High-energy Irish dance stirs up storm

Two brothers and their passion have set the stage for a tale of love, jealousy, tragedy and triumph.

"Gaelforce Dance," filled with traditional Irish music and dancing, has joined "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance" in captivating audiences worldwide.

Opening Tuesday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, "Gaelforce Dance" is choreographed by Richard Griffin. The music is composed by Colm O'Foghlu.

The troupe that is performing in Korea features Timothy Manners as Lorcan, Rosemary Watson as Aisling, Brendan Scullion as Cuan and Christine Robinson as Rhiannon, along with 26 dancers and a live quartet.

As the musical opens, Cuan is set to marry his childhood sweetheart, Aisling.

Cuan's younger brother, Lorcan, returns home for the festivities, bringing with him a dark-haired beauty, Rhiannon. Instantly, Aisling falls for Lorcan, and a passionate affair ensues.

"Gaelforce Dance" began with the Irish-born composer and musician Michael Durkan, who initially had an idea for a small cabaret show with an Irish band and a few dance numbers.

His production continued to grow and change over the years, adding dancers and eventually turning into a full-blown theatrical extravaganza.

The story is told through a mixture of traditional Irish dance, ballet, jazz and contemporary dance.

"The show is different from pure Irish dance, but it shares some similar sentiments," says Park Sun-hwa of Vincero, the company that is bringing the troupe to Seoul.

"Gaelforce Dance" is the newest of the trio of Irish shows that have introduced Ireland's high-energy dancing to a new generation of fans.

Another Irish dance show, "Spirit of the Dance," was staged in Korea in January.

"Gaelforce Dance" runs Dec. 24-29. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or the Web site www.gaelforce-dance.com.

by Joe Yong-hee