It’s been around for thousands of years, but has gained
popularity in mainstream America within the past decade through
such extravagant shows such as Michael Flatley’s Lord of the
Dance.
A somewhat smaller-scale Irish dancing show has found its way to
Hollister via local Irish dance instructor Allison Barnes. Her
production, Dream Dancer, debuted at San Benito High School on
Saturday.
It’s been around for thousands of years, but has gained popularity in mainstream America within the past decade through such extravagant shows such as Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance.
A somewhat smaller-scale Irish dancing show has found its way to Hollister via local Irish dance instructor Allison Barnes. Her production, Dream Dancer, debuted at San Benito High School on Saturday.
Barnes has been teaching Irish dance for seven years in Hollister and the Santa Cruz area, and has dreamed of putting together a production featuring the ancient style of dance.
“It’s the story of a little girl who dreams of being a dancer,” Barnes said. “She grows up to be a famous dancer and has all her dreams realized.”
The production consists of about 30 male and female dancers ranging from ages 3 to adults, Barnes said. Most of the performers are from Hollister, however there are several from Watsonville and Santa Cruz.
While Barnes conceded much of the show’s premise is fabricated from her own imagination, some aspects are based on personal experience, she said.
“I had a dream of wanting to do something with Irish dancing,” she said. “(The production is) something to inspire Irish dancers, and help inspire other people to try it out.”
Putting together a grand fete such as this was challenging, especially when dealing with a large, diverse group of people and personalities, she said.
“I tried to keep everyone on the positive side and keep focused,” she said. “So they didn’t lose the mind frame of what we’re trying to do.”
After years of teaching, putting on a production has only a few differences. While she’s still choreographing steps for her dancers, this time the entire community will get to see the finished product.
“It’s scary. It’s the first time so I’m not sure of what (people’s) reactions are,” she said. “I hope everyone will like it.”
