The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Virginia Ross - For The Quill
What better way to spend the evening on a glooming night then to join the large crowd gathered to see and hear the Dublin Irish Dance at Burlington s Memorial Auditorium.
At times we all want to be Irish and when that first haunting notes played by the uilleann pipes wafted across the audience, we were hooked. Slowly the curtain rose and the stage filled with six dancers presenting a lively Irish jig.
(Uillean pipes [literally, Pipes of the elbow ] consist of a big bag inflated by means of a small set of bellows strapped around the waist and the right arm [reverse for the left handed player]. The bellows not only allow relatively dry air to power the reeds but also reduces the adverse effects of moisture on tuning and longevity. The pipes are distinguished from other forms of bagpipes by their tone and wide range of notes.)
Vocalists (the guitarist and two women) told the story of an Irish girl who immigrates to America leaving behind: family, friends and the love of her heart. Landing in a strange country she soon finds Irish friends and another love interest. Sparks fly (literally heels clicking) when her Irish love immigrates too.
All of this is told with song and dance featuring energetic toe tapping, heels kicking, stomping and so much fun.
The young performers gleefully danced their way into all our hearts by their smiles and athleticism. Costumes were simple but appropriate and a change of the colored background screen enhanced the mood of the song or dance.
All of this was backed up by Irish musicians playing the fiddle, uilleann pipes accordion, banjo, mandolin, whistle, bodhran, guitar, piano, drums & bass. (The bodhran is an Irish frame drum ranging from 10-26 inches.
The sides of the drum are 3 ½-8 inches deep and a goatskin head is tacked to one side. The other side is open-ended for one hand to be placed against the inside of the drum to control the pitch and timbre.)
Everyone around me, old and young, chapped enthusiastically when signaled by the dancers or vocalists to do so. The guitarist/vocalist taught us line by line an Irish ballad. How beautiful-hundreds of voices blending in a lonesome song.
What a great evening! Sorry if you missed it, but mark your calendar to attend Burlington Civic Music s next program on March 23rd when WindSync, a quintet of flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and French horn who play exclusively from memory revolutionary chamber music will grace the stage.
Credit Wikipedia for explanation of Irish instruments.
Dublin Irish Dance is a dance troupe of world champion Irish step-dancers paired with an eight-member traditional Irish band and vocalist. Its members have performed throughout the world with renowned groups Riverdance, Michael Flatley s Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Woman. The talented cast told the epic tale of Celtic culture immmigrating to America and carrying its traditional melodies and steps to the New World.
The show was sponsored by the John H. Witte Jr. Foundation for Burlington, Iowa Civic Music Association and held Wednesday, February 14th at the Memorial Auditorium on Valentines Day...appropriate with a love story intertwined.