Riverdance: Traditional Step Dancing
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Riverdance: Irish Step Dancing On Stage
Riverdance intrigues me. The rapid leg movements of the traditional Irish Step Dancing are a form of dance that I had never known or experienced until I saw Riverdance. How can they move their feet so rapidly without moving the rest of their bodies? It seems so much more controlled and precise than tap dancing.
Have you ever thought about learning Irish Step Dancing? You will find information about dance classes, Irish Step Dance shoes as well as costumes for Irish Step Dancing. Maybe you could dance in a Riverdance production some day.
Check out the latest little black dress Riverdance fashions for both men and women, find tickets and attend one of the best performances of all times.
Photo Credit: Irish Dancer
by KKeleyArt
Available on Zazzle
Contents at a Glance
Riverdance
Riverdance was choreographed by Jean Butler including her solo. Michael Flatley choreographed his own moves.
Later on, many of the dancers in this troupe went on to dance principal roles in later productions of "Riverdance the Show".
Irish Dancer poster by KKeleyArt
Browse more Irish Posters
The first full-length show of Riverdance opened at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland on February 9, 1995. The show ran for five weeks and was a sell-out.
Irish Step Dancers - Rainbow Line of Dancers by MaggieRossDance
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When Michael Flatley left the show, Irish dancer Colin Dunne took over the role of lead dancer until he too left in 1998.
Dancing Colleens by kilkennycat
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Riverdance traveled all over Europe playing to audiences in all the major cities and finally came to New York City's famous Radio City Music Hall in March 1996.
Reel Brunette by jigabout
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After all these years, Riverdance continues to be performed all over the world. Though the original performances were performed on large stages, more recently the productions have been scaled down to accommodate smaller venues.
Riverdance on DVD
Irish Step Dance Teacher - Red by MaggieRossDance
More Irish clogger teacher Cards
Don't you just love to hear their shoes clicking, watch their feet moving so fast without seeming to move their upper bodies? How can they do that?
Having the DVD at home means that I can watch it as often as I like and can even attempt to dance to it. I have found that it's a great way to experience Riverdance first hand and is great exercise.
Now you can experience the incredible performance again on DVD.
Dueling Dancers
Was Riverdance better with Michael Flatley?
Yes, Michael Flatley was the best thing that ever happened to Riverdance.
guardianstar77 says:
Absolutely! He was the master of the dance.
Raggedynan says:
Yes! Yes! Yes! Riverdance WAS Michael Flatley!
GypsyGirl68 says:
without a doubt! Flatley had such stage presence and undeniable flair...I've seen 3 versions of the show (via tv/dvd) and tho Colin Dunn and the other male leads are good, none of them can touch Flatley for sheer energy and vibrance
eccles1 says:
I like watching Michael Flatley dance but the rest are good too!
CrypticFragments says:
definately
Michael Flatley had a style and grace and poise unequaled by Clin Dunne
and he was much better looking IMO
No, Riverdance is better off without Michael Flatley.
miaponzo says:
All kinds of traditional dancing are great,, but river dance is amazing!!!!
Becca_Sanz says:
I love Riverdance with or without Michael Flatley. Just give me some Irish dancing shoes and a costume and I'd join right in.
Riverdance
Act One
Photo Credit: River Dance
on Flickr, Creative Commons
Irish ancestors came from a primitive world of fear and joy and fire. They turned wood and stone and water into homes. These people saw a powerful world around them. Their songs, dances and stories are reflected its power and rhythms. The first half of Riverdance shows is a reflection of those feelings. Feel the pounding primal rhythms as the dancers!
Riverdance Lift the Wings
Feel the emotions while the dancers express the mood of the new adventure and the loss of culture and family they are leaving behind.
Riverdance Finale
Riverdance Finale with Michael Flatley
The pounding rhythms of shoes, drums and violins beat the message that together we are a great people. Our voices, music and dance make us strong. Riverdance ends with loud solidarity. Together we are strong!
