Eau Claire gets a Taste of Ireland

EAU CLAIRE — It takes a team from around the globe to bring a bit of Ireland to the stage.

Just ask Ceili Moore, the company manager and choreographer for A Taste of Ireland, a dance troupe coming to the Pablo Center this Sunday.

“The upcoming performances in the (American tour) feature some of the world’s finest dancers and musicians from the USA, Australia, Ireland, the UK, and New Zealand, underscoring the international allure and reach,” she said of the group.

Moore was the winner of a world championship title from Lord of the Dance, and she isn’t the only one with some impressive credentials in the group. Other high-caliber talent in A Taste of Ireland, which has started the American leg of its most recent tour, includes the director Brent Pace, who also has a background as a national champion and as a world medalist Irish dancer.

Moore explained that Taste “features a blend of highly experienced professionals, including world champions who have performed with esteemed productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, alongside some of the best up and coming talent from the USA.”

Based in Australia, A Taste of Ireland got its start in 2012 initially doing smaller shows. Over time, those smaller shows evolved into bigger productions, and from there A Taste of Ireland began doing national tours across the United Kingdom, the U.S., and even had a recent off-Broadway run.

Now, with overwhelming demand, the show has several troupes touring and performing in multiple countries simultaneously. While one troupe is here in the U.S., a concurrent tour is going through various parts of Australia.

“Our show is all about sharing the beauty and history of Ireland in a way that really connects with people,” explained Moore. “In our show, you’ll experience some of the world’s most incredible Irish dancers and musicians taking the stage. But it’s more than just performances; it’s a journey through the story of Ireland itself.

“Through our production, featuring traditional Irish music, dance, and vibrant costumes, we bring the rich history and culture of Ireland to life right before your eyes. It’s a captivating and immersive experience that will leave you feeling truly connected to the spirit of Ireland.”

Such an experience proved immensely popular, especially in Wisconsin.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of requests from people in Wisconsin asking us to bring our show to the state so we knew we needed to bring a tour through there,” said Moore, who praised the Pablo Center as perfect for their upcoming performance. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring our production to the area and share the experience with the people of Eau Claire.”

Such requests aren’t a surprise to Moore. “It’s clear that audiences have been thoroughly impressed by what they’ve experienced,” she said, making reference to the praise that Taste has received. Having reached over 150,000 spectators around the world, the group’s shows have garnered rave reviews with audiences as well as critics. This has extended to the group receiving many five-star reviews on its social media.

And with Sunday’s performance, Moore hopes audiences in the Chippewa Valley feel the same way.

“Our goal is for everyone to leave the show feeling entertained, uplifted, and with a deeper love for Irish culture and music,” she said. “We want everyone to have a great time — what the Irish call ‘craic.’ We have a blast on stage, and we hope that energy rubs off on our audience, making it a fun and lively experience for everyone.”