INTERVIEW: ‘Rhythm of the Dance’ celebrates artistic contributions of Ireland
Photo: Dane McKiernan, center right, is the choreographer and lead male dancer for Rhythm of the Dance. Photo courtesy of the company / Provided by GOGO PR with permission.
Rhythm of the Dance is a musical extravaganza courtesy of the National Dance Company of Ireland. The music and dance spectacle will play Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. as part of the On Stage at Kingsborough series at Kingsborough Community College in South Brooklyn.
The show features 22 step dancers, three tenors and a live band, and the production is perfectly timed for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Audience members can expect to hear musical stories from ancient mythology all the way up to the Irish-American experience in the 20th century.
At the center of the show is Dane McKiernan, who serves as choreographer and lead male dancer for Rhythm of the Dance. He has been with the touring company for more than a decade, taking a break for a few years to join Riverdance. He returned to Rhythm in 2014 and has ascended through the ranks ever since.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with McKiernan about his time with the show. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How did you first become connected to Rhythm of the Dance?
I auditioned for ROTD in 2006 and was lucky enough to get cast on their world tour in 2007. I danced in the Irish dance troupe for two years and started performing as the male lead about six months in. I then took to the band for a while, doubling up as the guitarist for a couple of months, which I really enjoyed, but I knew I needed to stay focused on dancing while my body still permits it!
What was it like to step into the role of choreographer for the company?
In 2014, the producer/previous choreographer passed the role of choreographer on to me. It has been an incredible learning experience, from choreographing routines to directing the show and all that goes into putting on a show, from costumes to lighting, etc.
When did you first get into this art form? Is it a love that goes back to your childhood?
I started Irish dancing in 1994 shortly after seeing the Riverdance Eurovision performance on TV. I was instantly obsessed. I competed from 1995-2004 at major championships but never really had much flare for competition style dancing. I’m all about performance and expression. I love to dance, and having ROTD as a creative output is a blessing. It’s a real full circle moment being on the 20th anniversary tour of the show where I first started my career, now as the principle dancer and choreographer of the show.
Why is it important to spread Irish culture through dance shows such as Rhythm of the Dance?
It’s so important to embrace our heritage, now more than ever. People seem to relate to Irish culture no matter where we go in the world. There are always going to be conflicts and struggles in the world, and like many nations, Ireland had its toll of unfortunate events. And out of this pool of sadness and sorrow rose a nation that spread around the world.
There are Irish communities everywhere, and even if people have no Irish connections, they still enjoy the show and seem to identify. The majority of the show is a celebration of the wealth of talent that Ireland embodies; it has and still remains a hub of art and culture.
What was your time in Riverdance like?
In 2009, I joined Riverdance for three years on a world tour, and it was amazing. To be on stage performing the show that I grew up watching VHS tapes of every day was mind blowing. To have worked so hard for so many years and finally get the call, it was a wonderful experience. I still perform with them occasionally in their Flying Squad troupe, and I do miss the show.
Does dancing get easier or harder as you get older?
Irish dance is tough on your body, so time is a factor in that you feel the pressure to achieve your goals against the clock because you never know when it could be your last performance. I’m 31 now, and I never thought I’d still be able to dance professionally. You need to be extra careful and take care of your body. Dancing gets easier when you’re constantly dancing. Take a break for a few days or weeks, and you’ve got to build back up all the stamina. Short breaks are better so your rested but not starting from scratch every time.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Rhythm of the Dance, a production of the National Dance Company of Ireland, will play Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. at On Stage at Kingsborough, part of Kingsborough Community College’s performing arts calendar. Click here for more information and tickets.
