The song tells us that ‘these boots were made for walking’ but in the case of Anthony Street it’s, this ‘Street’ was made for dancing.
The name Anthony in one interpretation means ‘praiseworthy’ and it is a fitting name for an entertainer.
Anthony Street is a talented young Australian dancer that has worked extensively as an Irish dancer and played in ‘Lord of the Dance’.
In April he brings ‘Celtic Illusions’, his own creation, encompassing dancing, singing and magic.
I spoke to Anthony recently about his career and his previous visit to Tasmania.
Anthony was in Tasmania a few years ago with his show ‘Rhythms of Ireland’ and although he didn’t have a chance to get out and see much of the state, he did enjoy the road trip and the scenic countryside, beaches and landscapes of our state.
This visit too, may not allow a chance for sight seeing as due to the complexity of the show as it requires being early to set up at the venue each day.
Ironically, Anthony grew up in East Melbourne, surrounded by motorbikes and football, but it was a chance viewing of Riverdance that captured his heart and catapulted his feet into dance.
Anthony took to the dance naturally with other participants amazed at the ease he was able to master the technical aspects of the dance including the precision in placement of feet.
For 14 yeas Anthony danced with the Irish Australia Dance Company and was later offered a role in ‘Gael Force’, and so began travelling and performing around the world. Soon he found himself performing in the 4th incarnation of Michael Flateley’s’ Lord of the dance’ for which he would became principal dancer.
It would seem that dancing is Anthony’s obsession but there is in fact another obsession. As a 10 year old Anthony was captivated by magic after attending a magic show and inquisitive as he was, asked the magician to teach him some of the illusions. Anthony would discover and frequent the local magic shop.
Self taught, he brings his talents as a magician to Celtic Illusions. Anthony says it is not sleight of hand that the audience will be treated to but instead larger impossible illusions of disappearing people aided by a a deft use of lighting.
The show has a modern twist which fuses together dance, music and magic and is continually evolving and growing so expect to see more of Celtic illusions in return visits.
You can see Celtic Illusions 14 April at Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre, 15 April at Burnie Arts and Function Centre, 16 April at Princess Theatre Launceston and 17 April at The Theatre Royal Hobart.
Paula Xiberras
