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{{Short description|Irish musical and dance production}}
{{For multi|the ship|MS Riverdance{{!}}MS ''Riverdance''|the animated film|Riverdance: The Animated Adventure}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox stage production
| name = Riverdance
| image          = Riverdance-20 Logo Gold.jpg
| image_size     = 250px
| alt            =
| caption        = 20th Anniversary logo
| genre          = [[Folk music of Ireland|Irish folk music]], [[Irish dance]]
| type           = Touring theatrical show
| premiere       = {{Start date|1995|02|09|df=y}}
| finalshow      = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} -->
| location       = [[Point Theatre]], [[Dublin]]
| creatortitle1  = Composer
| creatorname1   = [[Bill Whelan]]
| creatortitle2  = Producer
| creatorname2   = [[Moya Doherty]]
| creatortitle3  = Director
| creatorname3   = John McColgan
| creatortitle4  =
| creatorname4   =
| creatortitle5  =
| creatorname5   =
| otherlabel1    = Starring
| otherdata1     = {{plainlist|
*[[Michael Flatley]]
*[[Jean Butler]]
*[[Colin Dunne]]
*[[Breandán de Gallaí]]
*[[Joanne Doyle]]
}}
| otherlabel2    = 
| otherdata2     = 
| otherlabel3    = Origin
| otherdata3     = Interval performance act at the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1994]]
| otherlabel4    = Notable early runs
| otherdata4     = {{plainlist|
* February 1995, [[Point Theatre]], Dublin
* March 1996, [[Radio City Music Hall]], New York City
}}
| otherlabel5    =
| otherdata5     =
| website        = http://riverdance.com
}}
'''''Riverdance''''' is a [[Theatre|theatrical]] show that consists mainly of [[Folk music of Ireland|traditional Irish music]] and [[Irish dance|dance]]. With a score composed by [[Bill Whelan]], it originated as an interval act during the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1994]], featuring Irish dancing champions [[Jean Butler]], [[Michael Flatley]] and the vocal ensemble [[Anúna]]. Shortly afterwards, husband and wife production team John McColgan and [[Moya Doherty]] expanded it into a stage show, which opened in [[Dublin]] on 9 February 1995. As of 2025, the show continues to tour the world.

==Background==
Riverdance is rooted in a three-part suite of baroque-influenced traditional music called ''Timedance''. The suite was composed, recorded and performed for the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1981]], which was held in Ireland.<ref name=ceolas>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceolas.org/artists/Planxty.html|title=Ceolas Profile: Planxty|work=Ceolas.org|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref> At the time, [[Bill Whelan]] and [[Dónal Lunny]] composed the music, augmenting the Irish folk band [[Planxty]] with a rock rhythm section of electric bass and drums and a four-piece horn section. The piece was performed, with accompanying dancers from Dublin City Ballet,<ref>{{cite web|last=Walsh|first=Ciarán|url=https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/0224/1181436-riverdance-roots-kerry-folk-dance-siamsa-tire/|title=How roots of Riverdance can be found in Kerry|work=[[RTÉ]]|date=30 November 2022|access-date=5 November 2023}}</ref> during the interval of the contest, and later released as a Planxty single. Whelan had also produced ''[[EastWind]]'', a 1992 album by Planxty member [[Andy Irvine (musician)|Andy Irvine]] with [[Davy Spillane]], which fused Irish and Balkan folk music and influenced the genesis of "[[Riverdance (song)|Riverdance]]".<ref>{{cite book|last=Ó Cinnéide|first=Barra|year=2002|title=Riverdance: The Phenomenon|location=Ireland|publisher=Blackhall Publishing|isbn=1-901657-90-6}}</ref> After composing "Riverdance",<ref name="ceolas" /> Whelan said, "It was no mistake of mine to call it Riverdance because it connected absolutely to Timedance".<ref>{{cite book|last=O'Toole|first=Leagues|year=2006|title=The Humours of Planxty|location=Ireland|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton|isbn=0-340-83796-9|pages=296–299}}</ref>

