Irish dancing is an important part of Irish culture. Inspired by dance styles like the French quadrilles and English country dancing, traditional Irish dance emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries and has been a mainstay of Irish life ever since. When most people think of Irish dance, they envision girls dressed in formal outfits, stepping to a catchy Irish jig— and while they’re mostly right, the Innova Irish Dance Company has put a modern twist on Irish dance that is completely out of this world.
Led by Kyra Archibald and Catherine Lamont, acting as the school’s teachers and choreographers, the Innova Irish Dance Company infuses traditional Irish steps with modern elements.
“Innova’s aim is to inspire its members and audiences to fall in love with Irish dancing and appreciate the immense enjoyment that it can bring,” the school’s website reads.
“We want to inject new energy, vision, and fun into this traditional art form and help create friendships and bonds that can last a lifetime.”
A few years ago, the Innova Irish Dance Company decided to hit the big leagues, showcasing their skills for the judges of Britain’s Got Talent’s eighth season.
“We are like 15 sisters,” the girls revealed prior to their audition.”
“Every night we are rehearsing. There has never been an Irish dance act like us on BGT.”
“The dream is for Innova to become Riverdance. We would like to do something like they did.”
When the girls take the stage for their audition, Irish music floods the room as they perform a few traditional steps.
But then, suddenly, the music shifts.
All of a sudden, the speakers explode with modern, pop music, and the girls begin to really dance. The crowd explodes in cheers when they realize what’s happening.
And the judges seem pleasantly surprised by the rare combination of modern music and traditional Irish steps— especially Simon, who sits wearing a grin the entire time.
As the girls kick and step, their bodies are in perfect unison, betraying the hours they’ve spent perfecting their timing and moves.
The song the girls selected is a mash-up of popular hits. Knowing that Simon is cast as the “bad guy” judge, Kyra was well aware that, “Mr. Cowell is always the one you want to please.” In hopes of winning him over, the girls slipped a quick reference to the legendary judge into their performance.
At 0:40 seconds, you see their ode to the “mean judge. When the song shifts, the voice sings “Oh, Simon”— and the girls turn to give him a grin.
“We always try to pick music that is clever and has a big of significance,” Catherine later explained.
“So, whenever that song came out, we thought that it would be good for us here as it actually makes reference to Simon Cowell.”
The girls’ vibrant performance wins over the judges. Alisha Dixon said, “I love the fact that you’ve all been friends since you were three or four-years-old, which makes this even more special. Well done.”
“Oh my God, I absolutely love that. I really loved it,” Simon raved. “This is why I wanted to come to Belfast. I think it’s terrific.”
See it for yourself below!
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