Celtic roots run deep, so deep they are intertwined with those of other people scattered around the world.
In fact, 70 million people around the world can claim Irish roots. Rhythm & Roots presented by the Tara Dancers Performance Association on Sunday, June 12 traces the migration to Canada of the Tierney family of Tullamaine, County Kilkenny during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840’s. Leaving behind a dismal existence on small plots of land, rendered unproductive almost overnight, the Tierneys undertake a perilous journey aboard an over-crowded, sorrow-filled ship to Canada’s East Coast. Hope springs anew as the family labours to cultivate farm land and build a log cabin to call home.
Accustomed to hardship, the indomitable Tierneys prosper in their new homeland, the rhythm of the dance and richness of their culture bringing them comfort and joy throughout troubled times.
Dance Director, Margaret Mullen, says that while the Tierney family is fictional, she did extensive research when writing the script to ensure that the production authentically portrays the events and history of the time. Opening with the wedding of Joseph Tierney and Finnuala Byrne in 1835, the show traces generations of the Tierney family as they establish new roots throughout Canada and North America, keeping the traditions of their heritage very much alive.
The story is one that many Canadians can relate to bringing memories to descendants of immigrants from all over the world. Mullen notes that the media coverage of President Barack Obama’s recent visit to his maternal ancestors’ home in Monegal, Ireland closely mirrored the story line of Rhythm & Roots.
Dancers and musicians from the Comox Valley and Campbell River ranging in age from five years to adult will bring the Tierneys’ triumph over tragedy to life in this two-hour dance spectacular.
Glorious music, stirring, rhythmic dancing and fabulous costumes will delight the audience and warm their hearts.
The Tara Dancers have been working on the production since last September and will be bringing exciting new choreographies to the Tidemark stage. Using music from leading dance shows and live music segments, all choreographies are original works of the dance director.
Mullen says the live music segments are always a highlight of their shows and this year’s Below Deck scene will feature music by Strathcona Symphony’s Blaine Waldebauer and the Hyatt family.
Multi-talented Summer, Emma and Shayla Hyatt are also lead dancers in the performance and young dancer, Shayla Hocking, will surprise with her fiddling, dancing skills.
Rhythm & Roots is a show that will entertain the whole family. Irish dance shows play to packed houses worldwide and the original Riverdance is currently enjoying a successful Canadian tour. The 17-year run of Riverdance is testament to the universal appeal of the art form.
So head to the Tidemark on Sunday afternoon to enjoy Campbell River’s own Irish dance stars.
Whatever your roots, you will connect with this entertaining presentation.
Showtime: Sunday, June 12, 2011 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Tidemark Ticket Centre, 250-287-PINK
www.taraschoolofirishdancing.ca
