Not one to limit himself to a single medium, Irish dancer and flute player Michael Flatley can now add “painter” to his artistic resume. He sold his very first painting at an auction this past December for €5,600. His method, however, is not of the traditional paintbrush-and-easel variety. Rather, he takes a canvas that has been painted a solid color, places it on the ground, … [Read more...] about Michael Flatley Tries his Feet at Painting
Dance
The Reality of Irish Dance
It is hard to overstate the way Irish step dancing has exploded onto the scene in mainstream media. The once-niche sport will be the topic of a new show to air on TLC called Irish Dancing Tweens. TLC, formerly The Learning Channel, has begun production on a documentary series which will follow several competitive Irish dance schools chronicling everything from choreography to … [Read more...] about The Reality of Irish Dance
The Jig is Up!
A new documentary dubbed as "Spellbound meets Mad Hot Ballroom, with a touch of Riverdance" As an Irish American who had a very culturally rich childhood, I may be something of an anomaly in that I never once tried Irish step dancing. I never raised a foot to a jig or a reel, never donned a massive curly wig, never learned how to jump two feet in the air while keeping my arms … [Read more...] about The Jig is Up!
Irish Dance Nationals
A look at the 2011 North American Irish Dance Competition in Nashville, Tennessee On the July 4th weekend, the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Ole Opry, was descended upon by a mad rush of curly wigs, spray tans, accordions and fiddles. The North American Dance Competition ran for 4 days and over 3,000 dancers came, not … [Read more...] about Irish Dance Nationals
What Are You Like?
Bill Whelan, composer of Riverdance answers 15 questions. Renowned composer, producer and arranger Bill Whelan has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. The Limerick native has produced and arranged for Irish rock legends U2, Van Morrison, the Dubliners, Richard Harris and Kate Bush. He boasts an impressive resume beginning with his position as composer to the W. … [Read more...] about What Are You Like?