It was a two-hour music extravaganza that contained a wealth of talent.

And as the curtain lifted on the Rhythm of the Dance show at the Marina Theatre, the audience were taken on a journey of traditional dance and music throughout the ages.

Performed by The National Dance Company of Ireland and produced by Kieran Cavanagh, the show began in Newgrange – one of Ireland's national wonders.

We were soon greeted by the enthusiastic and inspiring dancers – who instantly displayed incredible synchronisation.

The traditional Irish band and the Young Irish Tenors soon impressed the crowds.

The audience were soon clapping along to the show, choreographed by Dane McKiernan, before the Irish Tenors performed a Dublin medley – including the songs Molly Malone and Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.

The male dance troupe then amazed the audience with their intricate footwork. There was still time for the female lead Arlene McVeigh to demonstrate her wonderful dancing ability.

Musical director Chris Anglim deserves real credit for the fast paced songs that allowed us to clap and tap our feet throughout.

The inclusion of instruments including the Uilleann Pipes, accordion, fiddle and Irish Flute were inspiring.

However, most noticeable was the bodhran – a framed drum which drove forward the rhythm throughout.

It clearly meant a lot to the performers as they lapped up the applause during their finale – and it was just deserved.

I left the theatre feeling I had obtained a strong impression of the culture and the music associated with the country.