Some of the world’s best Irish dancers will be gracing the stage of the Ipswich Civic Centre this Thursday for Celtic Illusion, a performance that combines dance with magic.
The show is produced and directed by renowned Australian dancer, Anthony Street, who credits his grandmother for his start in Irish dancing.
“When I was 14, my nanna and grandad had a video of Riverdance,” he said.
“I used to come home and secretly watch it over and over again, and practise the moves.
“I started dance classes, but I didn’t imagine I could make a career out of it.”
Within years, Anthony was touring with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, and went on to become the company’s principal dancer.
He created Celtic Illusion to combine his love of dance with his other childhood passion- magic.
“I wanted to do a dance show but I also really loved magic, and wanted to do an illusion show,” Mr Street said.
“I was worried I wouldn’t have the time to do both, so I decided to do them together.
“It’s a fast paced, high energy production with really intricate contemporary dance and some exciting illusions.
“It also has some of the fastest tap dancing in the world, with performers who have danced all over the world in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.”
The show was put together by a high calibre group of creatives, including Angela Little, who co-composed the music for Baz Luhrman’s film Australia, and Steve Skinner, who has produced for Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder.
The production has performed for sell-out crowds across Australia and New Zealand since 2011.
Street plans to take the hit-show to Europe and the US next year.
Celtic Illusion is on at the Ipswich Civic Centre
Thursday 18 April
730 pm
