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Trinity Irish Dance Company performs at the Center on March 24. (Photo Credit: Lois Greenfield)
Any audience would be considered lucky when witnessing Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) “sophisticated and commanding” (Los Angeles Times) performance that combines traditional Irish step dance with contemporary movement. On March 24, TIDC invites audiences to celebrate a belated St. Patrick’s Day with a captivating and joyous program that blends sheer percussive power with aerial grace.
-Trinity Irish Dance Company Mission Statement
Founded in 1990 by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mark Howard, Trinity Irish Dance Company was created to celebrate and expand upon Irish culture. Born in Yorkshire and raised in Chicago, Howard kicked off his career with dance at the age of eight at Dennehy School of Irish Dance. At age 20, he launched the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, winning World Championship team titles less than five years later. Now, both organizations are two monumental companies that not only draw “inspiration from traditional style Irish step dancing, a genre that has been performed for hundreds of years... [but also offer a] contemporary approach [that] results in dance pieces that are awe-inspiring.” (BroadwayWorld).
Trinity Irish Dance Company aims to emphasize and uplift gender equity in its choreography. Associate Artistic Director Chelsea Hoy expands upon this goal in a 2019 interview with Rebellious Magazine, stating, “[W]e have always primarily been a female company that celebrates the strength of our women... Our diverse body of work breaks down stereotypical gender roles and our females lay down aggressive virtuosic rhythms, a style that is typically reserved for males. Our women are on the frontline of bringing the thunder.”
Now with more than 30 years under its belt, TIDC has become a household name in the Irish dance scene, pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish dance one step at a time. Watch the video below for a preview of the evening’s genre-defying performance at the Center this March:
In addition to the foot-stomping performance, join TIDC Founding Artistic Director, Mark Howard, in a pre-performance discussion moderated by Mason’s College of the Visual and Performing Arts Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs, Lauren Wagner.
Make it Dinner and Show at The Auld Sheeben in Fairfax
On March 24 only, with the purchase of two entrees at The Auld Shebeen: Irish Pub & Restaurant, get one dessert for free! Show your ticket for Trinity Irish Dance Company or membership pin to qualify for this offer. To learn more about additional 2023/2024 local restaurant partners with the Center for the Arts, visit the official website and make your performances a proper date to remember!
It’s your lucky day! Experience more Celtic artists this March:
Coming to the Hylton Performing Arts Center on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is Irish fiddle phenomenon Eileen Ivers! You won’t want to miss “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” (New York Times) performing a fresh mix of Celtic classics and music that celebrates the Celtic roots of Americana music.