==History==
===1994===
{{external media
| float = right
| caption = Riverdance YouTube video
| headerimage= [[File:YouTube 2024.svg|alt=YouTube logo|x20px|left]]
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0v_pu6miJ8 Riverdance at the Eurovision Song Contest 30 April 1994, Dublin]
}}
Riverdance was first performed during the seven-minute interval of the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1994]] at the [[Point Theatre]] in [[Dublin]] on 30 April 1994. The performance was transmitted to an estimated 300 million viewers worldwide<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/2889-eurovision/700505-eurovision-song-contest-and-riverdance/|title=Riverdance Unveiled at Eurovision in Dublin 1994|work=RTE.ie|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref name=adage>{{cite web|last=Bortoli|first=Natalie|url=http://adage.com/article/news/marketing-100-riverdance-moya-doherty/71614/|title=THE MARKETING 100: 'RIVERDANCE': MOYA DOHERTY|work=AdAge.com|date=30 June 1997|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709081818/http://adage.com/article/news/marketing-100-riverdance-moya-doherty/71614/|archive-date=9 July 2017}}</ref> and earned a [[standing ovation]].<ref name=independent>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/mr-riverdance-steps-up-a-gear-29150321.html|title=MR riverdance steps up a gear|work=Independent.ie|date=25 March 2013|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/culture/2024/0430/1446507-original-riverdancer-tells-all-30-years-on-from-eurovision/|title=Original Riverdancer tells all, 30 years on from Eurovision|date=30 April 2024|work=RTE News|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref> The performance is often considered the most well-known interval act in Eurovision history<ref>{{cite web|last=Davies|first=Luke|url=http://justanotherlight.com/2014/11/15/10-of-the-most-memorable-interval-acts/|title=10 of the most memorable interval acts|work=JustAnotherLight.com|date=15 November 2014|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|url=http://eurovoix.com/2015/03/22/eurovisions-greatest-hits-riverdance-to-perform/|title=Eurovision's Greatest Hits: Riverdance To Perform|work=Eurovoix.com|date=22 March 2015|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dempsey|first=James|url=http://www.newstalk.com/From-worst-to-Riverdance:-A-comprehensive-ranking-of-Irelands-Eurovision-interval-acts|title=From worst to Riverdance: A comprehensive ranking of Ireland's Eurovision interval acts|work=NewsTalk.com|date=21 May 2015|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref> and is credited with transforming [[Irish dance]] from a chaste and reserved traditional dance form into a new, modern form.<ref>{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Jane|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/502446/Riverdance-Queen-Jean-Butler-explains-why-she-left-the-limelight|title=What became of the Riverdance Queen? Jean Butler explains why she left the limelight|work=Express.co.uk|date=23 August 2014|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170709082646/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/502446/Riverdance-Queen-Jean-Butler-explains-why-she-left-the-limelight|archive-date=9 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The original seven-minute version was invited to perform at [[Dominion Theatre]] in [[London]] at the [[Royal Variety Performance]] in the presence of [[Charles, Prince of Wales|Prince Charles]] in November 1994.<ref name=thejourney94>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1994-2/|title=1994|work=Riverdance.com|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123144519/https://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1994-2/|archive-date=23 November 2018}}</ref>

The song "Riverdance", featuring [[Anúna]] and the [[RTÉ]] Concert Orchestra, was released as a single<ref name="Riverdance Single">{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bill-Whelan-Featuring-An%C3%BAna-And-The-RTE-Concert-Orchestra-Riverdance/release/2090935|title=Riverdance the Single on Discogs|work=discogs.com|date=May 2019|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=RTÉ Archives|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/2889-eurovision/700505-eurovision-song-contest-and-riverdance/|title=Riverdance Unveiled at Eurovision in Dublin 1994|work=rte.ie|date=30 April 1994|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref> and subsequently topped the [[Irish Singles Chart]] for a record-setting 18 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brinn|first=David|url=https://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Arts/Sailing-with-the-Riverdance-of-life|title=Sailing with the 'Riverdance' of life|work=JPost.com|date=9 August 2011|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Myers|first=Justin|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-history-of-the-official-irish-charts__23351/|title=The history of the Official Irish Charts|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=19 July 2018|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref> As of 2010, it was still the second highest-selling single of all time in Ireland, behind only [[Elton John]]'s 1997 double A-side "[[Candle in the Wind 1997]]"/"[[Something About the Way You Look Tonight]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/top_twenty/toptwenty.htm|title=Top 20 of All Time|publisher=[[Irish Recorded Music Association]]|website=Irishcharts.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322231931/http://irishcharts.ie/top_twenty/toptwenty.htm|archive-date=22 March 2019|access-date=8 July 2019}}</ref>

