When Michael Flatley danced and tapped his way onto the stage for the first time in 1994, an unlikely phenomenon occurred. With his choreographed taps and pogo-stick leaps, Flatley made Irish dancing cool. In theory, Irish jigs should be the dance world’s version of Star Trek, with pasty-faced redheads prancing about to the twee strains of a fiddle, it’s the ultimate nerd recipe, baked into a spandex-frilled cake. Yet with the launch of Riverdance in 1994, Flatley stomped onto the scene to show the world just how electrifying old-fashioned Irish folk boogie could be. After all, he doesn’t hold the Guinness Book of Records for fastest tapping speed (35 per second) and most expensively-insured legs (Dhs147 million) for nothing. And judging by the global popularity of the show, it’s money well spent.
In early 1995, however, Flatley had abandoned the Riverdance act he had painstakingly crafted, blaming ‘creative differences’ with the show’s producers. It seems the old folks directing the subtle, subdued, sophisticated style of Riverdance were not particularly gung-ho about Michael’s vision. To them, multi-coloured laser lights, apocalyptic theme music and gold, frilly cowboy jackets had no place in the hallowed halls of the conservative Irish jig. After all, step dancing has its roots in Irish heritage and oppression. One story suggests that the reason the form requires such a stiff upper body is because Irish captives in British jails would, to amuse themselves, try dancing in the open upper window of their cells without the soldiers realising what they were doing Granted, this myth has a few gaping holes in it (were the British soldiers deaf to the suspicious clattering coming from the cells of these poker-stiff captives?), but the sentiment behind the story has informed the style ever since. It pays homage to those who fought the repression of Irish culture in darker times. Even Flatley featured the theme in one of his most recent acts: Celtic Tiger.
Lord of the Dance may have abandoned the proprietary dignity of the tradition, but Flatley’s big vision brought Irish stepping onto the world stage, where it has remained ever since. After all, what promoter could possibly resist the triumphant ‘lightning bolt’ postures of the leading man, coupled with the whims of an over excited costume designer? What other show dares to combine fiddles with flaming pyrotechnics and
leather pants?
Sadly for us, however, the master will not be making an appearance. Flatley handed the franchise to new principle stars back in ’98 so he could stick to his captain role and launch fresh stage troupes. He recently announced he’d be heading up Lord again in Europe this autumn, so it seems Abu Dhabi has missed the boat by about six months.
Flatley or no Flatley, however, only the truly soulless would fail to get swept up in a Lord performance. Having been to one ourselves back in the ’90s, we can attest that the pitch-perfect pounding is an intoxicating rhythm. Audiences leap to their feet in standing ovation at the show’s finale, dying to get up there and start jigging away themselves.
For anyone out there who’s secretly tried the dance at home but found their moves don’t quite cut it, the upcoming performance will give you a taste of the real thing. To prepare for the big night, Time Out recommends you buy the fuzzy pink cowboy hat with the encrusted insignia from the merchandise website. It’s just the piece you need to channel your inner Michael Flatley.
Lightning legs
The capital has plenty on offer if you want to learn to dance yourself. Here’s what we’ve uncovered.
African
The infectious, enthusiastic drumming of an African dance aerobics class seems a polar opposite to the rigid stepping of Irish dance. But look a little closer and you’ll start to wonder whether Flatley’s famous ‘lightning bolt’ pose may have its roots in this uninhibited, freestyle dance. Work off the pounds with a leaping, stamping frenzy that’ll have you embracing your inner tribal warrior in no time.
Abu Dhabi Ladies Club (02 666 2228), Dhs40. Sundays and Wednesdays, 5.30pm.
Belly dancing
This slick style of dance is perfect prep for a Middle Eastern night on the town and many clubs around the capital offer Arabic-themed evenings to give you the chance to show off. The beat of the music is perhaps more difficult to follow than the unmistakable stampede of the Irish jig, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll be mesmerising the crowds with the jangle of your beaded, floaty skirt.
Hiltonia Health Club (02 692 4324), Dhs40 per class. Mondays, 7pm; Sat, 4pm.
Irish
The Irish Society can link you with likeminded kin. Post a ‘help wanted’ ad on their website (Irishsocietyabudhabi.com) to reach all able-bodied Irish dance instructors, or collect your own dancing crew for Monday night jigs. If your motley group lacks a Michael Flatley, never fear! Search YouTube ‘Irish step dance for beginners’ and you’ll be well on your way to lordly- level stardom.
Salsa
The Abu Dhabi Irish dance network is not huge, however, so the next best thing is to trade your sparkly spandex in for salsa shoes and switch your loyalty to the Latinos. The salsa dance craze has got a bit of a cult following in the capital and you can find somewhere for lessons and socials almost every night of the week.
Time Out recommends: Cinnabar, Saturdays, 10-2.30am (free); Etoiles, Mondays, 10-2am (free).
Vertical flex
Perhaps better known as pole dancing, but in truth, there’s nothing sordid, or even remotely sexy about it. Sure, we were told, ‘there’s no walking, just strutting’, and moves like ‘the snake’ and ‘the body ripple’ may make a man weak at the knees, but when it’s a gang of girls having a giggle, it’s just good fun, not to mention a good workout.
For location and timings, call Joanne on (02 626 2533).
Zumba
A dance program that combines Latin and international music with dance, said to make exercise fun.
Fitness clubs citywide.
