Tripping the light has become fantastic career for young Canadian
National
Post –
The market for Irish dance may be getting "a little saturated," Toronto dancer
Darren Smith concedes, but there's still room, and he intends to "reap the
benefits while my legs are still working."
Smith is the principal dancer and soloist for Chicago's Trinity Irish Dance Co., which closes its North American tour in Toronto on June 1 and 2.
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Trained by three-time world champion Brian Grant, of Mississauga, Smith has had a long and distinguished career. He has step-danced for 19 years; won eight North American championships; nine Canadian titles; and the 1997 World championship (which he won with rare perfect scores from every adjudicator).
And he's just 23 years old. He has no memory of dancing when he was four; he just can't remember ever not dancing.
As a youth, self-conscious among his peers because he danced in a kilt, he had no idea that the folk dance would take off and become a phenomenon. Or that he could actually make a living from it.
Then Riverdance leaped upon the entertainment scene five years ago.
"My parents sunk so much money into my competitive career, and we got a couple of trophies, but it's really nice to get a [financial] return."
Today, of course, there is no lack of Irish dancing talent. "There are 15 companies out there," says Smith, referring to such spin-offs as Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, and Jean Butler's Dancing on Dangerous Ground, scheduled to perform in Toronto in July.
Smith was drawn to the 10-year-old Trinity Irish Dance Co. because it offered scope for creativity. For example, the traditional "body of ice, feet of fire" posture is strictly adhered to in competition. The trademark poker-straight torso and flying feet are at the heart of Irish step-dancing, but Smith became bored with those rules and restrictions.
"I wanted to experiment more with the form and make it more interesting for the public," he says. Freed from the rigours of competition, he feels "almost no pressure at all" when performing.
The future at Trinity lies in fusion. The company has experimented with ballet and Indian dance, and plans to collaborate with hot tapper Savion Glover (Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk). The current show employs body percussion in an a cappella number choreographed by Sean Curran, former member of STOMP!. "It's really cool," Smith says.
Unlike other Irish dance companies, Trinity is non-profit. "Our goal," he says, "is to be around 50 years from now."
Smith
was offered a Riverdance contract, but opted for Trinity in 1996 because
it allowed him to pursue both his goals -- finishing his dance career and
getting an education. he graduated from Centennial College's radio and
television program and intends to go into broadcasting when he hangs up his
dancing shoes. For now, his legs are working.
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