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Spirit of the Dance

Reviews

B.T.
Destin, FL
Spirit of the Dance
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 4 0f 5
December 19, 2004
9:33 AM

I just got back from a trip to Branson, Missouri. We are in our thirties and I wasn't sure that we would find anything entertaining to see sense we
are not really country fans. We took a trip down the strip and came across a sign, glowing with lights all around. We just had to see the Spirit of
the Dance production.

The Spirit of the Dance was performed within the Bobby Vinton theatre and that in itself was a beauty to behold. As you enter the door, this theatre is painted with heavenly scenes and sparkling stars hanging from above. I was in awe. The entire place is a bold hue of blue and it is just
breathtaking to view.

Tickets can be purchased for the Spirit of the Dance in advance. The show is approximately 2 hours in length and very affordable compared to most shows in Branson. We paid less than $40 dollars per adult for our tickets.

The dancing is a combination of ballet, Irish dancing similar to River dancing, Flamenco and Jazz. There is a story of sorts and singing also
involved. The performance is done by a group of very skilled dancers and they can move like no other dancers I have ever seen. No matter what type of dancing you prefer you will love watching these performers. And the troupe constantly changes clothing and dancing styles so that you never become bored.

I highly suggest going to this show if you ever have a chance, no matter where they are located. This show is selling out all over the world. It will be something that you will remember for a lifetime.

Take some time and check it out, you won't be disappointed!

B. Turner

A.C. Branson, MO
Spirit of The Dance
Recommendation: No
Ratings: 3 of 5
Date: May 05, 2004
Time: 06:50 PM

I have had the privilege of seeing both Riverdance and Lord of the Dance live so perhaps my expectations were a bit high for this show. I found the show very disappointing, from the costuming - which ranged from what looked like spray-painted linens in the opening set to 50's style nighties-looking costumes that the female dancers wore in later sets.

I was also put off by the many shades of black pants the male dancers wore. I couldn't help but think, 'How sad they can't afford new and matching pants to perform in.' I felt this was a show that had truly lost it's spark, professionalism and originality.

For me, it was a bad take of Lord of the Dance with a Kmart budget and lack of professional direction. The dancers were often out of synch and more than one could have done with a bit of dieting. My five-year-old son (who also saw and loved the entire Lord of the Dance) was falling asleep and begging to go home by intermission.

The Celts were and are a vibrant and colorful people full of life with an extraordinary range of music from the haunting melodies of the tin whistle to the intense rhythms of the pipes and drums. It is music and dance capable of stirring a fire in your soul and inspiring you to want to clap or dance with them.

Irish dance costumes and precise synchronization are a reflection of this spirit and pride and something all good Irish dancers take a great deal of pride in. I felt much of this was largely lost in the performance I observed.

An opportunity with some originality that I felt was completely missed is the fact that country music (especially bluegrass) and dance have their roots in Celtic music and dance and there was no attempt to reflect that here in a country music Mecca.

Personally, I'd lose the Flamenco, add a Celtic fiddle and bring in the clog dancers!
The redeeming factors of the show are the two lead performers. The female lead is beautiful and fit and has a lovely voice with wonderful tin whistle and dance skills. The male lead is a superb Irish dancer who looks like he takes a lot of pride in his craft.

For those wanting a 'glimpse' into Celtic music and dance, these two may possibly make it worth the price of the tickets. There is some real talent in the cast but a lack of pride and professionalism…or maybe just direction (I'm all for individuality, including piercing and weird hair...I just think it's unprofessional on stage).

With some decent design and costuming and more creative professional direction, this could be a truly good show. All in all, for now, I rate it very mediocre.

The acoustics and lighting in the theatre were good and it was clean and comfortable, with the ushers being very friendly and helpful. Parking was easy with the direction of the attendants.