Riverdance’s return to Singapore at the Sands Theater is not to be missed.
I didn’t know which was more exciting: the fact that my tap-dancing 9-year-old daughter was accompanying her mother to Riverdance—only the most captivating dance production in existence—or the fact that we were going to be watching it at the spanking new Sands Theater. Riverdance is the first show to grace its glossy stage.
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| CN PHOTO: Michael Chan |
Even for those in the audience who had watched Riverdance before, the 31 dancers of the Moy Company performed this phenomenal journey of dance and music with an unparalleled exuberance that made this outing an entirely memorable one.
It bears one of pop culture’s most inspiring beginnings: Riverdance began as a simple seven-minute interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994. The segment received a standing ovation, and was voted the most popular interval act in the history of the contest.
To date, it has played in 32 countries and grossed over US$1.6 billion worldwide. This is Riverdance’s second run in Singapore, after a sellout season in 2000.
Riverdance traces the evolution of the Irish step-dance, which influenced other dance genres such as the flamenco and modern jazz dance. The dancing is interwoven with Irish music and song, altogether creating a powerful exhibition of Irish culture and tradition.
The show opened with “Reel Around The Sun,” introducing the dancers whose legs moved faster than the eye could see, upper bodies proudly upright.
It seemed every segment was a highlight, but there were some clear favorites. The male lead dancer Padraic Moyles embraced his role wholeheartedly—his energetic leaps and taps had the audience in whoops and wows, the rhythm of his feet shifting easily from the urgent chug of a train to a rain-like patter. With his feet he created rhythms that one could not imagine was humanly possible.
Principal dancer Chloey Turner danced the female lead, her platinum blond hair a bewitching halo as she glided over the stage. It almost looked as if she were on skates—the speed and grace at which she moved was astounding. Her proud, beautiful face made her the perfect foil for Moyles’ darkly passionate demeanor.
My personal favorite was the flamenco dancer, Rocio Montoya, who I am sure, reignited more than one person’s passion for Latin dance. “Firedance” was one of the best segments in the show—exquisitely choreographed and magnificently performed. Even her red-and-orange dress was divine.
The magic of Riverdance is as strong as ever in this Singapore performance. Catch it if you can.
Riverdance is on till Sunday, Dec. 12 at Sands Theater, Marina Bay Sands. Performances this weekend are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets at S$70 to S$160 from www.sistic.com.sg.
