Review: Arising (Canadian Irish Dance Company)

How often do you get to witness a dance company take its first steps? It’s even more unique when that debut is an Irish dance production right in the heart of Toronto. Last night marked the debut of the Canadian Irish Dance Company with their work, Arising, a celebration of new interpretations of Irish dance set to an entirely Canadian soundtrack.

Founded in 2021 by Catherine Errington and Camille Slaght, this emerging company aims to create professional opportunities for Canadian Irish dancers and choreographers. Though I’m not deeply versed in Irish dance, I always find it a rare and exciting treat whenever I have the chance to see it.

Arising runs for about an hour, excluding an intermission, and features fifteen pieces—each with their own distinct character and style. These pieces blend traditional Irish dance with contemporary elements. From light, lyrical numbers infused with Irish dance to powerful, percussive performances and hip-hop-inspired moves, the show presents a wide spectrum of what Irish dance can be. The variety and brisk pacing of these short numbers keep the audience engaged and ready for what is coming next.

These fifteen pieces are choreographed by four different company members—Ciaran Plummer, Michaela Fernandes, Michelle Pion, and Camille Slaght—and are performed by five main soloists, supported by five troupe dancers.

Two standout numbers for me were Ciaran Plummer’s Staccato—the second piece of the night, where it became clear this wasn’t going to be all traditional Irish dance. Four dancers, dressed in shiny black cargo pants and black tops, performed a cappella with a fierce energy. A similar dynamic was present in Djembe Jig, choreographed by Camille Slaght, this time set to the beautiful rhythms of a Djembe drum.

I also appreciated the lyrical tone in Michaela Fernandes’ She is My Echo, which opened with a duet between Rachel Mintz and Meaghan Kilmartin. Their flowing white dresses complemented the soft, elegant choreography.

The standout performer of the evening was Patrick Grant, whose precise footwork and effortless charm captivates the audience. His solo, Loopy, was a playful and interactive performance, where he recorded his footwork live using a loop machine to create layered rhythms. Rachel Mintz also left a strong impression with her graceful technique and engaging stage presence, bringing a soft and feminine energy to her performances.

Not only did the dancers shine, but the lighting design beautifully highlighted the show. In some numbers, it bathed the stage in vibrant colors; in others, it used stark spotlights effectively, synchronized with the music and movement. The soundtrack of the performance was also beautifully contemporary and quite enjoyable to listen to.

I was happy to see such a packed theater, filled with enthusiastic and vocal supporters. This debut showcases that Toronto has a vibrant Irish dance community. The presence of many children in the theater—I’m guessing many are Irish dance students—added to the lively atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, it's clear that the organizers are working hard and are passionate about this company. For such a new group, their website is impressive, offering innovative options like company memberships and reasonably priced online masterclasses to help fund their work. I am so happy when I see companies that work smart from the start, and this one has a strong online presence, complemented by great photography.

The Canadian Irish Dance Company is a welcome addition to Canada’s diverse dance scene, and I believe they’re here to stay. I am already looking forward to their next performance.

Arising, presented by the Canadian Irish Dance Company, was staged for one night only on Saturday, September 14th, at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre (231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario).

To catch their next performance, follow them at:
Website: CanadianIrishDanceCompany.com
Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram: @CanadianIrishDanceCompany
TikTok: @canirishdancecompany

Written by Deanne Kearney. www.deannekearney.com @deannekearney

Photo by Caitlin Unrau, @sentientforms