Riverdance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver (review)

As a former competitive dancer, there are few things that attract me more than watching live performances of professional dancing. More often than not, I long for the years when I was competing and performing, but other times, I feel inspired to come back to specific types of dance. Last night’s Riverdance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver demonstrated to me that I still long for competing in dance and that I could possibly come back (maybe not at the level I was, though).

Riverdance is an exhilarating, energetic (and energizing) series of traditional (and fusion) Irish dance, vocal and musical performances that make you feel like tapping your shoes all through the show. While most of the show is traditional Irish stepdancing, a couple of fusion performances (including 2 absolutely gorgeous Flamenco-Irish solos) really enhance the show.

Firedance (the Flamenco solo performed by the bailaora along with the male Irish dance troupe) was perhaps the one number I absolutely loved the most. Obviously, Riverdance and the Finale were spectacular. Opinions were divided on which of the two acts were most enjoyable. I loved them both, and found the first one to be faster and more fluid, whereas some of my other media friends who attended thought the second one was better.

All in all, a not-to-be missed performance. And if you are a dancer (or were ever) you will feel the energy flowing through your veins, I guarantee you. You may decide to take Irish stepdance after Riverdance! Riverdance plays at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre until April 10th, so it’s a limited engagement. You should check it out!