By Natalee Kerr
Magical illusions and energetic moves are set to shake up Geelong tonight when an Irish dance troupe takes the stage.
Irish dance show Celtic Illusion will return to the region for the first time in three years as part of a limited tour.
Lead female dancer and illusionist Georgia May said the production has been “revamped” with new choreography, magic and music.
“It’s not just the normal cutting the girls in half kind of thing, there’s a lot of variety and newness with what we do,” she said.
The 31-year-old said the cast of 16 will have only rehearsed the new production together for five days prior to the Geelong show.
“We’re so lucky we’ve worked with the cast before so they are able to pick things up really easily,” she said.
“But rehearsing nine to five for five days and then going straight into a show is pretty full-on.”
May said she “always” wanted to be a dancer after starting ballet at age three before finding a love for Irish dancing.
“When I was nine-years-old Riverdance came out and I was instantly hooked,” she said.
“I was so captivated that everyone could dance in time at once and create awesome rhythms so I begged mum to take me to Irish dancing classes.
A dancer for almost three decades, May said she has “grown to love” magic after joining the production in 2013.
“It’s defiantly not your regular Irish dancing show, it’s demanding mentally and physically,” she said.
“One minute I’m Irish dancing and the next I’m doing a complex illusion… it’s tricky but very exciting.”
The Melbourne-based performer said performing illusions means she has to be “ready for anything”.
“I’ve learnt to just roll with it and trust the process,” she said.
“Even though it’s stressful and things have to go right, I still get that buzz every show.
“That flutter in your belly never goes away, no matter how experienced you are.”
Pulling off a successful illusion and seeing the audience’s reaction is May’s favourite part of performing, she said.
“We rush so excitingly around the dressing room discussing it after the show,” she said.
“I think the thing is to not analyse it too much…I hope the Geelong audience can enjoy the magic.”
Celtic Illusion Reimagined begins 7.30pm at Geelong Arts Centre.
