Flatley, Michael
The Irish
Michael Flatley first took the world by storm in 1994 with "Riverdance," a fusion of Ireland’s great tradition in dancing as well as innovative modern elements that would change forever the face of Irish dance.
In 1996, his "Lord of the Dance" show premiered in Dublin and was an instant phenomenon. He followed this achievement with the "Feet of Flames World Tour" and "Celtic Tiger," a celebration of Ireland’s spirit, history and powerful Irish dance.
Born in Chicago in 1958 to Irish emigrant parents from Co. Sligo and Co. Carlow, Flatley began dance lessons at age 11 and at age 17 was the first non-European resident to win the All-Ireland World Championship for Irish dance.
He was recognized by the National Geographic Society as a Living Treasure in 1991, and has held Guinness Book world records for tap dancing speed (a record he first set in 1989 and broke in 1998), highest paid dancer, and highest insurance premium placed on a dancer’s legs.
Flatley is married to dancer Niamh O’Brien and they have a son. They live in Co. Cork, Ireland.
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