All roads lead to glór this weekend as international touring dance show production “Danceperados of Ireland” makes its return to Ennis for the first time in five years.
Choreographed by Ennis man and two time World Champion Michael Donnellan, the show features some of the best dancers and musicians in Ireland. With Newmarket man Eimhin Liddy responsible for the music of the show, there’s a strong Clare connection.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be returning again after such a long absence” says Michael Donnellan. “We intended to come back a couple of years ago. Covid really upended everything in the entertainment world. It was a really tough time for all the shows and artists. The endless waiting for everything to restart was a challenge. We got close to restarting a couple of times. In November 2021 we even had all the rehearsals done, concerts booked, flights booked, and then boom Germany went back into lockdown. It was heartbreaking”.
Danceperados of Ireland has performed over 450 shows in the last ten years touring Europe’s most prestigious venues such as the Dome de Paris, Admiralspalast Berlin and World Forum Hague. Featuring a line up of 14 dancers and 5 musicians, it is a two hour extravaganza of music and dance.
“In 2019 we had two sold out shows in Glor, it was great to perform in our home town, even if it was a massive challenge logistically bringing all the lights and equipment etc from our base in Germany” explains Donnellan. “We were actually a victim of our own success in a way the last time with it selling so well. I met so many people afterwards who didn’t get the opportunity to see the show because it sold out so far in advance so this time we’re putting on a third performance. It’ll be an extra matinee on Sunday afternoon with a special €14 rate for children. I feel it’s important for the next generation to see what’s possible if they stick at the music and the dancing. I’m particularly proud to have two of my own past pupils in the show, full time professional dancers”
“The show always has a theme, alongside the music and dance. We like to bring a bit of Ireland and Irish heritage and history to life when we tour all over Europe. The last show in 2019 was on the theme of the Irish whiskey industry, and this time around we’re focusing on the coastal fishing communities and their history and way of life in Ireland. The old videos and photographs on screen are a fascinating backdrop but of course the dancing and music is front and centre”
Danceperados of Ireland is performing Saturday 7th Dec 20:00 and on Sunday 8th Dec at 16:00 and 20:00
Tickets from www.glor.ie
€14 child / €32 adult
