‘Arising’ Review: A Landmark Moment for Irish Dance in Canada

The Canadian Irish Dance Company’s premiere of Arising was a huge hit in downtown Toronto in September, marking a groundbreaking moment for Irish Dance in Canada.

The cast of Arising includes dancers: Meaghan Kilmartin, Kylie Paliani, Patrick Grant, Rachel Mintz, Brynna McVittie, Grace Bowman, Juliana St-Pierre, Sara McCaughley, Michaela Fernandes and Catherine Errington, and has a total of 15 numbers. The entire soundtrack also features talented Canadian artists, including the FEIS app’s very own Shannon Quinn. Other notable artists include BADBADNOTGOOD and Caribou, each with over two million Spotify monthly listeners, respectively. 

Each number of Arising is unique and incorporates both modern and traditional elements, including various other styles of dance. Many audience members had overwhelmingly positive feedback on the premiere, such as Emma Arsenault, who noted the show was “eye-opening and inspiring”, and Maggie Kukoloic, who said she “could feel the emotion from the back of the crowd”. 

A number of particular interest amongst viewers is the number entitled ‘Loopy’ danced by world champion Patrick Grant, and choreographed by two-time world champion and head choreographer Ciaran Plummer. This number explores the intersection of technology and dance though use of a loop pedal – a device which records and plays audio, which can then be stacked on top of each other to create unique melodies, and is used by many prominent artists today, most notably Ed Sheeran.

The use of the loop pedal combined with the incredible rhythm of Patrick and the beautifully complex choreography creates a rich rhythmic euphony of sound which is enjoyed by all. 

Other notable numbers include ‘She is my Echo’ and ‘Between the Lines’. The former stars Rachel and Meaghan, and encapsulates the sisterly bond Irish dance can effectuate. Choreographed by Michaela Fernandes, this number features music from Kerry Fitzgerald, and works to “challenge gender roles in the context of classic pas de deux” as stated in the production’s playbill.

This unique spin on the typical pas de deux — a ballet term in which a male and female dance together — offers a heartfelt depiction of the close female relationships Irish dance creates. The latter, ‘Between the Lines’ expresses female empowerment, offering powerful and striking movements, highlighted by dramatic lighting and music by BADBADNOTGOOD. 

Another fan-favourite is the penultimate number, which views Irish dance in a modern and contemporary lens. This number includes the majority of the cast, and splits the dancers into two groups, with three dancers wearing black hoodies dancing on individual platforms, and the remaining knelt in a choir-like formation at the opposite side of the stage. This number is entitled ‘Texture of Sound’ and, like the name suggests, incorporates different rhythms, as dancers stage right dance upon various different types of surfaces.

When their rhythm section is completed, spotlights attend to the second group of dancers who, in their kneeling position, create a hypnotising sequence of hand and arm movements. The audience’s focus switches back and forth between the two groups, resulting in a stunning dichotomy between both texture and sound.  

Overall, the Canadian Irish Dance Company’s Arising premiere is a major success, and gives inspiration to an entire audience. With standing ovations and photo receptions that last past the theatre’s closing, this event has given the utmost positive exposure of Irish dance in Canada, and we look forward to seeing what else the Canadian Irish Dance Company creates. 

‘Arising’ premiered at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre in Toronto on September 14th, 2024. Keep up with future performances on the website and on social media.