A Celtic legend comes alive with blended forms of dance

For the first time ever in Asia, an Irish troupe will perform “Dance of Desire,” with original scores by award-winning Irish composer and producer Eric Cunningham.
The Irish dance show, which will be held in Seoul, is sponsored by the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement.
“Dance of Desire,” which promises a night full of magic, myth, passion, romance and jealousy, is based on the Celtic Legends of Erin and offers a lively performance of athletic high kicks and rapid jigs.
Mr. Cunningham, who was awarded the Sean O’Riada Memorial Award in 1996 for his contributions to Irish music, has composed “The Spirit of Ireland,” “Legend of the Knight,” and “To Dance on the Moon.”
In “Dance of Desire,” Mr. Cunningham has mixed traditional Irish notes with modern music, including rock ’n’ roll.
The Irish performance is also neatly choreographed by Daire Nolan, who has adequately blended other forms of dance that originate from Spain, Latin America and even Middle Eastern countries with Irish dance in this production.
The story behind production dates back to the ancient times of gods, high kings and warriors during the Kingdom of DeDannan, which was ruled by King Lir.
After his wife died, the king married his sister-in-law Aoife. However, the new queen, envious of the king’s abundant love for his children, plots against them with her powerful women warriors.
King Lir protected his children from evil with the Sword of Light that bestowed ultimate power to the bearer. Unfortunately, the jealous Queen Aoife took hold of the sword and cast a curse upon the four daughters of King Lir, turning them into swans, and then threw them into the ocean.
While the desolate king remained helpless, new invaders, Milesians seeking their Island of Destiny, come upon King Lir’s troubled kingdom.
The Milesian who later becomes the founding father of the Celtic kingdom of Erin decides to help King Lir with his people’s powerful magic, and he and his comrades take up the fight against Queen Aoife.
“Dance of Desire” was first performed in Dublin in May 2003. The dance troupe captured the imagination of the world, with performances staged in France, England and Germany.
Most of these shows were sold out. Ticket sales were driven by the overwhelming worldwide popularity of another Irish dance show, “Riverdance.”
“Dance of Desire,” will be performing from April 2 to April 25 at Dom Art Hall located in Seoul Children’s Park, eastern Seoul.
The show will be held at 8 p.m. on weekdays except on Mondays, and 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. On holidays and Sundays, “Dance of Desire” will be begin at 7 p.m.
A show will be held this Monday, Arbor Day, but not on Tuesday.

by Lee Ho-jeong

Tickets cost 40,000 won ($35), 60,000 won and 80,000 won.
Reservations are available at Ticket Park at (02) 1544-1555.