Celtic: Traditional Irish Dance

Atlantic Steps

About

A seriously talented young dancer from Connemara is bringing one of Ireland’s oldest dance forms to the world stage with Atlantic Steps, an international-touring adaptation of his phenomenally successful Irish show Fuaim Chonamara.

The well-known Cunningham family of dancers regularly perform alongside Irish greats including Dé Danann, The Chieftains, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Dervish & Téada. The Galway natives have already toured to huge acclaim in Korea while accompanying President Mary McAleese on an Official State visit, while 24-year-old Brian Cunningham is a three-time winner at the prestigious Oireachtas na Samhna.

The Cunningham Family’s Fuaim Chonamara show was a headline act at the high profile Volvo Ocean Race spectacular in Galway during 2009, when 20,000 people from many countries danced the night away at Galway’s docklands, within striking distance of the Atlantic Ocean.

This special night convinced Brian of the worldwide potential of the old-style ‘sean-nós’ Irish dance, which began as a pastime for the Cunningham siblings, handed down by their grandparents as a tradition from the days of house dances.

Atlantic Steps is the inspiring epic story of Ireland’s oldest dance form, portrayed through the music, song, dance and Atlantic-Ocean-inspired energy of the Connemara region. Centered around the joyful dance and unbridled enthusiasm of the Cunningham family – Brian, Irene, Ashline, Michael & Lorraine – the show continues to move festival and theatre audiences to their feet, bringing sean-nós dance to its rightful place on the world stage.

Quotes

Brian's enthusiasm, exuberance and good nature exudes in his refreshing performance which should be enjoyed by all  Matt Malloy, The Chieftains

 The Michael Flatley of sean-nós dance  Tonight with Miriam, RTÉ Television

 Awe-inspiring and spine-tingling  About Mayo, Local News from the West of Ireland

They were fantastic! Lovely group of individuals, polished, high energy show. Denise Nelson Nash, Cal Tech, Pasadena, CA

They were GREAT! Many compliments from our patrons. Great to work with. Chris Wolf, Torrance PAC, CA

I have the greatest feeling in the world today as there is a Buzz in Boston following your 2 incredible performances at the Berklee Performing Center - my phone and emails have not stopped! The Wardrobe, Back Drop, Lighting, and flow from Singing to Dancing, were all just truly amazing - what an incredible connection with the audience from start to finish! Thank you. I look forward to another Show in March 2014! Pat McDonough, Boston, MA

Resources

Photo Dropbox Link
Poster
Press Release - The Boston Globe
Rider - Business
Facebook
Official Website

Want to Know More?

Don't hesitate to contact the JRA Fine Arts team to learn more about this artist.