Riverdance Doll
This finely crafted hand-painted porcelain doll, dressed in a blue Irish dancing costume with embroidered celtic design, evokes the spirit and magic of Riverdance. Finished to the highest standard, this limited edition doll comes with a certificate of authenticity and is a perfect souvenir of Riverdance The Show. This doll is not a toy. It is a collectable item.
Riverdance and Irish Step Dancing Books for Children
Sepia Irish Dance Poster by darkimagestudios
More Irish dance Posters
Kathleen wants to be an Irish dancer so much that she practices her jigs, reels, and hornpipes all over the house. She longs to wear her embroidered Irish dress and dance before an audience. But when she isn't chosen for the upcoming feis, an Irish step-dancing competition, Kathleen is crushed. She soon learns, however, that the dance itself is its own reward.
Make Your Own Dress
- Lowland Design irish dance dresses: December 2006
- Dressmaking is addictive. Once you start, you will probably not stop.
Irish Dance Shoes
Soft Irish Dance Shoes
Riverdance Shoes
Black Ghillies Poster by GoodGran
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These are the shoes made for Riverdance.
Soft Shoes
The shoe is called the soft shoe, also known as "gillies or ghillies". They are worn by women when they dance. Soft shoes are like ballet shoes but soft shoes are made of black leather, with soft leather sole and the shoe is very flexible. The soft shoe is used for three dance steps. One is the reel, next is the jig, and lastly the slip jig.
Irish Dance Costumes
Costumes for Putting on your Own Riverdance Show
Tapes used to enhance Riverdance sounds
Photo Credit: Riverdance
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Most of the percussive tapping sounds that you hear in Riverdance shows are ... taped.
It's said that's the only way to ensure the audibility - and precision - of the taps.
Even if the sound that's amplified out to the audience is taped, the dancers are tapping up a storm for real. You only have to watch them pant at the end of a number - and sweat - to be sure of that.
Meanwhile, the tapes were made from dances performed back in the studio by the Riverdance troupe.
The tapes are used in the big numbers. In some numbers with fewer dancers, the shoes are indeed miked and you hear the tapping as it happens. Folks who've worked on the show's sound have said it's too hard to do that when a lot of dancers are involved.
Should the Taps be Taped?
Yes, It's the only way to get the full impact of the tapping.
guardianstar77 says:
If that's what it takes to add the sound to the performance, so be it!
MTF-briguy says:
The only plus thing that I can say about "taped Taps" is at least the show is consistent. Audience for every show get the same show! But of course, I am a visual person, so would prefer if the "lasses" dresses were just a tad shorter lol!
Irenemaria says:
Thats the whole point?
Norma_Budden says:
I understand the reasons behind taping the taps; after all, it would be less enjoyable to watch a Riverdance production and not hear any tapping. After all, recording the taps is similar to giving moving feet a microphone. You don't stand before a large audience without the use of a microphone when speaking; the same makes sense in this case.
No, I came to see a live performance and this is fraud.
Papier says:
no, no, no.......spontaneity, in unanimity, is the name of the game, no tapes.
CCGAL says:
It's not as bad as, say, what Milli Vanilli did ... but I would be kind of disappointed if I didn't know that and found out later.
WhitePineLane says:
I don't know.... I'm kind of bummed that I know that now!
Riverdance and Irish Step Dancing!
Where could I learn how to do Irish Step Dancing?
- Get jiggy with your workout
- Irish step dancing classes provide a fun, fast-paced cardiovascular workout for kids and adults. According to the My-Calorie-Counter.com, a 125-pound person can stomp, kick and whirl away 256 calories per hour.
- How to do Irish Dancing
- The first thing to remember is that at all times during the dance your arms must
be straight and held down by your sides
Riverdance in the News!
Where is Riverdance playing?
- 'Riverdance' steps into new territory
- After 16 years, the US touring production of ?Riverdance? is saying goodbye to its American audiences. For the dancers, however, there will be plenty of new adventures on tap. American fans have embraced the Irish dance-fueled phenomenon since it ...
- 'Riverdance' gets final Asheville performance on Wednesday
- 'Riverdance' rolls into Asheville for a Wednesday night performance at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Pictured is cast member Jason O'Neill, with chorus members. / R. Jack Hartin/Special to the Citizen-Times Tickets: $50.50, $60.50, plus fees.
