There was a curiously old-fashioned air about the choreography of Shannon, a Celtic Ballet, the first of two pieces by the Darrah Carr Dance Company, which opened at the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre last night.
Though admirable in its desire to blend modern dance, ballet and Irish traditional dance, the result kept reminding me of the sort of thing we attempted to do in Dalcroze classes when I was child. Though the mood of Jimmy Walsh's music changed, Darrah Carr's choreography seemed to continue with the same gentle grace, whether the river was reflecting the coming of the Celts, a Viking attack or emigration, and only the drinking from the forbidden well and the establishment of Christianity were clearly defined.
Rebecca Dowd's costumes were designed to suggest the flowing river but their length was most unflattering to the dancers, some of whom were more talented that others.
Gigi De Lange's costumes for Whirl were also unattractive, though Walsh's Celtic rock score gave Carr the opportunity to choreograph in a different style. Unfortunately, we have seen so much brilliant Irish dancing of late that even though this also contained some contemporary dance, it failed to excite.
Performances continue until Sunday 22nd at 8 p.m. with a matinee on Friday 20th at 1.15p.m.
