Heartbeat of Home

© Heartbeat of Home

Irish dancing meets salsa, flamenco, tango and other Afro-Cuban rhythms in Heartbeat of Home, a new show from the producers of Riverdance, now making its North American Premiere at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Featuring a company of 38 world-class dancers (including leads Ciara Sexton, Bobby Hodges, Emma Warren, Ryan McCaffrey, Olivia Griffin and Jason O’Neill) on stage with a terrific live band, Heart Beat of Home pays tribute to Ireland in a series of dream-like scenes, travelling to far off lands and exploring different cultures through themes of love, loss, adventure and celebration. Projections on stage showcase natural imagery, sweeping landscapes and iconic cities, as the dancers perform high-energy numbers, alternating with sentimental pieces, in a seemingly endless parade of vibrant costumes.

The dancing and music in this production are simply exhilarating, and it’s fascinating to watch different styles mix and mingle on stage. However, the lack of a solid storyline makes it difficult to understand what we are supposed to be feeling from one sequence to the next. While the show is not intended to be literal, Heartbeat of Home would benefit from something real to hold on to.

Heartbeat of Home runs until March 2 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria Street). Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.