Alongside Jean Butler, who starred in the original performance of 'Riverdance'?

'Riverdance' is an Irish dance performance to music composed by Bill Whelan. It was originally performed during the interval at the 1994 'Eurovision Song Contest' starring the Irish dancing champions, Jean Butler (born 1971) and Michael Flatley (born 1958). In 1995, the dance was expanded into a stage show, which has since visited over 450 venues worldwide.

Michael Flatley is an Irish-American dancer who is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance by incorporating tap and contemporary dance. He is in the 'Guinness World Records' for tap dancing 35 times per second and his feet were at one time insured for $57.6 million. Traditionally, Irish dancing is performed with rapid leg and foot movements, and arms stationary at the dancers' sides.

In September 1995, Flatley attempted to negotiate creative control of his own choreography with Moya Doherty, the producer of the show. Twenty-one hours before the show's opening at The Apollo Theatre in London, England, Doherty sacked Flatley and replaced him with Colin Dunne.

Flatley went on to work on other dance shows, including 'Lord of the Dance', 'Feet of Flames' and 'Celtic Tiger'. He retired in 2016 after revealing that the repetitive dance movements had damaged his spine, knees and feet.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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14 Comments

Joy Holbrook

More than 20 years ago, my son lined up for hours to surprise me with tickets for hubby and me to attend the Riverdance performance in Newcastle, Australia. I was spellbound! I’ve been struck dumb twice in almost 80 years - at the Riverdance performance and standing in the foyer of the Dorchester Hotel in London. On the way out at the conclusion of the show, I said to my husband: ‘I don’t ever expect to see any performance as brilliant as that ever again!’ I’ve seen many live performances since of some famous artists, but none has equalled Michael Flatley and Riverdance.

Merri Sillery

I fortunately got to see him on his last Riverdance tour in the US. I was amazed, he was spectacular.

Leapy Lee

The you tube clip from the time is amazing to watch.

Joy Holbrook

Richard D. Boyle, thank you so much. I’m always happy when my writing conveys something meaningful to the reader. 😊

Richard D. Boyle

Joy Holbrook, Reading your note gave me a vicarious thrill for the intense and singular emotions that the amazing performance created in you. Thank you for sharing that. I’m happy that the experience is still with you.

Fred Keogh

It even conquered audiences in China, and THAT isn't easy to do.

Joe Mangan

Char, there is much truth in what you say. Up to a century ago or so Irelands simple folk held house dances. My grandmother played the concertina at them. Then certain people opened profitable dance halls, discouraged house dances and turned Irish dancing into a joyless affair. Watch some old clips and see the long, sad faces of the dancers. Credit to Michael Flatley, Jean Butler, Bill Whelan and many others for rescuing Irish dancing from the Puritans. One negative note: In competition most of the kids are forced to sport the most ridiculously garish hair-dos.

buhlemann

I first saw they Flatley brothers dance at a folk festival in Chicago 45 years ago. They were both great then, but more traditional.

catmom

I saw Michael Flatley on T.V. & I thought he was great.

Denise Currie

I have seen this live and it was amazing

Char

Joy Holbrook, I've never seen it in person but I agree

Char

Leapy Lee, I loved it so it back then

Char

I love Irish dance I wish I'd known about it much earlier. By the time I learned of it I couldn't breathe good enough to do it..I could still dance fast but not like them.. In the old days I read it was against the religion to dance so the Irish learned to keep arms still but feet moving. That way Priest or pastor came you just stopped your feet and stood still. Sad because dancing is joyous not vulgar so yo have it taken away? I guess Footloose was the American version of this religious ban. I still love to watch them dance though ..