Latest news with #Riverdance
Irish Post
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- 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
RTÉ News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Lottie Ryan introduces Riverdance performance in 'full circle moment'
Lottie Ryan introduced a special performance of Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin on Wednesday night, following in her father Gerry Ryan's footsteps. On Wednesday, 700 Riverdanc e alumni gathered in the audience to watch the current cast, Riverdance 30 – The New Generation, performing ahead of its summer run opening tonight, 5 June. Former Riverdance dancers and musicians from across the world travelled to Dublin for the special performance. Watch: Special performance of Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre The 2FM presenter took to the stage at the Dublin theatre to echo the words that her father and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú said when introducing the interval act of the Eurovision 31 years ago, saying "Ladies and Gentlemen, Riverdance". Taking to Instagram, Lottie said it was a "full circle moment". Watch: Eurovision hosts Gerry Ryan and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú were blown away by Riverdance in 1994 Riverdance's 30-year anniversary celebrations kicked off last week as Riverdance - The New Generation tour began in Florida. The tour will take in 45 locations across the USA and Canada until the end June and 30 dates across the UK later in 2025 before wrapping up the anniversary year in Belfast. Riverdance kicks off its summer run at the Gaiety Theatre tonight, 5 June, and runs until 7 September.
Extra.ie
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Reeling in the years -- The jig certainly isn't up as Riverdance celebrates three legendary decades
From a stunning interval act during Eurovision to a global phenomenon… Riverdance is celebrating a remarkable 30 years on the road tonight. As soon as the short–but–thrilling first-ever performance finished in the Point Depot in 1994, thousands in the audience jumped to their feet and erupted into ecstatic applause. The original producer, John McColgan, has recalled that he was in tears at the reception the seven-minute 'interlude' received and knew he had to give Riverdance its own Broadway-style show. Director of Riverdance John McColgan. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. Just a year later, Riverdance was on the road and has been ever since, entertaining millions around the globe and bringing them a taste and flavour of the rich Irish culture that spawned it. In its 30 years on the road, the show has seen many romances blossom among cast members, producing 70 marriages and 130 babies. Riverdance 30 – The New Generation has kicked off a three-month stint at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, running until September 7. Original Riverdance. Pic: File A sign of its longevity is the fact that the entire cast is now younger than the show itself. Daragh Roddy, the son of a former Riverdance lead, Pat Roddy, is dancing in the show's Dublin debut. The show made careers of its original leads: US-born dancers Michael Flatley, 66, and Jean Butler, 54, both went on to individual global stardom. Overseeing rehearsals for the new show was McColgan, now 80, who produced the original performance with his wife, Moya Doherty, 68. Current Lead Riverdance dancers Amy Mae Dolan and Fergus Fitzpatrick on stage with Director of Riverdance John McColgan and (L) Former dancer Susan Ginnety and (R) Breandán De Gallaí. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. He recalled: 'The Point Theatre: when Riverdance finished, 4,000 people jumped to their feet in unison, but I was in tears, I knew something special had happened.' A year later, McColgan had turned the interval act into a two-hour stage show, which opened in Dublin on February 9, 1995. Talking about the transformation, he said: 'I was a big fan of the Broadway musical, and I wanted to take Irish dance and the very strait-laced way it had been performed. We change it and polish it all the time. Former Riverdance dancer Pat with his son Darragh (20). Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. 'The fundamental show is the same, but you get new energy every time there is a new cast. They're like young athletes now, and they take it very, very seriously.' Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, who dances in the show with her brother Fergus, grew up in Meath thinking she wanted to be in Riverdance. She said: 'We absolutely feel the responsibility and we take that challenge completely positively and we see it more as an honour rather than a heavy weight. Riverdance was here before either of us were born.' Fergus described leading Riverdance along with his sister as a 'dream come true', adding: 'It's even more special to be able to have family on the road with you when you're traveling, getting to do what you love, getting to see these amazing places while taking care of the iconic show.' While Sheena McMorrow is too young at 17 to join the full cast, she took part in last night's special performance at the Gaiety, following in the dance steps of her parents, Fran and Jonathan McMorrow, both former Riverdance members. 'My parents met in Riverdance, and that just made it so clear Irish dancing was going to be a big part of my life,' she said. Dad Jonathan said: 'It's fabulous for her to be able to do this. She's looked forward to this day for a very, very long time.' Tickets for the Gaiety shows are priced from €36.55 to €61.10.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
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.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Be Part of the Tradition: Volunteer to Clean Strawberries for LaSalle's Festival
2025 Strawberry Cleaning – Call for Volunteers! The sweet tradition continues in LaSalle as preparations ramp up for the annual LaSalle Strawberry Festival. Organizers are seeking volunteers to help clean strawberries on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing, 970 Front Road. No advance registration is required. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at the Event Centre by 6 p.m. Whether you can spare an hour or stay the whole evening, your assistance is greatly appreciated. High school students can earn community service hours, with volunteer forms signed on site. Parking is available at the Event Centre via Bouffard Road. Additional spaces are located at the nearby Riverdance building, a short walk from the venue. Guests may be dropped off at the Event Centre before parking. Pets are not permitted, except for service dogs. For more information, email events@ . Each June, the Town of LaSalle orders approximately 300 flats of fresh, locally grown strawberries from Raymont's Berries in Cottam to serve at the festival. These berries are carefully cleaned and prepared by volunteers ahead of the event, ensuring the highest quality for visitors. The LaSalle Strawberry Festival runs from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8 at the Vollmer Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway. The festival features a variety of family-friendly activities including live entertainment, children's games, craft vendors, and a classic car show. Strawberries and ice cream can be purchased at the festival's strawberry tent, operated by volunteers from Life After Fifty. The event draws thousands of visitors annually, celebrating local agriculture and community spirit. 'The festival is a highlight of our summer calendar,' said event coordinator Susan Meyers. 'Volunteers play a vital role in making sure everything runs smoothly, from preparing the strawberries to supporting festival activities.' For those interested in volunteering on the day of the festival, opportunities are also available for setup, cleanup, and assisting at various activity stations. More details can be found on the Town of LaSalle website. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
