
Riverdance celebrates its 30th anniversary
Riverdance is celebrating its 30th anniversary tonight in unique style with the audience made up of past performers.
Since debuting in 1994, the show has been seen by over 30 million people in more than 50 countries.
"I think we will be full of emotion, and the hairs will be standing on the back of our neck," says the current lead dancer, Amy Mae Dolan.
She wasn't born when the show was.
"I don't think any of us could have ever imagined that we would have the opportunity to dance for the people we've watched on videos for years, to look out tonight and see their faces looking back at us. So it's pressure, but it's also excitement, and it's a chance for us to show them what we can do and thank them for paving the way for us," she says.
Since debuting in 1994, the show has been seen by over 30 million people in over 50 countries
For the Roddys, tonight is a family affair. Dad, Pat is a former dancer and his son, Daragh is a current one.
"It was such a great time. We were the generation that hit the jackpot," says Pat.
"We were the first batch of dancers to dance professionally, certainly at this level with the show. So just have been there and being part of it was a privilege."
His son, Daragh, will be following in his footsteps and is among those who will dance tonight.
"It's very exciting, an honour to be included tonight. It's a big show."
It's now 30 years since Riverdance burst onto the stage and became a cultural phenomenon.
"I feel I'm very privileged to have taken the show on this journey. I still love it as much as ever," says John McColgan, co-creator.
"The future is strong. We're already booking tours for 2028 so I have no reason to believe … that we can't go for another 30 years," he said.

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Sunday World
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Sunday World
13 hours ago
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Irish Post
a day ago
- Irish Post
Hundreds of former dancers turn out for launch of Riverdance's 30th anniversary show in Dublin
HUNDREDS of former Riverdance dancers came together this week to enjoy a special performance of the show in Dublin. Held at the Gaiety Theatre last night, some of the original stars of the show were in the audience for an alumni performance of the 30th anniversary show. Originally a seven-minute Eurovision interval act which impressed television audiences in 1994, Riverdance debuted in 1995 as a full-length musical and theatrical performance. Former Riverdance leads Breandán de Gallaí, Susan Ginnity and Pat Roddy pictured with Director John McColgan ahead of a special alumni event held at the Gaiety Theatre last night Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty, and directed by John McColgan, the original troupe was led by Michael Flatley and Jean Butler. Riverdance lead dancers Jean Butler and Micheal Flatley pictured in Dublin in 1995 To celebrate its 30-year milestone, Riverdance 30 – The New Generation has embarked on a special anniversary tour this year, which will see it visit 30 UK venues - one for each year of its history - from August to December. Current Riverdance leads Amy Mae Dolan and Fergus Fitzpatrick pictured on the Gaiety stage The production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics, the producers have confirmed. 'It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on,' Riverdance director John McColgan said. 'In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots.' Former Riverdance leads Breandán de Gallaí and Susan Ginnity pictured with Amy Mae Dolan and Fergus Fitzpatrick He added: 'On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming 'the new generation' of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.' The original Riverdance cast pictured in Dublin in February 1995 Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan the 30th anniversary show will run at the Gaiety Theatre until September, when it will begin its UK tour. See More: Anniversary, Dublin, Gaiety Theatre, Reunion, Riverdance, Tour