ENTERTAINMENT Sean Nós show ‘Atlantic Steps’ visits The Royal
The Cunningham family from Connemara will give a one-off performance of ‘Atlantic Steps’ in Castlebar this month
Sean Nós show ‘Atlantic Steps’ visits The Royal
Henry McGlade
They have performed on the world stage alongside Sharon Shannon, De Dannan, The Chieftains and Altan and now the hugely popular and talented Cunningham family from Connemara are returning to Mayo with a breathtaking new sean nós dancing show called ‘Atlantic Steps’.
The Castlebar show, which takes place on Sunday, July 31, will be their only Irish performance for 2011, as lead dancers Brian and Irene Cunningham are now permanently based in Chicago since moving there last January.
Brian is delighted to be coming home, and says that the show will be very special for all involved.
“We cannot wait now to get back to Mayo for this once-off show … it’s sure to be very special for everyone. Our new show is full of raw energy and wild passion and there is a wonderful feel good factor about it.”
That’s not to say they’re not settling into life in America – they’ve been too busy to get homesick. “We haven’t stopped dancing since we arrived.
It is one gig after another and the reaction is very positive. People seem to be looking for something new, and the sean nós dancing is certainly putting down a marker in America,” the dancer said.
Three other members of the Cunningham clan also feature in the show – Brian’s sisters Ashline and Lorraine and his younger brother Michael.
Riverdance stars SiobhΡn Manson and Doireen Carney will also take part, while special guests legendary balladeer Dessie O’Halloran and Ireland Got Talent Finalist Johnny O’Halloran will also perform. Mayo natives Tommy and Stephen Doherty and Lisa Canny will have people dancing in the aisles with some wonderful uplifting reels and jigs from start to finish.
“There is something for everyone in this show,” Brian says. “Atlantic Steps is a wonderful celebration of Irish music, song and dance.
Our new show is fresh and funky, it is all about reviving Sean Nós as a happening, seriously cool, foot-tapping, must-see, must-do event.”