and Marita Martinez Jiminez-Rey feasting in Cochon

Dessert came in the form of music for us at The Columns Hotel (built in 1883) on St. Charles Ave.  We absorbed some cajun, live music by singer David Doucet  (BeauSoleil) and Al Tharpe. Our own fiddle player, Patrick Mangan simply couldn’t resist joining the duo at the end of their final set. Our music trail continued and for all you savvy jazz fans out there, several members of the Grammy award-winning ‘Rebirth Brass Band’ (from the nearby Tremé) who are also members of Glen David Andrews Band played late into the night at the Frenchman’s Street “dba’ music club. Nothing will ever replicate New Orleans, but with only a mere three cities visited prior to stumbling upon this marvelous city, I’m sure our luck hasn’t ran out just yet.

Down by the Mississippi Riverfront at the French Market

I’ve often been asked by friends, family and even strangers to tell of my travels of far-off lands such as; ” What does Quebec City remind you of?”, “What about our hometown Denver?” or “Have you ever visited the famous landmarks of Washington DC?” So I have decided to make a quick list of the cities we have visited to date on this tour and narrate my memories from each. Here’s hoping it won’t be the last of my visits to these towns. Enjoy the read!

1: Dallas, TX: Stood next to the spot where the late President JFK was fatally shot at the corner of Elm and Houston.

2: Longview, TX: The first spring day of 2012 that I can remember.

3: Houston, TX: Where I had my first helping of spicy Buffalo Wild Wings.

4: Pensacola, FL: Roses, St. Valentines Day and warm, sunny drives along the gulf.

5: Dothan, AL: An Inspiring trip to the bookstore next to our hotel.

6: Savannah, GA: Simply not enough time to tell all about this charming town but if you insist, a nice stroll down by the Savannah River.

7: Augusta, GA: Music legend James Brown’s hometown, Rose Duffy’s debut performance as fiddle player and a sold out Riverdance performance.

Dancers John Grimes and Nicole McKeever celebrate another sold out performance

8: Columbus, GA: One of our two buses unfortunately breaks down en route to Tallahasse.

9: Tallahassee, FL: I complete a successful three mile run.

10: Southhaven, MS: Enjoyed live blues in the original B.B. King’s on Beale Street in Memphis, TN.

11: Tupelo. MS: Tried deviled eggs for the first time and paid a quick visit to Tupelo Hardware Co. Store where Elvis Presley receives his first ever guitar at the age of 10.

Tupelo Hardware Co. Store where Elvis Presley receives his first ever guitar at the age of 10

Fiona’s Style File

_____________________________________________________________________

Fiona wears black cotton pinafore with bow detail above waistline (H&M), light beige ruffled cardigan with pearl buttoning ( Primark), Creme and black polka dot stockings ( Primark), Newbridge Silver ‘Tara’ pendant, Green handmade brooch pin (Designer: Ruth Crean of ‘Nice Day Designs’, Co. Limerick) and Blue panda shopping bag ( Forever 21)

I was busy doing laundry today so had a little fun with the few remnants of clean clothes in the bottom of my suitcase. I love having fun matching my stockings and hoes with vintage dresses and such outfits. I decided to add a splash of color (as if the polka dots weren’t suffice) to the piece by adding Ruth’s pin to it. I just adore this Newbridge pendant which was a precious birthday gift. It never leaves my side!

_____________________________________________________________________

Read this on the Riverdance website: On tour with Riverdance

Purchase your tickets today!

Kursaal Oostende

24th July to 5th August 2012

Shows:  Tuesday to Friday 20:00,

Saturday 15:00 and 20:00,

Sunday at 14:00 and 18:00.

Tickets cost between €49 and €75.

Tickets now on sale!

Read this on the Riverdance website: Riverdance returns to Oostende, Belgium

Craig Ashurst and Tannya Joaquin

Watch Craig Ashurst during his live TV appearance on Hawaii News Now ‘Sunrise Morning Show’ where he teaches anchorperson Tannya Joaquin a few steps.

Watch Craig here!

Caterina teaches a step to host on Kohn2

Caterina Coyne teaches a step to the host on Kohn2

Watch Caterina here!

Read this on the Riverdance website: Craig Ashurst and Caterina Coyne on Hawaii TV

Here are some photos from the week…

Caterina Coyne did radio interview with arts and culture reporter Noe Tanigawa at Hawaii Public Radio

Caterina Coyne at Ohana Broadcasting

Caterina Coyne being interviewed on Ohana Broadcasting

Caterina Coyne being interviewed on the popular morning radio program Perry & Price (Michael Perry & Larry Price) broadcast live on KSSK Radio from Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber (located at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort). There is a live audience there for breakfast

Caterina teaches an Irish dance step to a member of the breakfast audience!

