This weekend, Cardiff was captivated by the magic of Ireland as Michael Flatley’s globally acclaimed ‘Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games’ graced the stage at St David’s Hall. This spectacular tour, a monumental undertaking for the UK, has already mesmerized an astounding 60 million viewers across 60 countries and every continent, showcasing the enduring appeal of Irish dance. The production pulls out all the stops to deliver a truly mesmerizing Irish dancing extravaganza.
As a tap dancer myself with a long-held anticipation for this show, I can deeply appreciate the immense dedication and artistry inherent in this dance form. From the very first moments, it was clear that the audience was in for an unforgettable night. The show opens with a striking projection of Michael Flatley himself and a colossal clock, dramatically signaling the commencement of the performance. The cast is impeccably chosen, with each performer embodying their character and contributing seamlessly to the dance ensemble. The harmonious blend of male and female dancers adds richness to the narrative, and their synchronized movements, particularly in the line formations, are genuinely breathtaking. Their collective talent is simply extraordinary; there are moments when the sheer speed and precision of their footwork leave you utterly spellbound.
In this performance, the central role of the Lord of the Dance was brilliantly portrayed by James Keegan, while the formidable Dark Lord was embodied by Zoltan Papp. The show adopts a variety show structure, ensuring continuous engagement through diverse acts. Costume changes are frequent and visually stunning, and clever projections paint an idealized vision of Ireland, complete with whimsical unicorns and vibrant rainbows. The narrative follows a spirited Little Spirit, armed with a magical flute, as she bravely confronts evil forces to protect Ireland from menacing cyborg invaders. Along her journey, the Spirit encounters a range of dancers and navigates a compelling love triangle, reminiscent of Black Swan, that threatens to sway the steadfast Lord of the Dance from his righteous path. The performance culminates in an epic showdown, a battle for the very title of Lord of the Dance.
It’s impossible not to grin broadly as the full company fills the vast stage of St David’s Hall, their legs moving in perfect unison, a powerful display of synchronized Irish dance. The pinnacle of the show, and undoubtedly its most iconic segment, is the ‘Lord of the Dance’ routine. The cast’s exceptional skill was undeniable, prompting an overwhelming standing ovation from the entire St David’s Hall audience and resulting in an incredible four encores of this signature dance. If you are an admirer of this style of dance, Irish music, and culture, then this show is an absolute must-see. It delivers a solid 5-star evening of entertainment, filled with dramatic highs and lows within its engaging storyline. Experiencing this show is, in my view, something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime – it is truly captivating and enthralling. For those interested in following the tour of Lord of the Dance, further details can be found on the official website to discover the next tour locations. http://www.lordofthedance.com/
