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Performances

Audiences worldwide have been electrified by the contagious rhythms and sound of Irish dance music featured in such global sensations as “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance.”

 

This groundbreaking show is produced and performed by the Nashville Irish Step Dancers (NISD), a local dance troupe.  The NISD, founded in 1990 by Chicago-native and champion dancer Mary Moran, has grown into an award-winning and nationally recognized dance powerhouse, which now boasts over 100 members.

 

“Celtic Rhythms On Fire” is a celebration of the rich and vibrant artistry of Irish dance and music and, in a larger sense, the fiery spirit of the Irish culture and heritage,” Moran explains.  “The show features not only the more traditional elements – such as the jig, reel and hornpipe, but also explores more progressive styles of Irish dance and music.  The collaboration between the dancers, musicians and singers really results in a spirited lively interchange,” Moran says.  “And, of course, the audience is a big part of that – we have something for everyone and all age groups.  We have our own interpretations of “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” “I Twist My Hips”and“I’ve Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.   NSID has also debuted several new numbers: “Bridge Attack”, "Brave", “Cruising for a Bruising”, and our “Irish-American Salute to the Troops.”  Celtic Rhythms on Fire features music, innovative and cutting edge choreography, and Celtic singers.

 

The Nashville Irish Step Dancers have built an impressive resume of local and national exposure.  Notable appearances include Fan Fair, Fest De Ville, Summer Lights, A.M. Nashville, Talk of the Town, Crook and Chase, Primetime Country, 14 appearances on the annual St. Patrick Day Show at the Grand Ole Opry, and with Celtic music legends The Chieftains as well as being featured on The Chieftains: Down The Old Plank Road and Celtic Christmas Show and DVD.

 

Since 2000 NISD has won numerous championship awards at the Southern Regional Irish Dance Championship, North American Irish Dance Championship, All-Ireland’s Championship, and has even placed at the prestigious World’s Championship in Ireland competing with the best Irish Step Dancers in the World.

General Performance Information

NISD performs regularly in Middle Tennessee in venues ranging from International Festivals to TV Broadcasts. Our performance troupe has performed at the famous Ryman Auditorium and become a tradition at the The Grand Ole Opry (for more than 10 years). NISD has had the honor to perform with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra , Irish fiddle extraordinaire Eileen Ivers and Irish legends and multi-Grammy winners The Chieftains. Our school was privileged to be featured guest on the Chieftains final original cast performance at the Historic Ryman Auditorium. This performance was released on DVD “ Down The Old Plank Road ”, included on this show were country greats Ricky Skaggs, Martina McBride & Allison Krauss to name a few. NISD and Mary Moran have been featured in various print publications including Irish Dancer Magazine and the U.K. Irish Dancing Magazine.

 

To book the Nashville Irish Dancer at your special function or event, please contact Mary Morran at (615) 578-7368.

 

Some of our performances include the following:

  • AM Nashville

  • Talk of the Town

  • Tennessee Crossroads

  • Primetime Country

  • Crook and Chase Fox 17

  • Channel 8

  • Local News in Nashville on Channels 2, 4, & 5

  • Grand Ole Opry

  • Opry Back Stage

  • AM-Midday

  • The Carman Halloween Special

  • Master Classes with Riverdance Film

  • Colin Ray Father & Mother's Prayer

  • Carman Video & Carman ‘Behind the Scenes'

  • Chieftains – “Down The Old Plank Road ”

  • NISD Celtic Rhythms on Fire Revues

  • Wild Horse Saloon

  • Ryman Auditorium

  • Grand Ole Opry (10 Years)

  • O'Charley's

  • Tennessee State Fair

  • Beer Cellar

  • Carnton Plantation

  • McEwen Picnic

  • Blackstone

  • Jimmy Kelly

  • Tennessee Performing Arts Center

  • Seanachie

  • Onstage with the Chieftain's (5 Times!)

  • Performed with Eileen Ivers

  • CMA Music Festival

  • Summer Lights

  • Featured in Irish Dancing Magazine

  • Hornpipe Magazine

  • The Tennessean

  • Nashville Predators Half Time Show

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