===1995===
[[File:Anúna performing in "Riverdance - the Show" February 1995.jpg|thumb|"Riverdance: The Show", February 1995.  Singers left to right are:<br>Richard Boyle, Tara O'Beirne, Emer Lang, Tony Davoren, David Clark, Katie McMahon, Peter Harney, Máire Lang, Paddy Connolly,  Miriam Blennerhasset]]
After witnessing the initial enthusiasm for the interval act performance in Ireland, husband and wife production team John McColgan and [[Moya Doherty]] invested over $1 million into producing a full-length show.<ref name="adage" /> Tickets for the show were released for a five-week run and sold out within three days of going on sale.<ref name="independent" />

"Riverdance: The Show" opened at the Point Theatre in Dublin on 9 February 1995.<ref name=thejourney95>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1995-2/|title=1995 part 2|work=Riverdance.com|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123144525/http://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1995-2/|archive-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> The show starred lead dancers [[Michael Flatley]] and [[Jean Butler]]. The video of the show topped the Irish and UK charts in 1995.<ref name="thejourney95" />

The show moved to London in June 1995, where it had a sell-out four-week run at [[Hammersmith Apollo|The Apollo]].<ref name=thejourney952>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1995-3/|title=1995 part 3|work=Riverdance.com|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123144525/http://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1995-3/|archive-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> During its time in London, Riverdance performed at the Royal Gala 50th Anniversary of [[VE Day]] celebrations at the invitation of Prince Charles<ref>{{cite web|last=O'Reilly|first=Jo|url=http://irishpost.co.uk/twenty-one-stomping-facts-riverdance-phenomenon/|title=Twenty one stomping facts about the Riverdance phenomenon|work=IrishPost.co.uk|date=23 March 2016|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329050754/http://irishpost.co.uk/twenty-one-stomping-facts-riverdance-phenomenon/|archive-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> and at the [[Royal College of Music]] in the presence of [[Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref name="thejourney952" />

The show returned to the Point Theatre in July 1995 for a sell-out six-week run.<ref name="thejourney952" />

The show's growing success coincided with lead dancer Michael Flatley clashing with the producers over salary and royalty fees.<ref>{{cite web | last=Hartigan | first=Patti | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/05/27/lord-of-lord-of-the-dance-gives-his-side-of-the-story/ | title=Lord of 'Lord of the Dance' gives his side of the story | work=BaltimoreSun.com | date=27 May 1997 | access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> By early October 1995, a contract dispute over creative control led to Riverdance parting ways with Flatley on the eve of reopening for a second sell-out run at The Apollo.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/michael-flatleys-very-last-dance-26185047.html | title=Michael Flatley's very last dance | work=Independent.ie | date=26 June 1998 | access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Colin Dunne]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Sweet | first=Matthew | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/arts-extracting-the-michael-1354028.html | title=ARTS: EXTRACTING THE MICHAEL | work=Independent.co.uk | date=24 November 1996 | access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> At the same time, female lead Jean Butler was unable to perform due to an injury. As a result, Dunne paired up with Eileen Martin for the opening night.<ref name=dream>{{cite web|last=Looseleaf|first=Victoria|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-09-ca-37411-story.html|title=Stepping Into a Dream|work=LATimes.com|date=9 April 1998|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media | people=Riverdance | date=2005 | title=Riverdance – The Ten Years | medium=Documentary | publisher=Tyrone Productions}}</ref> The initial six weeks at The Apollo was extended twice.<ref name="thejourney952" /> During this extended period, Riverdance returned to the Royal Variety Performance at Dominion Theatre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/blog/2014/11/20/trading-taps-royal-variety-performance-20-november-1995/|title=Trading Taps at the Royal Variety Performance 20 November 1995|work=Riverdance.com|date=20 November 2014|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref>

