An Interview with David King,
The producer, composer and creator of Spirit of the Dance
1. What inspired you to create Spirit of the dance?
Riverdance had just come out in London with Michael Flatley. Their show was sensational and broke all the barriers of a dance spectacular. They introduced the world to the phenomenon of Irish dance. The public just couldn’t get enough. Riverdance, at the time, just had their show in London, but the whole of Europe wanted to see more of this Irish dance craze. So Spirit of the Dance was born.
2. Is your show similar to Riverdance?
There was absolutely no point in producing a show similar to Riverdance. It wouldn’t have lasted three months. We had to create our own niche in the market, and give Spirit of the Dance its own identity. Right from the start, we knew we had to create our own show, and rely on our own individuality. I took the decision very early on that Spirit of the Dance would have its own identity and break new ground. That’s why our show is based around the international world of dance, and it incorporates dance styles from around the world. During our performance, we introduce the audience to Salsa, Flamenco, Ballet, Ballroom, Tap, Jazz and much, much more. Of course it is the powerful Irish Dance that is the hit of the show every time, but the audiences enjoy every aspect of our international production.
3. To start a show this size, it must be a very expensive exercise?
I tried my hardest to raise the money that I needed to launch the show. I went to see the biggest people in the business – but nobody wanted to know. I was turned down everywhere. I knocked on so many doors, that my knuckles were sore. They all said the Irish dance craze wouldn’t see the year out, it was just a flash in the pan and wouldn’t last, but I knew deep in my heart that they were wrong. Everybody was against the idea, no one gave me any support, but I stuck firmly to my beliefs because something inside of me told me that this show had to be created, and I had to do it.
4. So what did you do?
I broke the two golden rules of business. The first golden rule always is “Don’t give up your day job”. That’s exactly what I did I’m afraid. I gave up everything, and threw myself into this project 24 hours a day.
But it gets even worse…because the second golden rule in show business is “Don’t mortgage your house and put your money into show business” and again, that’s exactly what I did. Against everyone’s advice, I mortgaged everything, my house, my car, and the family silver; it all went into the pot so that I could turn my dream into reality and launch Spirit of the Dance. People in the business thought I was crazy, everyone, that is, except my family. My family supported me 100%, but we knew if it went wrong, we could be living in a cardboard box somewhere. It was a very scary time.
I shudder to think what might have happened if the show had failed, but my belief and determination only drove me forwards, not daring to look back over my shoulder. Thinking about it now, I can’t believe that I actually committed my whole life so that Spirit of the Dance could be created. The risks, the gambles I took, were done because something inside of me was telling me I simply had to do it. Call it destiny, call it fate, I don’t really know, but it had to be done. People ask me whether they should do the same as I did if they believed in a dream - and I always tell them “Not on your life”!!
5. So you obviously believed in yourself and that you could make all this happen?
There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to take a chance and I saw this as the biggest chance of my life. This was going to be the opportunity that could make or break me. I really had to go for it. So I took my chances, used every ounce of talent, skill, and determination that was inside me. And I went for it.
6. When did you know the show would be a hit, and you and your family would be safe?
It wasn’t until the opening night of the first ever appearance of Spirit of the Dance. This took place at the Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol, England in September 1997. I remember standing at the back of the theatre, sweating and worrying about how the audience would respond to the show, and more importantly, what the critics would say.
This was the defining performance, and it would either propel me forward or put me on the streets. Those two hours were the longest of my life. As the show came to a close, I knew that the audience was on my side, and then they stood up and cheered for a full five minutes. Tears were streaming down my face and it was as if somebody had unscrewed a massive valve in my head so all emotions could pour out.
Of course I didn’t know where it would all lead but at least I knew my family could sleep in their own beds for the rest of the week. The rest, as they say, is history, and there are now six separate dance troupes performing Spirit of the Dance all over the world. And it is now one of the most successful touring shows in Show Business history.
7. How do you feel about the audience’s reaction to the show?
Quite often, I will sit in the theatre and just watch the audience’s reactions to the show. The feeling I get when I see and hear the joy and delight of audiences all over the world is simply the best feeling imaginable. It makes all the endless hours and sleepless nights worthwhile.
8. How long did it take to create the show?
Spirit of the Dance has evolved over nine years and I have lived every minute of it; nurturing it and searching for new and better artistic input, but the original concept was conceived, produced and composed in just three months, which I believe is an all time record. I would write new music to match the changing moods of the show, and waited on tenterhooks for the audiences to give their approval.
9. How long has the show been running and which countries is it touring?
The show has been running for nine years, during which time it has built up a huge following and has become one of the most successful theatrical productions ever to come out of British Theatre. It has sold out at just about every theatre it has appeared at around the world.
It is a major success in the USA where we have three troupes, who have played at the Kodak Theatre in LA, Palace Theatre Myrtle Beach, Supper Club New York and Las Vegas Casino’s including Golden Nugget and The Alladin. The show has also visited Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, China, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and all of the European Capital Cities. The show also performs at the Casino de Monte Carlo.
10. Why do you think Spirit of the Dance is so popular?
Obviously, we owe a debt of gratitude to Riverdance who got the ball rolling and made the public aware of the excitement of Irish dancing but Spirit of the Dance has a life force of its own. It expands on the original Irish theme and has now become a truly international Broadway style phenomenon that takes in powerful dance styles from all around the world.
It is based around a love story of life where the ethereal Spirit takes us on a journey through the world of dance in search for peace joy and love for all mankind. Audiences love it because the whole production is so passionate. It’s powerful, fast paced and thrilling, but most of all it’s incredibly entertaining.
11. I understand you wrote the music. Is that correct?
Yes, I am proud to say that, I composed the music and songs for the show.
12. Where did the musical inspiration come from?
I suppose the music has been inside of me all my life and the musical score of the show reflects my musical influences, which include the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Classical piano, Jazz and Irish Folk. Roll them altogether; add an enormous amount of passion, just a sprinkle of vision, and a lifetime of dreams and you’ve created the musical score of Spirit of the Dance.
13. What are the highlights as far as the audiences are concerned?
The audiences love the Irish dance routines because they are so spectacular, but that is only one aspect of what makes this production so special.
There are many forms of dance within the show, each one more exciting than the other. The diversity creates a huge impact on the audience. In addition there are wonderful love songs and powerful music. Add all of these ingredients together, and you have created the heart and soul of “Spirit of the Dance”.
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