2008 Woodie Awards
Finding love in Lord of the Dance
Smith, McCarron met on tour, which comes to Mankato Wednesday
by Nicole Smith
Issue date: 2/5/08
Section: Theater and Dance
Dancing in a worldwide traveling show that has grossed more than $800 million in ticket sales must be an incredible experience. What could possibly make this lifestyle more complete? For Don McCarron, 27, and Tracy Smith, 28, it was the love they found for each other that sealed this dream come true. McCarron and Smith began performing for Lord of the Dance 10 years ago and feel very lucky for the opportunity to travel across the world and see the amazing places where they perform.
McCarron and Smith both started Irish dancing at age 4 and have won many dance competitions at home and abroad. They are both registered Irish dance teachers. The two first met in Orlando, Flor., in 1999 when they were performing with Lord of the Dance at Disney World.
"If it wasn't for Lord of the Dance, we may never have met," they said.
Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance is an award-winning international dance phenomenon, based on Irish folklore, which tells the classic tale of good vs. evil with modern Celtic music and the international language of dance. According to the official website, the show has been running for 11 years and has established itself as the No. 1 dance spectacular. More than 100 million people worldwide, spanning over 65 countries, have seen the performance. The creator and artistic director of Lord of the Dance, Flatley, recently performed with cast members on ABC's hit reality show "Dancing with the Stars."
Lord of the Dance will perform one show in Mankato as part of its new tour with more than 45 U.S. tour dates. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Alltel Center. Tickets are $38 and $48 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Alltel Center box office at 507-389-3000.
McCarron and Smith were married last August, and although the tour may be demanding and time consuming, they said they appreciate being able to spend it with each other.
"We're very lucky that we get to work together and play together. We both have the same interests and get to share the same experiences while touring," they said.
Valentine's Day is next week and this is the first time the couple will be celebrating together since they were married. McCarron and Smith will be in Kentucky for a performance on the holiday, but are delighted to portray their roles for the show. McCarron plays the role of the Lord of the Dance, while Smith plays the Lord's love interest, Saoirse.
Nicole Smith is a Reporter staff writer
McCarron and Smith both started Irish dancing at age 4 and have won many dance competitions at home and abroad. They are both registered Irish dance teachers. The two first met in Orlando, Flor., in 1999 when they were performing with Lord of the Dance at Disney World.
"If it wasn't for Lord of the Dance, we may never have met," they said.
Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance is an award-winning international dance phenomenon, based on Irish folklore, which tells the classic tale of good vs. evil with modern Celtic music and the international language of dance. According to the official website, the show has been running for 11 years and has established itself as the No. 1 dance spectacular. More than 100 million people worldwide, spanning over 65 countries, have seen the performance. The creator and artistic director of Lord of the Dance, Flatley, recently performed with cast members on ABC's hit reality show "Dancing with the Stars."
Lord of the Dance will perform one show in Mankato as part of its new tour with more than 45 U.S. tour dates. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Alltel Center. Tickets are $38 and $48 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Alltel Center box office at 507-389-3000.
McCarron and Smith were married last August, and although the tour may be demanding and time consuming, they said they appreciate being able to spend it with each other.
"We're very lucky that we get to work together and play together. We both have the same interests and get to share the same experiences while touring," they said.
Valentine's Day is next week and this is the first time the couple will be celebrating together since they were married. McCarron and Smith will be in Kentucky for a performance on the holiday, but are delighted to portray their roles for the show. McCarron plays the role of the Lord of the Dance, while Smith plays the Lord's love interest, Saoirse.
Nicole Smith is a Reporter staff writer
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