===1996–1998===
Riverdance travelled to the United States for the first time in March 1996.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kisselgoff|first=Anna|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/15/arts/dance-review-irish-steps-and-their-kin.html|title=DANCE REVIEW;Irish Steps and Their Kin|work=NYTimes.com|date=15 March 1996|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref> On 13 March, the show opened at [[Radio City Music Hall]] in [[New York City]] for the first of eight sold-out performances over five days. Costing about $2 million to bring the show from Ireland, Riverdance broke even in its first New York outing.<ref name=stage>{{cite web|last=Marks|first=Peter|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/21/theater/on-stage-and-off.html|title=On Stage, and Off|work=NYTimes.com|date=21 June 1996|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref>

Upon returning from New York, Riverdance went on to have another notable extended run at The Apollo between May 1996 and January 1997.<ref name=cities>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/1995-to-1998-cities-performed/|title=1995 to 1998 : cities performed|work=Riverdance.com|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref name=thejourney96>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1996-3/|title=1996|work=Riverdance.com|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123144554/https://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/1996-3/|archive-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> By late 1996, Riverdance had created separate companies in order to tour multiple cities at the same time. The Lee company began a U.S. tour in October 1996.<ref name="stage" /><ref name="cities" /><ref name="thejourney96" /> Riverdance toured Australia for the first time in 1997.<ref name=thesenior>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/8372184/must-see-jig-as-riverdance-celebrates-25th/|title=Riverdance 25th anniversary show to tour Australia in 2024|work=TheSenior.com.au|date=10 October 2023|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=MacNaughton|first=Tanya|url=https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/art/riverdance-announces-25th-anniversary-australian-tour-starting-at-perths-rac-arena-c-12089915|title=Riverdance announces 25th anniversary Australian tour starting at Perth's RAC Arena|work=[[The West Australian]]|date=3 October 2023|access-date=30 November 2023}}</ref>

In 1997, Bill Whelan received a Best Musical Show Album [[Grammy Award]] for his recording of 'Riverdance'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2006/0201/whelanb.html|title=Meteor Industry Award for Bill Whelan|work=[[RTÉ]]|date=1 February 2006|access-date=7 August 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805090241/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2006/0201/whelanb.html|archive-date=5 August 2011}}</ref>

A number of notable cast departures occurred around this time, with Anúna leaving in September 1996;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celticcafe.com/archive/Music/anuna/anuna.html|title=Anúna|work=CelticCafe.com|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref> Butler leaving in January 1997;<ref name="dream" /><ref>{{cite web|last=O'Sullivan|first=Kevin|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Riverprancer%3B+JEAN+BUTLER+LIFTS+THE+LID+ON+LIFE+WITH+RIVERDANCE...-a060405266|title=Riverprancer; JEAN BUTLER LIFTS THE LID ON LIFE WITH RIVERDANCE CO-STAR MICHAEL FLATLEY|work=The Mirror|date=26 October 1999|access-date=9 July 2017|quote=But two years ago she followed in Flatley's high-kicking footsteps and suddenly quit.}}</ref> and Dunne leaving in June 1998.<ref name=biog>{{cite web|url=http://www.colindunne.com/biog.php|title=Biography|work=ColinDunne.com|access-date=9 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815181906/http://www.colindunne.com/biog.php|archive-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>

===Early 2000s===
In 2000, Riverdance performed on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] in New York at the [[Gershwin Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunning|first=Jennifer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/17/movies/dance-review-with-fast-feet-and-fiddles-an-irish-perennial-returns.html|title=DANCE REVIEW; With Fast Feet and Fiddles, An Irish Perennial Returns|work=NYTimes.com|date=17 March 2000|access-date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://riverdance.com/blog/2000/03/17/broadway-opening-night-2000/|title=Broadway Opening Night 2000|work=Riverdance.com|date=17 March 2000|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref> In 2003, Riverdance featured at the Opening Ceremony of the [[2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games|Special Olympics]] in Dublin<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeFtzfSu0nI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/SeFtzfSu0nI |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Riverdance at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics, Dublin 2003|work=YouTube.com|date=26 November 2010|access-date=2 June 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and toured China for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Watts|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/oct/14/arts.china|title=Riverdance takes a great leap forward on Mao's stage|work=theguardian.com|date=14 October 2003|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[File:Riverdance cast, 2019.jpg|thumb|Riverdance at the [[Gaiety Theatre, Dublin]], in 2019]]
In 2020, Riverdance's 25th Anniversary show began touring.<ref name="thesenior" /> As of 2023, Riverdance has played more than 15,000 performances across 49 countries and six continents. The show has been seen live by more than 30 million people.<ref name="thesenior" />

