YEARS ON...
It took Riverdance just seven minutes to captivate the world. The performance was intended as a mere interval act to fill time at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin – but the global audience of 300 million was instantly hooked.
The haunting music combined with the enigmatic grace of lead dancer Jean Butler, the energy of Michael Flatley and the synchrony of Irish dancers beating the stage in unison to create a jaw-dropping stage show like no other.
Riverdance became an overnight phenomenon and, suddenly, Irish dancing was sexy.
For Bill Whelan, the show’s original composer, helping make Irish dancing popular with a new generation is one of his greatest achievements.
He says: “It is so gratifying to celebrate 30 years in the life of Riverdance.
“What’s even more uplifting is the growth in the numbers of young people actively engaging in Irish music and dance since Riverdance began in 1994.
“This new breed of performers is not only rooted and respectful of their tradition but also fearless in exploring music and dance forms from all over the world. For me, in a world that seems to grow increasingly narrow and insular, this is a powerful cause for celebration and hope.”
On Friday, tickets go on sale for a 30th anniversary Riverdance tour of 30 UK venues, kicking off with a gig at Swansea Arena on August 12.
For Charlie Mcgettigan, who with Paul Harrington won the 1994 Eurovision for Ireland with Rock ’n’ Roll Kids, witnessing “the birth of Riverdance” as he waited in the interval in the green room is a moment he’ll always treasure.
He says: “Jaws dropped all through the room as we saw Jean Butler and Michael Flatley strut their stuff across the stage. It was amazing to see
Irish dancing presented in a completely different setting.
“I remember thinking how sexy it was and how entertaining. There was a huge reaction from the audience but also in the green room everyone stood up and applauded what they had just seen – the birth of Riverdance.”
Paul adds: “It was absolutely out of this world.
You knew this wasn’t only changing the face of Irish dancing but it was making a very bold statement to the world.”
Susan
Ginnety, 45, was 15 when she performed with Riverdance on
Eurovision night 1994.
She says: “Irish dancing wasn’t cool and
Michael Flatley a lot of the kids in school were like, ‘I can’t believe you are going to embarrass yourself doing Irish dancing on TV’. “I remember saying to my mum, ‘I don’t want to do it’. After the Eurovision performance it went wild and no-one said anything to me at school after that!”
Susan performed with Riverdance for 10 years, understudying for Jean Butler and eventually taking the lead role.
She adds: “It was phenomenal. I met my husband in the cast also. It changed my life.”