The 25th Anniversary tour of Riverdance (which began touring in 2020) is at The Kennedy Center for a very short run, March 15-27, in the Opera House. In Riverdance, Bill Whelan, Moya Doherty and John McColgan have created a show that has revolutionized ethnic dance, rendering it wildly appealing to general audiences. The production is well worth a visit for anyone who loves energetic dance, visual spectacle, toe-tapping rhythms, and absurdly talented performers.
First mounted in 1995, Riverdance began as a celebration of Irish step-dancing set to a haunting, rhythmic original score of Irish influenced folk music. Yet it has become rather more than that: the current Riverdance is a multi-ethnic show featuring percussive dance: Flamenco (Spanish) as well as Russian dance and American Tap by two extraordinarily deft African-American hoofers. Additionally, between the dances, there are effective vocal numbers and instrumental numbers which feature enthusiastic and charismatic on-stage musicians. The Irish step-dancing itself has been taken to an astonishingly polished, athletic, and zestful level.
For those not quite aware, Irish step-dance is a style of folk-inspired performance dance once characterized by a stiff upper body and fast and precise movements of the feet. Yet the very popularity of the form has allowed for diversification: the characteristically rigid upper torso is now varied with expressive arm movements, and purists might also lament that the more formal impact of the traditional dance has become decidedly sexy. The original Irish dance choreography by Michael Flatley is still gasp-inducing: the highly disciplined movements and hyper-quick toe taps performed in high-speed unison epitomize Riverdance.
As more spectacle than story, more pageant than play, Riverdance belongs in the Opera House. The theme of river cultures driven to migration loosely shapes the piece, with archetypal connections to the rhythms of sun and moon, soul and spirit. The mythic sounds and authentic instruments offer a touch of universality in the human experience. Projected videography is much in evidence: the visual “effects” in this production are impressive, though sometimes a bit distracting. We are transported from Celtic Isles to ocean docks, to stormy seas, pagan moonlit grottoes, and even the streets of Brooklyn.
Lead dancers seem to vary, but on St. Patrick’s Day, the lead male dancer was Fergus Fitzpatrick, whose confidence, adroitness, and charisma leapt off the stage. Amy-Mae Dolan as the lead female dancer was also impressive, with a highlight her dance of the Countess Cathleen. The Russian Folk Dance Troupe (Christine Lesnikova, Aleksandr Safonov, Ana Turcan, Eugeniu Turcan) thrilled in the glamourous moonlit ritual Shivna and in the ecstatic Russian Dervish while Flamenco soloist Rocio Dusmet smoldered in the Firedance, and again in Andalucia opposite the equally smoldering Fergus Fitzpatrick.
Yet quite possibly the showstopper of the evening was the Act 2 “challenge dance” between immigrant Irish lads and the local kids of color in Brooklyn. Presumably an homage to the challenge dance at the 1997 Grammys between Colin Dunn, then the star of Riverdance – The Musical and Savion Glover, then the choreographer and star of Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, the challenge dance here is irrepressibly fun. It is also a teaching moment, as it ties the roots of step-dancing and tap dancing together wordlessly. Tappers Tyler Knowlin and Dharmesh Patel milk the audience into cheers effortlessly, and dazzle with their energy, expertise, and style.
Indeed, this high energy show is a showcase for young artists—dancers and singers and musicians (percussionist Mark Albert, saxophonist Emma Frampton, piper Tara Howley, and fiddler Haley Richardson). Featuring melody harmonies from the singers and terrific music solos from Uilleann pipes, saxophone, and fiddle, Riverdance wins us with its unique sounds, evocative lighting and, of course, the mesmerizing dances. You’ll be thrilled at the talent and spirit of these performers. They radiate positive energy while they have a ball entertaining us. Riverdance is a family friendly show that will lift your spirits and likely leave you smiling and satisfied.
Running Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show plays through March 27, 2022 in the Opera House Theatre at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC. For tickets call the box office at (202) 467-4600 or purchase them online.
