REVIEW: Rhythm of the Dance The National Dance Company of Ireland

Rotherham Civic Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, June 23

Rotherham Civic

Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, June 23

IF YOU have even a drop of Irish blood in you, Rhythm of the Dance will have it coursing hot through your veins.

And, with a name like Doyle, Ireland’s top dance troupe had me welling up like a fenland spring in no time.

The dancing truly is dazzling — balletic in its gracefulness, moving in its power and astonishing in its precision.

And if you wonder just how many variations on Irish dance are possible, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Solo dances, pairs and groups — accompanied by music and not — constantly surprise and amaze.

If I had to find one fault (nearly impossible), it would be the show’s title — no mention of the marvellous musicians, which seems like a disservice to them.

The sheer stamina of their work, while the dancers change colourful costumes again and again, is breathtaking.

And the music itself, from beautiful ballads to blistering reels, would make my Irish ancestors weep and jig in their graves.

The Civic was busy on Wednesday night — if you can still get a ticket for Thursday, then do.