Show was so spirited it was a ball

Spirit of the Dance, Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe.

IT is easy to see why this show has played to 20 million people worldwide.

From the moment the dancers appear on stage in an eerie mist and a hypnotic swirl of Celtic music, this show is an unstoppable extravaganza of dance and raw energy that simply takes the breath away.

The Spa Pavilion was full – in fact, the theatre had a waiting list of people desperate to snap up any cancelled tickets – to enjoy this fantastic and exciting two-hour show.

The public's thirst for Irish dance, first revealed by the immensely popular Riverdance, is still not quenched. The sight of the dancers perfectly in time, their feet a blur throughout the reels and jigs, their arms straight and gaze steadfast, is still a thrilling sight.

Spirit of the Dance, performed by the Irish International Dance Company, has its backbone in traditional Irish dance, but the choreography is modern and innovative.

The highly-talented and acclaimed company – which comprises dedicated male and female dancers all aged between 18 and 25 – blended the Irish dance with dance styles from around the globe, with not a foot out of place.

From the passionate Latino rhythms of Tango, to Flamenco, a pastiche of the all-American musical and the can-can of Paris, the company excelled in its rhythm, movement and skill, aided by a minimalist set, effective lighting and excellent costumes.

The show featured songs as well as dance, and several cameo performances by a highly-talented and energetic fiddler, whose playing gave the dancers time to change costumes backstage.

This was a dynamic and exciting show which showed the Spa is providing top-quality enterainment – and shows people really want to see. Full marks.

RICHARD CORNWELL