Stage Talk with Rick Koster
Where every show has something to say.
When reading this to yourself, speak in an Irish accent!
As the Garde prepares to host Thursday’s Rhythm of the Dance performance by the National Dance Company of Ireland, the ensemble’s principal dancer, Jessica Cartwright, answered a few email questions from the road.
Here are her remarks, edited for space and clarity — mostly because she answered them while in mid-dance!
The Garde: Describe for us what you have artistically created in Rhythm of the Dance?
Jessica: Rhythm of the Dance is a combination of evolving modern dance styles with traditional Irish dance. We create a unique approach by fusing different styles of dance such as tap and contemporary at the same time. It’s a new era of Irish Dance!
Garde: We suspect the caloric/nutritional intake for each artist must be significant. How detailed and expansive is the backstage rider for a production like this? If Dancer A wants pizza before a performance, but Musician C wants Tex-Mex, how does that work?
Jessica: We try to eat at least two hours before a show. This allows time for food to digest and give us plenty of time to warm-up and feel well-fueled. In terms of what specific foods, the cast all eats the same catering, so there are no disagreements about who wants what for dinner. Sometimes, though, when microwaves are involved at venues, there will be a microwave queue which feels like the longest line ever!
Garde: There is a substantial popularity of Irish dance and music that resonates globally in unique ways. While it’s all certainly accessible and virtuosic/acrobatic, the appeal seems to go beyond those characteristics in an almost mystical fashion. Does that make any sense?
Jessica: Irish Dance and music have always been traditional and globally well-known. I feel as though, over the years, Irish dance has evolved. For example, Irish dance was always known for “arms straight down by our sides,” and now we have the freedom to use our whole bodies in ways that are acrobatic. Also, people these days are able to Irish dance to pop music — which is popular online and on social media and not confined to traditional Irish music.
Garde: I remember reading that Paul McCartney just walked into a rural pub one afternoon, sat down at the piano and played a few songs to a completely-unsuspecting group of regulars. One of the things that occurs to me, as I watch footage of the various performances within Rhythm of the Dance, is how easy it would be for a small group of you to casually walk into a dance club or live music bar — even a restaurant — and just destroy the place by breaking into an unannounced routine or two. Ever do anything like that?
Jessica: When a big group of us are out and about and not in Ireland, we easily draw attention because of our accents. Often, people ask what we’re doing in town, which starts conversations about the show and ends up with us explaining that we’re all professional dancers or musicians. And then people usually ask to see a step or two performed. And, yes, we enjoy breaking into routines together, which makes people happy and of course makes fun memories for us, as well.
NOTE TO GARDE PATRONS: If, therefore, you can’t get enough of Rhythm of the Dance, maybe this week you’ll spot some folks in a New London coffee shop or sightseeing. If they have the Irish accent, go up and say Hi. You might just get a bonus performance!