Dancing is yet another profound example of self-expression and
creativity through the body. Dancing has been around for generations
and has found new styles and pushing boundaries and the advent
of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rodgers and Gene Kelley as a primary
example. The pop and soul movements was a unique blend of sound
causing an increased and renewed interest in freestyle movement
with Michael Jackson having a large influence on us. In recent
years, there has been a renewed interest in Irish step dancing
and there is a show called Lord of the Dance that takes dancing
into new levels. Lord of the Dance is an absolute dance extravaganza.
It is an Irish dance show comprised of a group of highly talented
energetic dancers coming together for a definite purpose. That
purpose is to sweep the audience from its feet and permanently
implant a high level of energy that is re-experienced time and
time again. This is much more than a show, it is a highly uplifting
spiritual experience. The creator and star of the show, Michael
Flatley, worked very hard to bring this show into reality. He
is also a profound example of someone finding purpose through
the self-expression of bodily movement and most importantly,
his feet. This is without question, thee show for the new millennium.
He said in an interview that the show had been with him for
centuries, meaning it was in his plan to bring out and manifest
it.
Lord of the Dance is the story of a little spirit who goes
on a journey with the Lord of the Dance. The spirit helps
protect the Lord and his mystical people. During the journey
the Lord of the Dance is challenged by a dark lord who seeks
to strip him of his title. In the end, Good is victorious
over evil.
Mr. Flatley said that he doesn’t pick and choose from
other dance forms, but goes inside for whatever he wants to
create. The show is a fusion of energy comprised of music,
dance, emotion and feeling in flawless synchronization. The
dancers are unbelievably fast and their precision is beyond
comprehension. Flatley states that it is the energy that we
share now and which I know will stay with you long after the
show. The energy is a mix and balance between masculine and
feminine. The show is a contrast between shades of light and
dark energies. Those shades touch the light and dark energy
in the audience.
I happened to catch the show on PBS and as I watched it I
found myself connecting very deeply with its energy and message.
After purchasing the video and watching it more, I found the
energy was helping me to transform Karma, I knew this and
could feel the cleansing. This wasn’t just a story about
the ancient celts, these were actually ancient celts performing
the show as well. This I had no doubt of. The celts were mystic
warriors who used to go into battle naked! The celts were
filled with energy and this is quite evident with the fire
and energy they project in the show.
There are many words to describe this show and the one which
comes to mind is electrifying. It combines different types
of dances, such as tap, ballet. The show is highly entertaining
and cleansing watching on video, but the real experience of
energy is to see it performed live. There have been reports
of crippled individuals being healed and being able to walk
after seeing the show. It is successful because it was meant
to be through the Holy Spirit as it did its work through Michael
Flatley. It is successful because audiences connect with it.
They connect with the story and with the energy, much more
profoundly than some realize.
Michael Flatley has created much more than a show. He has
revived the art of dancing and taken it to new levels. He
has created opportunities for aspiring young dancers to realize
their dreams. Feet of Flames is the elaborate version of Lord
of the Dance and was performed outside at London’s Hyde
Park. The finally of Feet of Flames is the greatest dance
performance and synchronization of dancers ever done. It is
truly a show to launch us into the new millennium.
Celtic Tiger is Michael Flatley’s most recent dance
show and an extravaganza it is. Celtic Tiger is an epic that
fuses the spirit and history of Ireland with dance and music.
The result is a masterpiece, showcasing Irish dance as a dynamic,
powerful art form. According to Michael, "Celtic Tiger
portrays the oppression of a people. The tiger itself symbolizes
the awakening of their spirit in the struggle for freedom.
The show itself is a 90 minute spectacular. It is very fast
moving, powerful and hard-hitting and I think that it is something
that you have never seen before."