Derry woman gets up close and personal with some of world's best Irish dancers
A Derry woman has been rubbing shoulders (and some other body parts) with some of the world’s best Irish dancers.
Kimberley McAnaney is a remedial massage therapist with the ‘Lord of the Dance’ show which has been a huge success throughout the world.
She started working with the show created by legendary Irish dancer Michael Flatley and her work has seen her travel around the world.
The show is schedule to continue in its current form until April 2018.
The offer to Kimberley to be part of one of the dance world's biggest tours began with a simple text message.
“Whilst having lunch with my mum one day, I received a text message from James Keegan, who is the now lead dancer for Lord of the Dance. I had met James before whilst working with a local Irish dance show, ‘Titanic Dance’. He came to me for treatment and we were talking about him touring and being part of Lord of the Dance,” said the local woman.
“The message asked if I would like to work for Lord of the Dance on their European tour. I was totally shocked.
“I showed my mum and her response was "Well what are you thinking about?" I must have read the message ten times before it really sunk in.
“I knew I had to take the opportunity. I responded to the message and within minutes I was speaking with the Tour Manager and confirmed that I would love to go and work for them.”
At the time, Kimberley was working as a manager in the H&M store in Derry but did not take long to hand in her notice.
“Five days later I was off to Bulgaria,” she said.
“My role working with Lord of the Dance is exciting, enjoyable and a really great experience.
“On a daily basis I treat dancers for anything from a general massage to sprains, strains and helping with recovery.
“The dancers are very dedicated and professional. They are dancing six days a week and some days have two shows per day.
“It’s a matter of ensuring the dancers do not get an injury and treating and little niggles before it turns into something which may prevent them from dancing.
“After each show I make up what are called ‘ice beasts’ which are two large buckets filled with ice and water, up to the dancers hips. They get into them to help recovery.
“To most people it’s a horrifying experience but they love it!”
Kimberley said they crew on the show work hard and only have one day off per week.
“We are usually in a city where there are areas of interest. For example on the European tour last year we had a day off in Budapest. We were able to take a bus tour and visit the hot baths of Budapest. Such a beautiful city and I would love to visit again,” she said.
“The European tour last year lasted three months which took us to Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and Czech Republic.
“I am currently on a UK tour for five months visiting 23 cities.
“After Belfast, we returned to the Czech Republic and Slovakia and then four weeks in South Africa in the summer.
“The autumn is also looking exciting with Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Poland and more to be announced.”
As well as creating the show, Michael Flatley has also taken part in some of the performances.
“Michael performed in several shows whilst we were touring Europe last year before his retirement,” said Kimberley.
“We started the tour in Bulgaria and the dancers rehearsed for a few days before the first show.
“Michael was there for the rehearsals and I was introduced to him for the first time.
“I was a little nervous, but I was greeted with a huge smile and a hug. He made me feel so welcome and immediately I felt as ease. We chatted about where I was from and he was so genuine and down to earth.
“Since that day, he always would greet me and would always have time to chat and made sure I was OK. It’s a great company to work for and I feel like the luckiest person to have landed this job.”