Abu Dhabi: The 40 strong troupe of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance tapped and twirled their way into the heart of audience members on Wednesday, June 23, the show’s opening night in the capital.
The performance, which was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre’s (Adnec) Abu Dhabi Hall, told the classic tale of good versus evil while at the same evoking awe and Irish pride in not only those who are from the emerald isle, but somehow every nationality present.
It is easy to see why this is a show loved by over 60 million people from around the world, who refuse to see it end its ongoing 14 year run.
As the journey unfolded, the audience was drawn into Flatley’s vision of the Lord of the Dance’s world. Witnessing typical elements such as love and danger, which are present in every tale ever told, come to life through the non-verbal movements of the dancers was a treat for the eyes and ears.
It this unique approach, that needs no particular language to understand it, that is perhaps the most important reason for why the show has endured all these years. It is accessible for not only the die-hard fans who know every obscure detail about the show and its characters but even for those who are seeing it for the first time, no matter the age.
After the breathtaking display of lithe movement, stunning pyrotechnics and foot stomping music, it didn’t matter that the hall was only three quarters full, a testament most likely due to the Fifa World Cup mania that has swept the globe.
All who took the journey along with the troupe returned home with their hearts light and their imaginations alight with thoughts of the world of Lord of the Dance.
When: June 23 – 26, 2010
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Tickets: Prices begin from Dh295 upwards. They can be purchased from www.boxofficeme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores
Website: www.lordofthedance.ae
