Mudjack and Bonedaddy and others . . . beware the wrath of Janet Ryan . . .

And back to Riverdance . . I've not seen it live but guess it would be great, but I really can't see what all the fuss is about - and IME this is the reaction of most of us who have loved and been moved by Irish step dancing for many a year . . Still, it did bring that tradition to a much wider audience, and the music was great. Also, over here there was a wonderful "short" on tele about a young girl being inspired by RD to take up stepping, following through to her first feis (?sp) . . Certainly it's the only good thing I've seen derived from RD. IMO the choreography of much of LotD tends to crassness in the points which are important to the narritive. Still, my daughter and I had great fun discussing how it could have been made more effective . . (not a very challenging subject in this instance). And the music seemed much poorer

What about the "New Riverdance"? I was dismayed that they seemed to have to import pastiche bits of other traditions for their interludes . . so there was pastice Flamenco, and pastiche new-age medieval chant (complete with candles . .) There's so many aspects of Irish music they could have brought in to complement the dance side . .

But it still doesn't manage to ruin my enjoyment of "the real thing" . .

Oops, rambling again - sorry!

G.