'Rhythm of the Dance' [PBS]
(DVD / NR / 2019 / PBS)
Overview: This two-hour dance and music extravaganza is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history.
This richly costumed show marries the contemporary and the ancient, combining the traditional music with modern forms of Irish step dancing and song.
This compelling 1,000 year-old story is brought to life with a live band, singers, and a gifted ensemble of dancers.
DVD Verdict: From the creation of Rhythm of the Dance in 1998 (initially the show was set up for a 3 week tour of the United States) it has toured consistently internationally and is achieving greater critical acclaim year after year.
This wonderful show continues to evolve thanks to the constant striving for perfection by its Director/Producer, choreographer and composer to keep the show fresh and interesting so that audiences who attend performances regularly will always find some new and exciting elements within the program.
With a wonderful, gifted young cast of dancers, musicians and singers, featuring live performances from the entire troupe, this is a show that has won critical acclaim across 4 continents of the world in 50 countries to over 7 million fans.
And now after 20 years of showcasing the very best in Irish dance to the world, the show has undergone a process of renewal, reinvigorating the choreography and music to create an even more spectacular performance.
Producer Kieran Cavanagh was, from the very off, very excited about the updated format of the show, and rightly so as this excitingly vibrant, and so colorful 'Rhythm of the Dance' for sure is breathe of fresh air into Irish dance; and still firmly, and traditionally rooted within its authentic production.
Act 1: - Newgrange at Dawn; Celtic Air; The Plight of the Irish; Bodhran; Dancing at the Crossroads; Journey to Old Ireland (Song); The Gathering; Emigrants Lament (Song); and The Departing.
Act 2: - A New Dawn; Thinking of Home (Song); The Irish Overseas; Beat of the Bodhran; Conflicting Rhythms; Emigrants Medley (Song); Swing Time; Musicians Farewell; Home; Finale; and Encore.
This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
www.PBS.org