News 1. 5. 2020
Riverdance debuts at 1994 Eurovision contest
In 1994, the Eurovision Song Contest introduced a global Irish dance phenomenon, Riverdance, starring Michael Flatley and Jean Butler to the world
Twenty-six years ago, an Irish dance performance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin changed the world of traditional Irish entertainment and sent chills up spines around the world. Something extraordinary had happened.
Since April 30, 1994, Riverdance has played over 11,000 shows, been seen live by 25 million people in over 467 venues worldwide, in 46 countries over six continents. On TV three billion people globally have witnessed the amazing show.
It all began with the interval performance at the 39th Eurovision Song Contest. The piece began with the haunting vocals of the choral group Anúna followed by the arrival onstage of Jean Butler, emerging from a traditional Irish cloak to herald the beginning of a whole new style of Irish dance.
The Michael Flatley, who would become better known as “The Lord of the Dance,” burst on stage, unlike any Irish dancer ever before. Their style and the onstage battle between the dancers and drummers brought something new to the Irish dance floor.
Next, Irish dancers flowed onstage in a perfectly synchronized troupe arriving with a determination and energy never seen before in Irish dance.
Produced by Moya Doherty, with music from Bill Whelan, and choreography by Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, the act seemed to eclipse the main event and lit a fire that would fuel the creation of the full stage show only nine months later – a fire that continues to burn to this day.
A night to remember … and the show goes on.
While Michael Flatley has retired, Riverdance continues to entertain more than two decades later. In 2014, during a special 20th-anniversary tour of Riverdance, one of the show’s lead dancers Maggie Darlington told The Scranton Times that she had dreamed of the show since she was a toddler.
The 26-year-old also told the local newspaper that while the show has evolved over time, the essence stays the same.
“I think the dancing style has changed … it’s the same steps, but we do it differently. It’s what happens when you do something for 20 years.
“At the core, it’s pretty much the same,” Darlington noted. “At the heart of it, I think the music drives that.”
IrishCentral Staff @IrishCentral
Václav Bernard
