By REBECCA BILLS
GROWING up in Healesville, Anthony Street had no idea his future would be on the world stage.
Former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Mr Street said as a child he was surrounded by motorbikes, race cars and hunting.
He said the year he started playing football at age 12 was the same time he saw Riverdance which started his passion for dancing.
Secretly taking dance lessons while still attending football practice, it became more and more clear to Mr Street’s family where his passion was.
“I remember my mum saying she thought I needed to have started earlier or have done some form of tap lessons beforehand, but I didn’t care,” he said. “I wanted to try it – it didn’t seem impossible to me.”
After his dream of being a lead dancer in Lord of the Dance was achieved, his next dream was to have his very own production.
After months of successful preparation throughout 2011, Celtic Illusion was born.
Since Celtic Illusion’s premier in November 2011, it has completed a successful run of shows throughout Victoria and New South Wales.
Mr Street said after a sell-out crowd in April 2012 at Melbourne’s Crown Casino, the sky is the limit for the show.
“I truly believe this is one of the most amazing dance shows yet,” he said.
“It has immense potential that has already been demonstrated and I can’t wait to go to Vegas with it.”
Celtic Illusion combines a fusion of contemporary Irish dance and music with grand scale illusions that makes the performance completely unique to all other dance shows.
The glittering and colourful costumes adds to the bold, lush and modern musical score arranged and composed by Angela Little of the show.
Mr Street said he is both proud and excited to bring his production back to his hometown of Healesville for its second Anniversary performance.
Celtic Illusion will be performing at Healesville Memorial Hall, The Memo 235 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, on 30 November.
Tickets are $47.50 for adults, $42.50 for concession and under 16’s $37.50.
For more information or to book, email boxoffice@yarraranges.vic.gove.au or phone 1300 368 333.