THE SHOW

The International smash hit "Spirit of the Dance" is one of the most successful shows ever to come out of Ireland and has been seen by more than thirty million people around the world. Winner of nine Global Awards, including "Best Choreography" and "Best International Production", this spellbinding show has smashed box office records in fifteen different countries. From the first performance at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, England, in September 1996, there are now ten award winning troupes touring the world.

Irish in Origin and bursting with raw energy, "Spirit of the Dance" is a foot-stomping international production featuring a spectacular blend of traditional culture that has thrilled audiences all over the world. Each year, the explosive performance evolves with new dance pieces as we feature innovative choreography highlighting the changing taste of world dance styles. Powerful, show stopping Irish Dance combined with the passionate Latino rhythms of Tango, Flamenco and Red- Hot Salsa produce a heart- pounding production of strength and passion that the International Post describes as "The World's Greatest Irish Dance Show ". The world champion dancers of the Irish International Dance Company sound like a runaway express train and their frenzied skill and military precision sends shivers down your spine. Not one Irish dance shoe steps out of line as their thunderous feet perform as one, with an excitement that leaves audiences screaming for more. Foot-stomping spectacular features dynamic lighting, dazzling costumes and breathtaking choreography. With thunderous applause, standing ovations and sold out crowds at every performance, "Spirit of the Dance" is one of the greatest dance shows ever.

THE DANCERS

The dancers of the Irish International Dance Company are mainly English and Irish and they train at our dance centres in London and Dublin. Here they are taught the highest levels and techniques of Irish dance. They also receive specialist training in the other dance styles featured in Spirit of the Dance, including Salsa, Flamenco, Tap and Jazz.

Many of the dancers start at an early age, some as young as six years old. It's the sort of life fantasised by many kids who spend up to two hours everyday perfecting complex Irish dance steps. The dancers rehearse everyday because it is vital that the precision and accuracy of all the dance steps is maintained to the highest level. Stamina is also an important consideration, and daily rehearsals help to maintain the dancers' strength and fitness, they have to be in peak condition for this sort of job. To keep injuries to a minimum the dancers warm up before each show and cool down afterwards. Part of being a dancer is learning how to look after your body. Dancers normally get two massages a week to help relax their muscles while getting regular updates on the best way to look after themselves. Many dancers have lost count of the number of countries they have performed in. On tour accommodation tends to be four or five star hotels, all expenses paid and an opportunity to see so many different places all around the world. Being a dancer on the show is highly rewarding, yet very demanding but it's worth it as there aren't many jobs where you receive a standing ovation.

One of the best descriptions of the energy and dedication of our dancers was best summed up by a British newspaper that said "They sound like a runaway express train and their frenzied skill and military precision sends shivers down your spine. Not one Irish dance shoe steps out of line as the thunderous feet of the Irish Dance International Company perform as one, with a thrilling, foot-stomping excitement that leaves you gasping for breath". There is something absolutely riveting about the sight of loads of people dancing in perfect synchronicity.