Connemara dancers bring new sean-n—s show ‘Atlantic Steps’ to the Royal Theatre

Date Published: {J}

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 Cashel in Connemara are returning to Mayo with a new sean-nós dancing show called ‘Atlantic Steps’.

This appearance the Royal Theatre on July 31 is their only Irish performance for 2011 with the show lead dancers Brian and Irene Cunningham now permanently based in America.

“We cannot wait now to get back to Mayo for this once-off show. Atlantic Steps on July 31 is going 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,” commented Brian Cunningham this week from his new home in Chicago.

Since they emigrated to America in January of this year, Brian and Irene have tapped into the hearts of a new American audience.

“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,” commented Brian.

In the past five months, the Cunningham clan has featured on TV networks across America as word spreads about their talent.

“Americans love to dance and they love Ireland,” stated Brian. “At one concert we had the entire auditorium on their feet and they were all tapping to the music.”

All the sean-nós traditional dance elements are incorporated into the show including barrel dancing, half door dancing and brush dancing to lilting background music. Atlantic Steps also has high tech modern elements though at it gives the form a fresh and funky interpretation.

Atlantic Steps contains a wealth of talented musicians and dancers from all over the west of Ireland. Brian Cunningham headlines the show with his sisters Irene, Ashline and Lorraine, while his younger brother Michael also features as a dancer and musician.

Special guests on the night will include the legendary balladeer Dessie O’Halloran from Inishbofin, who has toured the world with Sharon Shannon and her band. All-Ireland Talent Show finalist and master melodeon player Johnny O’Halloran will also feature with country and folk singer Mike Scanlon from Glór Tire fame on TG4 also taking to the stage.

Mayo natives Tommy and Stephen Doherty and Pat Doocey from Foxford will have the crowd dancing in the aisles with some wonderful uplifting reels and jigs from start to finish.

“The one thing we guarantee everyone is lots of lively music, mesmerising dances, and wonderful singing,” stated Brian Cunningham. “There is something for everyone in this show. Atlantic Steps is a wonderful celebration of Irish music, song and dance. Our new show is fresh and funky, it is all about reviving sea-nós as a happening, seriously cool, foot-tapping, must-see, must-do event,” he said.

Tickets cost €25 from the Royal Theatre Box Office 0818 300 000 or www.ticketmaster.ie