Californian steps into the role of "Lord of the Dance"
By Tom Weber
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Jason Gorman stepped into the shoes of a legend -- literally. The 24-year-old was selected to take over the role made famous by Michael Flatley in Flatley's own production, "Lord of the Dance."
No matter: The Irish dance extravaganza, which will be at Rochester's Mayo Civic Center Feb. 4, never missed a beat. It continues to be one of the most popular touring shows in the world.
Gorman, a native of southern California who was winning national and world Irish dance competitions as a teenager, talked by phone about his role in the show.
How did a kid from southern California get interested in Irish dance?
Well, my cousin took Irish dance lessons. My grandparents made her do it. I would go along to watch, and the teacher asked me if I'd like to try it. So I did, and eventually I was taking lessons and my cousin quit.
My grandparents wanted me to keep doing it, and my mother wanted me to stay active and stay out of trouble. So there was some family pressure.
Was "Lord of the Dance" something you dreamed about doing?
I didn't really think I would ever be in an Irish dance show. I was competing at a national and world level, and that was enough for me. I realize now I was looking for a way to take it to another level, I just didn't know what it was. So when they called and offered me this, I had never been in a touring show, and I love to travel.
How do you maintain the energy this show requires when you're always on the road?
You have to eat right. If you have a poor diet, you really feel it. Dancers are really in tune with their bodies. I was a vegetarian for a while, but I started eating meat again because I realized my body needed it.
You also have to do something beyond dancing. Even at age 24, dancing isn't enough to keep me in shape. I like to run, but haven't had the opportunity lately with all the cold places we've been.
How does the cast maintain the timing for this show?
We rehearse every day. You have to. To get 35 to 40 people to do the same thing at the same time is pretty near impossible. You have to drill it over and over and over, everyday. And then go to the show.
In replacing Flatley, you replaced a legend. What was that like?
I really just wanted the part to be exactly the way he wanted it to be. I learned it from him, and basically did the role the way he did it. Then he sat me down one day and said, 'I want you to bring your personality to this role.' Once I grasped that, I felt more comfortable to put my own spin on it.
What brings audiences back to this show over and over again?
The story is pretty universal and I think people like seeing a dance show they can understand. They really connect with the characters. Everyone picks their favorite. And people love the cast. You can see we're a family. People can see that connection.