Review: Trinity Irish Dance Company presents 'JIG'

Rachel Benton

On Friday, Jan. 24, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosted the Trinity Irish Dance Company on their tour of “JIG.”  

Fiddling around with traditional and modern music and techniques, the Trinity Irish Dance Company gave a truly distinct performance that offered something for everybody.  

Event attendees were exhilarated, and multiple people gave their standing ovations. The title of their tour was perfectly fitting – the word “jig” in Irish can be translated to the word “port” and refers to lively folk dancing often in a compound beat.  

In other words, the Trinity Irish Dance Company got jiggy on that stage, and the audience could not take their eyes off them. At some points, I could not tell what was faster: the tapping of their shoes or the beating of my heart.  

The stage was reminiscent of an Irish Pub and decorated with a variety of old-fashioned lamps. The lighting design was tailored to the tone of each program selection, ranging in bright and colorful to dim and monochromatic. These lighting choices, paired with the choreography, allowed the audience to connect with the messages behind their pieces.  

Eavesdropping on audience responses after the show revealed that many people felt that the program itself was telling a story. What that exact story was remained with the individual.  

One of the highlights of the night was when the performers invited three local Irish dance students to join them on stage. I can imagine each girl was nervous, but their poise and courage were what stood out to me. Regardless of mistakes made, each dancer carried on one beat at a time. Their perseverance was admirable and a lesson for us all.  

 There was a natural camaraderie amongst the audience that night. Performance attendees laid aside all stress and dived into a joyful community amongst themselves. People of all ages were enjoying conversations with one another and sharing their stories.  

I sat near a devoted grandmother, two dancers from an Irish dance school in Federal Way, and an adult granddaughter who carries her own four-leaf clover with her everywhere she goes. Each had a story and connection to why they attended JIG. Speaking with them gave me a greater appreciation for nights like these where we can all find a friend in the audience. 

Rachel Benton is a columnist, freelance writer, performing arts enthusiast and a Thurston County local. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. When not writing or enjoying the arts, Rachel can be found spending time with her family, friends and two golden retriever puppies (Elliot and Ernie).