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

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

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

Aisling McVeigh,  Irish Dance Troupe,  Moy Company

Press Office

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upwards and Onwards

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

World Champion John Lonergan practicing his jumps on Newcastle beach

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

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

Riverdance: The Music of Bill Whelan

featuring the WORLD PREMIERE of the RIVERDANCE SYMPHONIC SUITE

RTÉ Concert Orchestra
David Brophy conductor
Thursday 17 May, 8pm
National Concert Hall

With guests Bill Whelan,  fiddle player Zoë Conway,  accordionist Máirtín O’Connor, vocalist Eleanor McEvoy, uilleann piper Maitiú Ó Casaide,  dancers Yolanda Gonzalez Sobrado and  Mick Donegan,  Crash Ensemble and UCD Choral Scholars

Programme includes the world premiere of the Symphonic Suite from Riverdance , Caracena from The Seville Suite,  The Currach and Evening Céilí from Inishlacken,  An Chistin from Carna,  Jazzical Cyclebike,  Seabird,  Flying Blind,  Lift the Wings,  Shivna  and The Heart’s Cry

Following the sell-out success of A Celebration of Bill Whelan in 2010, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra returns with what is sure to be another spectacular collaboration with Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan.

The RTÉ CO gave the electrifying first performance of Riverdance as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision and went on to record the phenomenally successful CD of the entire show. Now, as part of a wide-ranging programme of his music, the orchestra has the honour of giving the world premiere of Bill’s Symphonic Suite from Riverdance. This promises to be not only a highlight of the evening’s celebration but a highlight of Irish musical life this year.

     Bill Whelan writes:  ‘The idea for a Riverdance Symphonic Suite has been on my radar for some time.  Over the years I have often had requests from foreign orchestras for a full-length concert piece containing the music from the show. As my original score incorporated traditional instruments, it was not always easy to assemble the various ethnic elements for a concert in say, Japan. So what I have done with this new score is to present all the themes fromRiverdance in a way that is playable by a full symphony orchestra anywhere in the world, without the traditional musicians. There were two principal challenges – the first was to arrange the themes and melodies as a colourful and dynamic concert piece. The second was to choose the instruments from within the orchestra to appropriately replace the original ethnic instruments and voices. As this will be its first performance, I look forward with anticipation as this augmented RTÉ CO under David Brophy brings the work of the last few years to life.’

Tickets: €11–€38 (conc. €10–€35)
10% group discount available
Booking: 353 (01) 417 0000 or www.rte.ie/co

For further information please contact

Angela Rohan, PR Executive, RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Tel: 353 (01) 208 2493 | Mobile: 353 (087) 617 2531 | Email: angela.rohan@rte.ie

Read this on the Riverdance website: Riverdance: The Music of Bill Whelan

The past number of weeks have been so hectic I don’t even know where to begin but our time in Boston is surely a good start. Having enjoyed a nice evening with cast member John Grime’s family in Concord, New Hampshire we arose early the following Friday morning to catch the public bus to Boston. Since the Boston marathon was on, the hotels were jam packed so our company hotel was quite a distance from the city. Instead, a few of us decided to stay at the “Marriot Quincy” giving us more freedom to come in and out of the city as we pleased, which was great.

The weather was beautiful when we arrived into Boston and once we dropped our bags at the venue, we were free for the day. We set off to “Harvard University” and general Cambridge area which, as you would imagine was buzzing with bright young scholars. As we explored the beautiful and intriguing university grounds, it dawned on us that we were also standing in the very place where “Facebook” once crashed the university server!

Leaving the books behind in search of lunch, it was hard not to notice the long queue outside Mr&Mrs Bartleys famous burger joint which wastightly run by the jolly couple themselves. Mr Bartley took our order outside and after a short wait, we were seated in the tiny establishment and enjoyed a feast which had us full for the day.

We continued to “Copley Square Mall” and finished the day before our first show having coffee at the charming “Boston Common” public park. The following night, my friend Gareth from home who is now living in Quincy, came to watch the show with his girlfriend and her parents. Coincidentally my Aunty Imelda was also flying into Boston airport the following day to spend time with my close relatives from Conneticut. Having spent the morning having breakfast and walking through the wonderful “Little Italy” area, I raced to the airport after our matinee show for a much needed catch up. As thoughtful as ever, Imelda surprised me with some treats from home including homemade wheaten bread. I had a lovely time with them all before returning to Boston Opera House for the last of our shows there.

Leaving the big city behind, we continued to the much smaller town of Buffalo, NY which was just a stopover enroute to Canada for our next show on Tuesday. After a rather long bus journey, we had a lovely evening off there enjoying some thai food, finished off with a beautiful desert next door at an interesting “Chocolate Martini Bar”. On our journey to London, Ontario the following day, I was just dosing off when I heard some commotion on the bus and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful sight of none other than “Niagara Falls”! Stopping for lunch there was surreal and it was back to Canada with a bang for a further two week stint.

I was overly excited about our imminent stay in Toronto on Thursday and as expected I loved it from the moment we arrived. On first impressions, the city is representative of a much stronger Canadian economy. The streets are alive with business people and tourists alike and the many eateries and bars are packed daily. We spent our first day on Queen Street where we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast on “Cafe Niche”‘s terrace and delved into the many shops ranging from quirky boutiques to high-street stores. “Queen Street” had so much to offer that I returned on our second day spending the majority of my day relaxing in “Chococrepe” catching up with people at home on my computer over some delicious crepes and coffee.

Meanwhile, our male troupe had an early start as they performed live on Canada’s largest TV show, Canada AM. Their PR duties must have paid off as the audiences in Toronto were the most memorable of the tour with a whopping near 10,000 people attending our shows!

All in all, Toronto surpassed my expectations and to finish a great trip, once again I met with some familiar faces from home at “Sweaty Bettys” – a little dive bar which I later discovered to be Drew Barrymore’s favourite bar in Toronto.

Read this on the Riverdance website: Boston to Toronto