As Riverdance’s U.S. run comes to end, TheaterJones asked lead dancer Padraic Moyles to tell us what it’s like being a part of this sensational cast, the lore behind the Irish technique and what he thinks the show has done for Irish dancing, especially here in the U.S. The show makes its final North Texas appearance Feb. 7 and 8 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Interviewed by The Clare Champion March 30th 2010
Eileen Martin was agog with excitement before the curtain went up on the never-to-be-forgotten interval act. Having joined the production as a young student, she got a huge adrenaline rush dancing on the same stage as Jean Butler and Michael Flatley.
Jason E Bernard asked his Father to bring him to see Riverdance when it first premiered at Radio City Music Hall in 1996. He saw the show and fell in love with it.
“Your mind probably goes into a different world when you are dancing on stage. It never goes blank but certainly any stresses or strains that you have certainly disappear for a few moments. It’s a very good pressure that keeps you on your toes! (Excuse the pun)”
Padraic’d best Riverdance moment was performing the principal role for the first time. “I never told my mum I was an understudy so she flew out to me for my first time not knowing I would be lead. It was pretty cool.”
“My favorite part to play is Slip Into Spring and my favourite all over number is Trading Taps. I think there’s great energy to it.”
Female Lead Maria Buffini and Male Lead Joe Moriarty are interviewed in the March 2009 special Riverdance issue of Irish Dancing Magazine.
“I did have a successful competitive dancing career winning most of the major titles such as Great Britain’s, British National’s, All Scotland’s and placed in the top 3 at All Ireland’s and World’s. That came with a lot of hard work and determination over the years and it also helped that my mum was my dancing teacher.”
“We are often on long tours and far from home so of course we miss our families and friends. We try to keep in touch with them as much as possible and many people have family come to visit while on tour. We also have great friends within the group so we all try to support each other while on the road.”
“When I’m on a long tour I do get homesick… I miss my family and close friends but with things like Skype it is made much easier and my family do try and visit which gives me something to look forward to also.”