Tan Yng Jich | 21 Ju 2000

Amidst a delish smoked salmon entrée, dim lighting and an elaborate table layout, we were introduced to Riverdance - The Show. The haunting music of the performance started, we could see figures appearing on the darken stage. Then suddenly, with a thump, the performers of Riverdance - The Show began . Hitting their shoes against the wooden floorboard, they made taps and thumps that went with the rhythm of the music.

The strains of violins, drums and even a traditional Irish instrument called "uilleann pipes", or elbow pipes, quite similar to bagpipes increased in tempo as the dancers pounded their feet faster. With a rousing thump and adrenaline rushing, the showcase was over. Such is the power of Riverdance. Since its humble beginnings as "Riverdance", the original seven-minute version, the show has indeed come far. It was first performed at the Point Theatre in Dublin. Now, they have travelled all over the world, playing to audiences in four continents and 18 countries, including Australia, Japan, England, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The main cast for the performance includes talents from all over Europe and United States. The two main leads for the show in Singapore will be the internationally renowned dancers Breandán de Gallaí and Joanne Doyle. Breandán had actually gave up the job of a teacher to join Riverdance. He had won many Irish national, provincial and British Championships before joining the company. Like him, Joanne had also won various medals in regional, national and world championships.

The beautiful and enchanting music that are used in the performance are all composed by Grammy winner, Bill Whelan. He is well known in Ireland as a composer of music for theatre and television as well as a record producer with a long list of Irish and International hits to his credit.

"Riverdance - Music From The Show" won the 1997 Grammy for"Best Musical Show Album" and has been a tremendous success on the charts in Europe, earning Gold in the US and Canada, twice in the UK and even double Platinum both in Ireland and Australia! Riverdance - The Show will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for a limited season starting 2nd November 2000. By transforming the Indoor Stadium to an intimate theatre style auditorium that will only seat 4,500 people, it will ensure that every single member of the audience will get a better view. Tickets will go on sale in July at all SISTIC outlets, hotline and website so remember to watch out for it.