The night Riverdance was introduced to the world

April 29, 2014

April 30th, 1994 was the night Riverdance was introduced to the world.

20 years ago, on April 30th 1994 something happened during the interval of the Eurovision Song Contest that was to lead to the creation of one of the most successful stage shows of all time and introduce the wider world to Irish dance and music.
As votes were being counted around Europe, in Dublin in the Point Theatre (now the O2), RIVERDANCE burst onto the stage and took the audience by complete surprise.
From the haunting vocals of anúna, the graceful elegance of Jean Butler, the explosive arrival of Michael Flatley and culminating in a long line of Irish dancers beating the stage in perfect heart-stopping harmony – a whole new genre of entertainment was born and 20 years and 25 million audience members later – Riverdance still astonishes globally.
Riverdance would like to hear where you were on that extraordinary night. Share your memories online at #riverdance20

RIVERDANCE for Eurovision 1994 was presented by RTE, created and produced by Moya Doherty, with music by Bill Whelan, choreography by Michael Flatley and Jean Butler and staging by Mavis Ascot.
Riverdance are inviting stories from the Irish dancers they inspired and the audience they have delighted over 20 years.

Riverdance, the full length show, will run at the Gaiety Theatre this summer from 23 June – 31 August 2014. Now booking.