Quad City Arts Visiting Artists Darrah Carr Dance -- March 12 and 13.
Full Performance: Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, 330 West Third Street, Davenport IA
Abbreviated Performance: Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m.
LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire IA
Its namesake lauded as "a smiling, exuberant performer with an open upper torso and fast-flying feet straight out of Irish step dancing," the touring talents of Darrah Carr Dance enjoy a residency as the latest guests in Quad City Arts' Visiting Artist series, their public performances including an intimate, abbreviated performance and artist talk at the LeClaire Community Library on March 12, and a riveting, full-length engagement at Davenport's Capitol Theatre on March 13.
Since 1998, the Bessie Award-nominated Darrah Carr Dance has been thrilling audiences with its innovative blend of traditional Irish step dance and contemporary modern dance. Artistic Director Darrah Carr coined the term ModERIN to describe the company’s unique style, which melds the rhythmic precision of Irish dance with the expressive fluidity of modern movement. This fusion of styles creates a high-energy, rhythmically driven performance that engages and excites audiences of all backgrounds.
With an impressive résumé that includes performances at NBC’s The Today Show, Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, and annual appearances at New York’s Irish Arts Center, Darrah Carr Dance has established itself as a leading force in Irish-American dance. The company has toured extensively across the U.S. and internationally, captivating audiences with their fresh take on Irish dance traditions. Their performances continue to explore the intersection of heritage and innovation, making each show a must-see for dance lovers of all kinds.
The company has performed at venues throughout the United States including: MASS MoCA, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, The Yard at Martha's Vineyard, Wesleyan University (Connecticut), The Center for the Performing Arts and SUNY Orange (upstate New York), The Dance Complex, Summer Stages Dance, and the JFK Museum (Massachusetts), The Goose Route Dance Festival (West Virginia), The Valentine Theatre (Ohio), St. Mary's University (Minnesota) and the San Jose Fleadh (California). Darrah Carr Dance has also appeared at the Toronto Fringe Festival, the Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival, and at the Bank of Ireland Arts Center in Dublin. In addition, they frequently conduct national tours with The Andy Cooney Band.
As Darrah Carr herself says in her Artist Statement at DarrahCarrDance.com, "I source from two genres – traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. I feel two pulls – one toward tradition and another toward innovation – and seek to create dance in the space between. Dance in Ireland traditionally happened at a crossroads – a reminder to respect the road that led me to a place of intersecting genres, while simultaneously remaining curious about the path that lies ahead."
Darrah Carr Dance will enjoy two area performances during their Quad City Arts Visiting Artists residency, presenting a relaxed, 45-minute program at the LeClaire Community Library at 6 p.m. on March 12, and a two-hour showcase of their talents at Davenport's Capitol Theatre at 7 p.m. on March 13. Admission to the Wednesday library program is free, tickets to the Thursday Darrah Carr Dance concert are $15-25, and more information is available by calling (309)793-1213 and visiting QuadCityArts.com.
