Dunshaughlin gets a little bit of Razzmatazz

Razzmatazz Stage Academy is launching this week in Dunshaughlin Community Centre, under the direction of Joanna Farrell from Joanna & Tequila Sunrise fame, and the dancing talents of well known choreographer Ciaran Keating The school offers the chance for children aged between four and 18 to learn the fundamental skills of performing across the genres of dance, singing and acting as well as encouraging them to develop their self confidence, communication skills and how to work together as a team. The school will encourage the children to have as much input into productions as possible, with the aim to stimulate children"s imaginations and creativity while at the same time having fun. Razzmatazz will consist of a style of dance and song that is a combination of street, jazz, tap and modern skills put with a wide-ranging selection of music. A physical warm up will always be included as well as a technical element teaching the children specific dance steps relevant to the work they are doing. They will be dancing to songs from current West End hit musicals as well as current chart hits. The children will be taught how to look after their voices and good practice technique the lessons will always include vocal warm ups, as well as developing group and individual solo skills. Other classes may be offered in the future including private vocal coaching , Irish dancing and drama if there is a demand. Joanna and her band Tequila Sunrise are one of the few bands that fly the flag for live music. For many years this talented lady has worked all over Ireland, England and Europe before heading off to work on the glittering stages of Las Vegas, Mexico and Latin America, performing in such places as Nicaragua, Salvador, Guatemala and Panama as well as having returned four times for the Irish Battalion of the United Nations in Lebanon, and audiences in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. She has successfully recorded three albums and several chart topping hits. Joanna has decided it is time to add another string to her bow in the form of teaching and encouraging new and up and coming vocal talent as well as dance and all round entertainment. Being a consummate professional Joanna contacted her long time friend and colleague, and fellow Dunshaughlin resident, choreographer and dancer Ciarian Keating and asked him would he be interested in joining forces and bring together there years of experience to the young and up and coming talent of today in the form of a new stage school. Ciaran Keating was a member of the Spotlight Stage School for eight years and since then he has gone from strength to strength on the professional circuit. He made his professional debut with Normandy Nights Cabaret show for nine successful seasons on Irish Ferries. He has been a dancer on two tours with Rebecca Storm, and the Beldance Company. The world premiere of the Irish Dance Show, The Magical Rhythms of Ireland (Holland), Gaelforce Dance show (Korean tour) and Johnnie Fox"s Irish Dance show. He has also appeared in many great productions such as 'Wizard of Oz" at the Cork Opera House, 'Annie" at the Tivoli, and three pantomimes in the Gaiety - 'Sleeping Beauty", 'Cinderella" and 'Jack and The Beanstalk". He has gone on to five tours with Dublin"s Traditional Irish Cabaret USA tour starring Noel V Ginnity, where he was choreographer and lead dancer. He choreographed Dave Young"s Christmas show at The Red Cow, while being a dancer in The June Rodger"s Cabaret show. Ciaran choreographed Joanna and Tequila Sunrise"s Christmas Show both at the Red Cow and Regency Hotels. He has also danced his way through film which include, dancer in 'The Magnificent Ambersons" starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and part-shot at Dunsany Castle. He is looking forward to being assistant choreographer for 'Annie" at the Olympia this summer. Razzmatazz Stage Academy registration Dates are Wednesday 25th February, 5pm to 6pm; Wednesday 4th March 5pm to 6pm; and Wednesday 11th March 5pm to 6pm in the Community Centre. First class for Razzmatazz is on 18th March. Contact Joanna or Ciaran on 087-2774213 or 086-8709239. Dunshaughlin Community Centre"s dancing class under the tuition of Emma Kelliher will be having a party to celebrate their successful appearance in the recent panto on Wednesday 25th February in the Centre at 5pm. The class will also perform for parents and friends and will be introduced to the Razzmatazz team.