Stage debut for first male dance graduate

Best is the brainchild of Maiden Voyage Dance. Dancer Ryan O’Neill, who is the first male to graduate from Magee College with a BA Honour in Dance, will be making his professional stage debut in the production.

23 year old Ryan, who was awarded with a First Class Honours degree in Dance in 2008 – the first man to be awarded the qualification - is looking forward to taking to the stage in this unique performance. Spanning a 40-year period, Best will lead the audience through the football genius’s many loves, highs, lows and triumphs, whilst referring to the music, fashion, design and movement style of the various eras. Award-winning composer David Goodall has been commissioned for the project and established Scottish dancer and football enthusiast Andy Howitt is choreographing the piece.

Talking about the production Ryan commented: “Unfortunately I’m too young to really remember George Best as the footballing great that he was. I’ve watched footage of him on the pitch and the style and grace with which he played is clear to see. I’m looking forward to portraying this in the forthcoming performance and can’t wait to get out there in front of an audience to put all my training to the test – quite like George Best in a way I suppose - I know he loved the limelight of the football field!”

Barbara McNarry, George’s sister, who recently attended rehearsals in Belfast commented: “When I heard Maiden Voyage were producing a dance piece about George my initial thought was “how is this going to work?” Having been down to the rehearsal room I can see that it totally works. I am completely new to contemporary dance and was very impressed and moved by what I saw. It is so special to me that George is still being remembered and has been the inspiration for the production.”

Best will be visiting The Waterside Theatre on Thursday 25th February. Telephone the Box Office on 02871 314000 or book online at www.watersidetheatre.com.