- Review: 'Riverdance' brings audience to their feet
- BY LYNN VENHAUS - For the News-Democrat With amazing grace, stamina and talent, the cast of "Riverdance" delivered a hearty farewell performance that had the packed house at the Fox cheering and on their feet Friday. The dancers' joy and remarkable ...
Dancing is fun and great exercise.
How do you incorporate dance and exercise into your life?
Look Who's Twittering about Riverdance
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- Romione69
- Remember when Ireland won Eurovision in 1994 with Riverdance? Good times, good times...............which I do not remember....I was not born
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- z_riverdance
- RT @MllTatiana: @z_riverdance Sorry, but I'm so curious! Lol. But thanks anyway...
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- embroidertruth
- RT @caitlinmoran: Seconded RT @jennycolgan: I think Riverdance should always do this bit really, regardless of where they are. #eurovision
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- EmilySBooker
- @leeannemau5 If Riverdance is anything like real Ireland you will be seeing lots of crushed velvet, glitter and dancing white people
What is your reaction to Riverdance?
Have you seen Riverdance live? DVD? Youtube?
Have you ever tried Irish Step Dancing?
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melissiaoliver
May 4, 2012 @ 4:38 am | delete
- I was lucky enough to be able to do Irish dancing when I was younger, and then we got to recreate Riverdance in my amdram group a few years ago. It was the most amazing experience!
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Papier Apr 3, 2012 @ 12:33 pm | delete
- The closest I've come to Step Dancing is old time aerobics and square dancing - both, as you can see, leaping lizards far from Irish Step Dancing.
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brynimagire
Mar 17, 2012 @ 11:52 am | delete
- Nice doll and other information. Fantastic lens !
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chrishall5000k
Jan 27, 2012 @ 5:05 pm | delete
- pretty cool
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VickiSims
Sep 15, 2011 @ 10:55 pm | delete
- No, I love watching others do Irish Step Dancing, but 've never tried it. I was expelled from ballet school as a young girl for lack of coordination and flexibility and I can't imagine that Irish Step Dancing would be any easier! Fabulous lens ~blessed
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millou Sep 6, 2011 @ 7:49 am | delete
- I have never seen Riverdance, but I've heard of the Irish traditional dances (obviously) and I thought it must be wonderful. Now your lens proved it's amazing!
Thanks :)
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chemknitsblog
Apr 1, 2011 @ 3:36 pm | delete
- No, I don't have good rhythm... but I would love to be able to do it!
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ViolinStudent Mar 3, 2011 @ 1:56 pm | delete
- And fall flat on my face. I have enough problems doing some of the things on my square_dancing lens! I can't keep my face that passive. My arms don't hang straight. And some folks say I look horrible in green. Lensrolling this to my Irish fiddle, square dancing and hand dancing lenses!
Nice job on this lens, Evelyn.
-Art Haule
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guardianstar77
Feb 23, 2011 @ 9:52 am | delete
- Nope; too old for it I'm afraid. But I do very much love watching it!
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MTLwordsmith
Jan 24, 2011 @ 6:39 pm | delete
- I learned when I was a little girl. Mys sister and I went to Irish School every Saturday, and Step Dancing was part of it. Note: It's not to be confused with Highland Dancing! You can tell the difference because in Irish dancing, the arms stay stiff and the sides, whereas the highland dancers move theirs.
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cwimmer77
Dec 28, 2010 @ 5:30 am | delete
- no, i do not dance in public.
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MTF-briguy
Dec 1, 2010 @ 12:04 pm | delete
- No I have never tried Irish step dancing (not sober anyway lol) more of a specator than a participant when it come to dancing!
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PopStarPeaches
Oct 25, 2010 @ 12:48 pm | delete
- I've seen Riverdance live, so cool! I love irish dancing!
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howdoyouspellstupid
Oct 7, 2010 @ 4:21 pm | delete
- I love Irish Step Dancing!! It's so pretty to watch, and it must be fun to do! I'd love to try it -- I bet it would be great exercise! Great lens.
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