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Last dance for “Riverdance” as show says farewell to America after 16 years

New horizons await Ireland’s most successful dance show ever

By
PATRICK COUNIHAN,
IrishCentral Staff Writer
Published Monday, February 20, 2012, 6:58 AM
Updated Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 11:15 AM

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"Riverdance" dancers in action on stage
"Riverdance" dancers in action on stage
Photo by Google Images


The final curtain is coming down – “Riverdance” is saying goodbye to America and the tears are flowing.

Some 16 years after Michael Flatley and Jean Butler first wowed the world with the unique take on Irish dancing, the show is almost over for US audiences.

Currently in the middle of a 82 city farewell American tour, “Riverdance” is coming to an emotional end as senior producer Julian Erskine confirmed to the Associated Press.

“To be at the back of a hall with the audience jumping to their feet at the end of the show after all these years, it’s just so gratifying and just so pleasing,” was how executive producer Erskine described a recent show in California.

“It’s certainly emotional to be saying goodbye.”

Set to wrap up in  the US this June, “Riverdance” has been touring the North American continent continuously since 1996, often with two shows on the road.

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It’s no easy task as the touring company includes six principal dancers, 18 troupe dancers, a live five-piece band, flamenco dancer and two American tap dancers, one of whom is also a baritone soloist.

Now South America, India and China offer new audiences for the show that revolutionised Irish dance.

Principal dancer Padraic Moyles, on the road with Riverdance since 1997 and co-starring in the show with wife Niamh O’Connor, has paid tribute to the American audiences.

“Anybody who joins the show from here on out and doesn’t get the opportunity to perform it in America, will be missing something,” said Moyles.

“I hope that someday, whether its 10 years from now, it does come back so that people get to experience that reaction again.”

“Riverdance”, the brainchild of former RTE duo Moya Doherty, John McColgan and Bill Whelan, first hit the stage as the interval act at the 1995 Eurovision song contest in Dublin. Such was the phenomenal reaction, that a show was born.

Erskine added: “The timing couldn’t have been better. We just picked up on a vibe that was happening in this country and we suddenly felt, ‘Maybe it’s not so bad being Irish. Maybe we don’t have to be the butt of every joke.’

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See more: Riverdance , Entertainment News , Irish Arts , Michael Flatley , Irish dance , Irish culture
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13 Comments

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pattbaa | Feb 25, 2012, 02:57 PM EST
This is a VERY difficult question--- in the film "Tunes of Glory" Alec Guiness, in the role of an officer of a Scottish regiment whistles what I'll guess is a Scottish air. I remember Patty Noonan playing it while dancers were formimg to dance "The Seige of Ennis" at the City Center Ballroom in Manhattan.

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peterson | Feb 23, 2012, 05:58 PM EST
A truly amazing and talented group, a real credit to Ireland!

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belfast53 | Feb 20, 2012, 08:49 PM EST
March 30, Riverdance will be in Barrie, Ontario, already bought the tickets, can't wait.

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Borderboy | Feb 20, 2012, 06:07 PM EST
Sunday, March 17, 1996. Down in the Big Apple from Canada for the St Patrick's weekend and managed to get tickets for the amazing show at Radio City Music Hall. Thought we knew what was coming, having watched over and over again the video recording to the Eurovision interlude. It surpassed all expectations. I remember the audience shuffling out o the theater foyer at the end of repeated curtain calls and everybody was literally carried along with a slip of a jig out the door and into the night. Oh how we danced on that St Patrick's Day!

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teddybear | Feb 20, 2012, 05:05 PM EST
How Sad but they were GREAT.

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alisaann | Feb 20, 2012, 02:30 PM EST
michael flatley MADE that show...and imo, GOT robbed by the powers that be....but, he went onto make & star in other AMAZING shows. alisa

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cometoshannon | Feb 20, 2012, 01:03 PM EST
After Vice President of China Xi Jinping flew into Shannon International Airport, and went to see a County Clare farm and the Cliffs of Moher, Riverdance was one of the next visits on his list - the Chinese are absolutely fascinated with the show

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gobdawpaddy | Feb 20, 2012, 12:43 PM EST
Amazing act. I was privileged to be present at opening night in New York's Radio City Music Hall, it was spectacular. Got to congratulate Jean Butler aftwerwards at a reception in the Plaza Hotel, a beautiful person.

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borefield | Feb 20, 2012, 11:46 AM EST
Where is the last show to be performed? They were/are great.

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brennanirish | Feb 20, 2012, 11:32 AM EST
Michael Flatley was genius....

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jjkleprechaun | Feb 20, 2012, 10:03 AM EST
The most wonderful group of dancers I have ever seen. It is a sad farewell but they go with our love and gratitude. I'm so glad I have them on tapes so I can relive their wonderful talents. Thank you, Riverdance, you will be missed!

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Springfield9 | Feb 20, 2012, 09:35 AM EST
When I saw Jean Butler dance ......... I was in love in 6 seconds.

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PhlutiePhan | Feb 20, 2012, 09:23 AM EST
A well deserved cultural phenomenon.

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