Rhythm of the Dance

This PBS-aired program produced by the National Dance Company of Ireland begins with Aine McGill singing "Newgrange at Dawn" at the top of her range with accompaniment from musicians on penny whistle, bodhrán, and other traditional instruments. An image of a full moon fills the screen behind the performers as dancers in black-sequined outfits enter the blue-lit stage. Once the singing stops, the step-dancing begins, and the lights come up. Other than their legs, the dancers remain immobile and expression-free, their moves like a cross between tap-dancing, ballet, and percussion, since they create the beat as much as dance to it. The next piece features a brightly-lit stage, a mountain backdrop, and even a few smiles, but after that moment of calm, the blue lights return and a stormy sea replaces the mountain. When the dancers take a break, Patrick McGrandles plays a penny whistle solo; later, Michael Gaffney does a bodhrán solo. Another piece features women in blue and green outfits and ballet slippers rather than tap shoes. Gradually they leave the stage, after which Amy Prior performs on her own and in a duet with Dane McKiernan. The most interesting dance here features one woman and several men using brooms as props while dressed in vests and trousers. Overall, this is a stylized vision of Ireland squarely aimed at those holding the most romantic notions of the country. Presented in stereo, this is likely to be popular with Riverdance enthusiasts. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)