Riverdance

I forgot how much I liked Irish music.

I've never felt so exhilarated watching a dance performance.

These were the thoughts that flashed in my mind as I watched the opening sequence of Riverdance, the 1st show to be staged at Sands Theater, MBS. It totally lifted my spirits after a soggy journey due to the rain.

I've heard so much about Riverdance and Michael Flatley, and indeed, this opening sequence, "Reel Around the Sun", originally choreographed by him, was definitely superb. I probably can never watch him 'live' at his full glory in my lifetime though.
The music and dance taps were like a symphony as they complemented each other, the taps being the beats, but yet also a melody on its own and the music enchanting.

As I didn't know how the show would be like, I found it interesting that there were scenes dedicated to songs, which were like breaks between the dance scenes. Maybe that's why Sistic classified it as a "musical", which was really, not appropriate in any case. Anyway, the performance was broken into 2 acts with a no. of scenes, although there wasn't much connection between the scenes, except to mainly depict the aspects of Irish culture through the choreography. The songs sung were mainly, I believe, Celtic in nature, adding a mystique to atmosphere.
It was an eye-opener watching them dance, especially the male lead Padraic Moyles. His legs were almost like "jelly" (for want of a better description), so flexible and fast, as if they had no bones! Of course, he was also pretty suave when he worked his magic.

My favourite segments were:

1. the opening sequence, "Reel Around the Sun".
2. "Trading Taps" in the 2nd act where it was a "battle" of Irish tappers against American tappers (think Fred Astaire style). It was pretty fun and at parts, we would laugh as each party from opposite sides pitted themselves against each other, including the musicians (fiddle vs saxophone)! But finally, they learnt from each other and became friends. Talk about 不打不相识.
3. The finale.

By the time it neared the end (actually mainly from the "Trading Taps" part onwards), I believe the audience were already getting high or very relaxed and started clapping along, which was welcomed, if not prompted by the dancers.

There was also a segment I loved just before the intermission when the fiddler (Niamh Fahy) was given a solo and she strode on the stage, effortlessly playing her fiddle. I love the sound of the fiddle too, next to the violin. The drummer was fantastic as he did his work with the different sets and types of drums, as well as other percussions. Oh, I also discovered a rather interesting piece of instrument which was given a solo scene (you learn new things everyday). It's the uilleann pipes (or elbow pipes) which is the national bagpipe of Ireland. What was interesting was that it isn't a blown pipe (like those Highland ones we are familiar with), but was controlled by a small set of bellows strapped around the waist and the right arm.

Well, found a youtube video of the "Reel Around the Sun". Enjoy.