A mixture of ballet, tap-dancing and clog elements is how Katie Stephens Spangler, director and owner of Rince na Chroi (pronounced rink-a na cree), describes what Plymouth residents should expect August 9, when the traditional Irish dance school performs at the Hilde Amphitheater. Performing in Plymouth for the second time, Stephens Spangler says her dance school is “glad to be back.”
About 150 dancers, ages 3-plus, will perform to live Irish music in locally made, hand embroidered, traditional Irish costumes. In addition to focusing on the choreography, Stephens Spangler says, “Our dancers are doing a lot of cheering, clapping and engaging with the audience.”
Those familiar with the art form know Irish dancers’ arms typically remain stationary, even as the legs move about the stage at rapid pace, but take note: These dancers will use their arms throughout this performance. “There’s plenty of time when the dancers’ arms are down, but we’re also clapping and holding hands with one another” to engage the crowd, Stephens Spangler says.
Attendees should expect a lot of excitement at Thursday night’s lively performance, as the show kicks off a busy weekend for the Rince na Chroi dancers, who will be performing at the Irish Fair of Minnesota on Harriet Island in St. Paul. —Katie Rucke
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Rince na Chroi
Free. 7 p.m. August 9.
Hilde Amphitheater, 3450 Plymouth Blvd.
763.509.5200
