BWW Reviews: ModERIN: Darrah Carr Dance 15th Anniversary Season with Guest Choreographer Sean Curran

Two years ago I had the pleasure of studying abroad in Ireland. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of reliving some of my fond memories at the Irish Arts Center. ModERIN: The 15th anniversary season of Darrah Carr Dance featuring guest choreographer Seán Curran stunned audiences on the weekend of November 22nd. The show spoke to all ethnic backgrounds and traditions, making it an enjoyable performance for everyone. Darrah Carr mastered the art of fusing traditional Irish culture with modern complements throughout the performance. The show included choreography performed by an inspiring cast and showcased duets and trios, in addition to larger group numbers. Furthermore, Darrah Carr surprised us by encompassing live vocals and a few unusual instruments into the repertoire, making the night all the more memorable.

All the dancers from ModERIN truly were graceful, as they were powerful. The first piece entitled They Danced lifted the spirit of the gloomy forecast outside the arts center with every high jump and extremely fast foot work that was effortlessly executed. The flow of the large group moments paired well with the more intense duets and trios that were the highlight of the piece. After the first piece, the audience was treated to "hard shoe" work, live singing of the Irish song "Ag Crest An Soil", instrumental performances, and various group dances. While many viewers, including myself, may not be exposed to these specific forms of art, the artists expressed their art form in such a relatable way that everything on the stage was enchanting for the audience. It was during these works of art that I truly felt transported back to the happiest of moments I had in Ireland.

The show ended with Off Kilter and Step Dance Suite, an outstanding homage to more modern dance customs. Both pieces kept the traditional vibe alive and were able to deliver a more fun, yet heartfelt, attitude to the entire show. The work that went behind the celebration of Darrah Carr Dance's 15th anniversary was spectacular and left nothing to be desired. Furthermore, it must be noted that Darrah Carr's Dancers are ingeniously talented and have the most engaging spirits. The choreographers, dancers, and musicians from this performance reminded me of why I enjoy exploring art in new places.