In 2021, an animated feature film titled ''[[Riverdance: The Animated Adventure]]'' was released.<ref>{{cite web|last=Molumby|first=Deirdre|url=https://entertainment.ie/tv/on-demand-news/riverdance-animated-movie-irish-release-sky-cinema-now-483447/|title=That 'Riverdance' animated movie is going to Sky Cinema and NOW|work=entertainment.ie|date=11 May 2021|access-date=15 May 2021}}</ref>

==Dance numbers and songs performed==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Riverdance songs and dance numbers from the five live recordings of the show'''
! ''Riverdance: The Show (1995)''<br>Michael Flatley & Jean Butler
! ''Riverdance: Live From New York City (1996)''<br>Colin Dunne & Jean Butler
! ''Riverdance: Live From Geneva (2002)''<br>Breandán de Gallaí & Joanne Doyle
! ''Riverdance: Live From Beijing (2010)''<br>Padraic Moyles & Aislinn Ryan
! ''Riverdance 25 Anniversary Show: Live In Dublin (2020)''<br>Bobby Hodges & Amy-Mae Dolan
|-
| valign="top" |
# Reel Around the Sun
# The Heart's Cry
# Countess Cathleen – Women of the Sidhe
# Caoineadh Chú Chulainn
# Distant Thunder
# Firedance
# Cloudsong / [[Riverdance (song)|Riverdance]]
# Lift the Wings
# Freedom
# Harlem to Hollywood
# Andalucía
# Macedonian Morning
# Marta's Dance – The Russian Dervish
# Hope to the Suffering
# Michael Flatley Flute Solo – Whispering Winds
# Home and the Heartland / Heartland
# Finale / Riverdance International
| valign="top" |
# Reel Around the Sun
# The Heart's Cry
# Women of Ireland / Countess Cathleen – Women of the Sidhe
# Caoineadh Chú Chulainn
# Thunderstorm
# Firedance
# Slip into Spring – The Harvest
# Cloudsong
# Riverdance
# American Wake (The Nova Scotia Set)
# Lift the Wings
# Heal Their Hearts – Freedom
# Trading Taps
# Marta's Dance – The Russian Dervish
# Oscail An Doras
# Heartbeat of the World
# Homecoming
# Home and the Heartland
# Heartland
# Finale / Riverdance International
| valign="top" |
# Reel Around the Sun
# The Heart's Cry
# Countess Cathleen – Women of the Sidhe
# Caoineadh Chú Chulainn
# Thunderstorm
# Shivna
# Firedance
# Slip into Spring – The Harvest
# Cloudsong
# Riverdance
# American Wake (The Nova Scotia Set)
# Lift the Wings
# Heal Their Hearts – Freedom
# Trading Taps
# Macedonian Morning
# Marta's Dance – The Russian Dervish
# Andalucía
# Rí Rá (Oscail An Doras)
# Slow Air / The Tunes
# Home and the Heartland
# Heartland
# Finale / Riverdance International
| valign="top" |
# Reel Around the Sun
# The Heart's Cry
# Countess Cathleen – Women of the Sidhe
# Caoineadh Chú Chulainn
# Thunderstorm
# Shivna
# Firedance
# Slip into Spring – The Harvest
# Cloudsong
# Riverdance
# American Wake (The Nova Scotia Set)
# Lift the Wings
# Heal Their Hearts – Freedom
# Trading Taps
# Marta's Dance – The Russian Dervish
# Oscail An Doras
# Andalucía
# Slow Air / The Tunes
# Heartland
# Finale / Riverdance International
| valign="top" |
# Reel Around the Sun
# The Heart's Cry
# Countess Cathleen – Women of the Sidhe
# Caoineadh Chú Chulainn
# Thunderstorm
# Firedance
# Shivna
# Slip into Spring – The Harvest
# Cloudsong
# Riverdance
# American Wake (The Nova Scotia Set)
# Lift the Wings
# Trading Taps
# Macedonian Morning
# Marta's Dance – The Russian Dervish
# Heartbeat of the World
# Andalucía
# Anna Livia
# Slow Air / The Tunes
# Heartland
# Finale / Riverdance International
|}