Caterina Coyne with oldies 107.9 DJ Ed Kanoi

Read this on the Riverdance website: Press Calls in Hawaii

Younghollywood.com

Lesley Robins and www.younghollywood.com trek to the historic Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of the famous Riverdance troupe!
The Lead Dancer himself, Craig Ashurst, shows them around and even teaches Lesley a few steps! Then, female lead Chloey Turner strikes a pose with Lesley, and both dancers tell what they have to do to stay in such phenomenal shape!
Hosted by Lesley Robins.

View Video  on Younghollywood.com

Read this on the Riverdance website: Getting in step with the Riverdance crew

A feast of entertainment was had by all in the exclusive Pantages Theatre in Hollywood this past week. And it wasn’t just the people of LA but also the cast and crew of Riverdance who were entertained. Despite average temperatures of 60 degrees and a closing night of heavy rain showers, we did not let the weatherman get in the way of our week.

Basing ourselves at the  comfortable, Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, we enjoyed an array of daytime and nightime entertainment. Familiarizing ourselves with LA upon arrival was exciting as we arrived relatively early having left hotel in Modesto at  8am. The cast were surprisingly upbeat and everyone seemed genuinely content to arrive in LA early to begin our week of exploration!

Monday evening saw many of the dancers wet their appetite at the hotspot restaurant “The Ivy” which claims to have frequent visits by celebrities. Too bad they weren’t a day earlier as the staff informed the cast how film director Quentin Tarantino and movie star Jamie Fox dined there no less than 24 hours prior to that. Not to worry as the hearty food was enjoyed by one and all. I however wasn’t feeling so adventurous, or rather tired quickly after a sneak peek up Hollywood Boulevard in the afternoon, thus settling for a Big Mac meal at ‘McDonalds’. And no I do not feel guilty. I enjoyed every bit of it mind you!

Behind the scenes at The Prics is Right

An early night wrapped up day one as we rose early the following morning for a visit to the CBS television studios in Beverly Hills.Ten very important Irish dancers made their way to the dressing rooms tucked away in the heart of the studio and were soon greeted by the film crew to begin rehearsals and blocking on the set of ‘The Price is Right’. How important we felt when the host Drew Carey jumped up onstage to greet us. What  a true gentleman he was taking the time and effort to handshake each of us. After several runthroughs and ‘takes’, we got into costume and reapplied makeup and hit the studio once again. How surreal it was walking next to the set of ‘the Bold and the Beautiful’! I must admit I got even more inspired standing next to Drew Carey’s dressing room. I had the urge to sit in his makeup chair but I figured I better do a little stretching and last minute limbering up session before our performance! We had a surprise when the doors drew back as fellow cast member, John Grimes and massage therapist, Susan Luger cheered us on from the audience! Not a bad way to kick off the week now was it?!

The cast of The Price is Right - Jason O' Neill, James Greenan, Lauren Smyth, Billy Kanally, Maeve Croke, Padraic Moyles, Alana Mallon, Fiona McCabe, Maeve Fearon and Andy O' Reilly

 Fiona

Read this on the Riverdance website: A busy week in LA

15% OFF all 2012 tickets

purchased on or before 31st December 2011

SPECIAL EARLY BIRD DEAL

Offer valid for all tickets and all performances

Use PROMO CODE: RDEB12

Tickets from €10 to €55 (Subject to Booking fees)

NOW ON SALE

www.ticketmaster.ie

Experience the original Irish dance spectacular in it’s home town

June 26 – September 2, 2012

Gaiety Theatre Box Office: +353 (0)818 719388

In June 2012, Riverdance will return for an unprecedented ninth consecutive summer season in the Gaiety Theatre since “coming home” to Dublin in 2004.

Riverdance originally premiered in Dublin 10 years before that at the Eurovision Song Contest in the Point Depot (now the O2) in May 1994 before opening (again in the Point) as a full length show in February 1995.

Next season in the Gaiety will see some important changes which we hope will make the experience of enjoying “the original international phenomenon” in its home town easier and more affordable.

As well as the Early Bird Special, Riverdance is adjusting ticket prices to make more seats available at more affordable prices and we are keeping our very popular Family Ticket at the great value price of €120 for a family of four.

Based on audience feedback, our performance schedule has been adjusted to offer shows throughout the week at times geared to suit everyone, whether you live in Dublin or are visiting our capital city.

Our new show-times are:

Tuesday to Thursday: 7.30pm

Friday: 5.30pm & 8.30pm

Saturday: 3.30pm & 7.30pm

Sunday: 5.30pm

Read this on the Riverdance website: Just the ticket for a perfect Christmas gift