Atlantic Steps - The Show
Atlantic Steps is the breathtaking and energetic new 8-piece music & dance act from Ireland’s Western Atlantic coastline. Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada, founder of legendary Irish band Téada, Atlantic Steps combines an exceptional cast of Irish musicians and dancers, along with a splash of song and humour, into a production certain to lift the heart. Think of the power of a lively Irish traditional band enhanced by the seductive rhythmic skills of top Irish dancers, and you get an idea of how this might sparkle on stage.
The Atlantic Ocean both separates and unites Ireland and America. Irish people have long looked westward into the wild unrelenting Atlantic waves, imagining a new life. Dance and music have helped sustain Irish people wherever they have settled around the world. The journey across the Atlantic during the waves of emigration from Ireland may have been tough for many, but it did not stop the fun and excitement of the rich culture these immigrants shared in their new home.
The connection of the Atlantic coast to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage is famous worldwide. Atlantic Steps brings the spirit and enduring fun of those Irish traditional art forms – music, song, step dance, sean-nós (old-style) dance and spoken word – and connects them with some of the influences they encountered as they journeyed across the ocean to America. The result is a spectacular mix of dance, blending the choreographed with improvised steps, all to the lively soundtrack of the Irish fiddle, uilleann pipes, accordion, flute, guitar and piano.
Following a festival debut at Dublin Irish Festival Ohio, Irishfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Irish Fair of Minnesota, Atlantic Steps has undertaken a highly successful run at PACs throughout Arizona, Kansas, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Michigan, New Hampshire, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and California, including The Music Center – Los Angeles.
2015/16 brings a newly evolved show, bringing audiences on a fun-filled journey along Ireland’s Atlantic coastline exploring the tunes, dances and songs which draw so many to this mystical landscape.
Quotes
“The Michael Flatley of sean-nós dance” – Tonight with Miriam, RTÉ Television
“They were fantastic! Lovely group of individuals, polished, high energy show.” Denise Nelson Nash, Caltech, Pasadena, CA
“They were GREAT! Many compliments from our patrons. Great to work with.” Christian Wolf, Torrance PAC, CA
“It’s filled with outstanding dancers, great music and the compelling story it tells of this often overlooked style of Irish dancing is absolutely refreshing.” Daniel Neely, Irish Echo
“In the way that ‘Riverdance’ popularized Irish step dancing…’Atlantic Steps’ may help spread the excitement about sean-nós.” Karen Campbell, Boston Globe
“If you love Irish dance and find yourself overwhelmed by the seemingly never-ending stream of mod- ern dance extravaganzas, definitely do yourself a favor and check out Atlantic Steps.” Daniel Neely, Irish Echo
