Irish dance group Velocity take the stage at the Kirkland Center for Fine Arts | The music

DECATUR – Two of the fastest feet in the world come to Decatur.

James Devin, guinness world record holder as the fastest dancer, and the Velocity Irish Dance group will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. on March 25 at Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University.

In May 1998, Devine created the world record for “The fastest feet in the world” with an amazing 38 taps in one second.

Irish world champion dancer David Geaney completes the duo as they perform with other dancers, live musicians and a DJ for the fast-paced show.

“It’s kind of a modest version of the evolution of Irish music and dance,” he said of the performance.

The show begins by highlighting the oldest Irish forms of entertainment without musical instruments, only household items. Then he moved on to directing Gaelic or traditional Irish music. The dance masters then join the show. “Who were basically the first teachers of Irish dancing,” Geaney said.

Irish dancing has become an important genre in competitions, introducing world theaters to professionals, such as River Dance. Social media has given more visibility to the dance.

“It really is a history lesson,” Geaney said of the show. “A journey through the evolution of Irish music and dance.”

The 10-member cast will perform the 90-minute show featuring comedy as well as music. “We have a great line of musicians,” Geaney said.

Professional, but non-traditional performers include a Spanish percussionist, cellist and DJ. However, Irish music is at the center of the show, bringing its catchy sounds.

“At the heart of Velocity is rhythm and speed,” Geaney said. “I have some of the best musicians behind me. And I’ve been known to always want to go fast.

Velocity started in 2015 as a video project. Geaney and Devine focused on speed with their tap dancing. Their performances and eventual competitions took them to Broadway in New York. The pandemic, however, has brought them back to social media. “But we’re finally back on the road,” Geaney said.

Velocity’s live performances include the audience, according to Geaney. “You have no choice but to clap,” he said.