==Notable lead dancers==
{{Div col |colwidth=22em}}
*[[Michael Flatley]]
*[[Jean Butler]]
*[[Colin Dunne]]
*[[Breandán de Gallaí]]
*[[Joanne Doyle]]
*[[Kevin McCormack (dancer)|Kevin McCormack]]
{{div col end}}

===Other notable dancers===
*[[María Pagés]] (flamenco dancer)
*[[Gardiner Brothers|Michael and Matthew Gardiner]] (troupe dancers)

==Musicians==
In the spirit of [[Irish traditional music session|traditional sessions]], the musicians play on stage without sheet music.<ref name="IrishmanAbroad">{{cite podcast |author-link=Jarlath Regan |author=Jarlath Regan |edition=309 |work=[[An Irishman Abroad]] |title=The Riverdance Episode: Episode 309 |publisher=[[SoundCloud]] |date=18 August 2019 |url=https://soundcloud.com/an-irishman-abroad/the-riverdance-episode-episode-309 |access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>
{{Div col |colwidth=22em}}
*[[Anúna]] - vocal ensemble
*[[Máire Breatnach]] - [[fiddle]]
*[[Ronan Browne]] - [[uilleann pipes]]
*[[Anthony Drennan]] - guitar
*[[Eileen Ivers]] - fiddle
*[[Declan Masterson]] - uilleann pipes, low whistle
*[[Katie McMahon]] - vocals
*[[Máirtín O'Connor]] - [[accordion]]
*[[Michael McGlynn]] - choral director
*[[Rafael Riqueni]] - guitar
*[[Davy Spillane]] - uilleann pipes, tin whistle
{{div col end}}

==Recordings==
===CD===
*''[[Riverdance: Music from the Show]]'' (1995)
*''Riverdance 25th Anniversary: Music from the Show'' (2019)

===VHS===
*''Riverdance: The Show'' (1995)

===DVD===
*''Riverdance: A Journey'' (1996)<ref name="DVDJourney1994">{{cite book
| last = Brown
| first = David
| year = 2007
| title = God and Grace of Body: Sacrament in Ordinary
| page = 92 
| publisher = Oxford University Press, USA
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=m_pT5VT9FfwC&q=Riverdance%3A+A+Journey+%281994%29&pg=PA92
| isbn= 978-0-19-959996-7}}</ref>{{rp|92}}
*''Riverdance: Live From New York City'' (1996)
*''Riverdance: Live From Geneva'' (2002)
*''Riverdance: The Documentary 10 Years'' (2005)
*''The Best Of Riverdance'' (2005)
*''Riverdance: Live From Beijing'' (2010)
*''Riverdance: The Collection'' [5 DVD Set] (2010)
*''Riverdance 25 Anniversary Show: Live In Dublin'' (2020)

==See also==
*''[[The Countess Cathleen]]''
*[[Cú Chulainn]]
*[[Music of Ireland]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://riverdance.com/ Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111010200215/http://www.tyroneproductions.ie/riverdance/ Riverdance] at tyroneproductions.ie
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnPoFXKhggo The Insiders, the Riverdance story (2014)] on [[YouTube]]

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
| before=[[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]]
| title=[[Eurovision Song Contest]]<br />Final Interval act
| years=[[Eurovision Song Contest 1994|1994]]
| after=[[Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin]]
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Michael Flatley}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album}}
{{Irish dance}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1981 compositions]]
[[Category:1994 in Irish television]]
[[Category:1995 in theatre]]
[[Category:Irish Singles Chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:Irish dance]]
[[Category:Irish stepdance]]
[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest 1994]]
[[Category:Flamenco]]
[[Category:Tap dance]]
[[Category:1990s in Irish music]]
[[Category:2000s in Irish music]]
[[Category:2010s in Irish music]]
[[Category:2020s in Irish music]]