Michael Flatley's Celtic Tiger

Michael Flatley speaks of his show saying: "Celtic Tiger portrays the oppression of a people. The tiger itself symbolizes the awakening of their spirit in the struggle for freedom. The show itself is a 90 minute spectacular. It is very fast moving, powerful and hard-hitting and I think that it is something that you have never seen before."

Few races have played a more significant role on the stage of world history than the Irish. Ireland 's history provides a dramatic story board for Michael Flatley , challenging his creative ability to produce a spectacle that is at once provocative and sensitive.

The story unfolds with the Celts. And as darkness fills the stage the pulsating sound of taps signal the beginning of a daring production that is masterful in terms of choreography, music, stage presentation and costume design.

Join us for a journey through the pages of history. Discover how the people of Ireland found their pace in the world through courage, ingenuity and an unfailing sense of their own destiny.

The epic begins with the portrayal of the passion of the Irish spirit in a fight for freedom. The journey begins before Christianity and chronicles historic events that depict the power and courage of the indomitable Irish spirit throughout centuries of hardship and oppression.

Images from history fill the first half of the show, culminating in the birth of Ireland, the nation state, and a people emerging victorious from the jaws of defeat.

The second half is a celebration of modern Ireland, and new beginnings in America and across the globe. But the binding thread is the invincible spirit of the Celtic Tiger itself, weaving images into an exquisite tapestry of dance drama.

And it heralds another defining moment in the career of Michael Flatley. As creator and choreographer, his relentless drive converges with his vision of Irish heritage in a show that roars with defiant energy.

Celtic Tiger began it's tour on July 9, 2005 in Budapest, Hungary as Michael had always planned.

It was there that Michael chose to unveiled Celtic Tiger, his epic masterpiece that fuses the spirit and history of Ireland with music and dance

Celtic Tiger premiered in the US on September 27, 2005 at Madison Square Garden where Michael and his troupe gave the audience a stunning performance that received five standing ovations and many great reviews.

As the European Tour of Celtic Tiger was building momentum, it was suddenly canceled. On November 15, 2006, Flatley's website reported that he had been admitted to hospital. According to media reports, he was suffering from a serious viral infection. All his up-and-coming shows for Celtic Tiger were cancelled. He left hospital three days later.

Michael Flatley is still an active force in the production of his dance works. After his illness, he married and had a child.

More recently he has made a guest appearance and gave a performance on an episode of Dancing With The Stars. He also filled in for judge, Len Goodman, during the 7th season of the show.

In January 2009, Michael Flatley became the co-host of NBC's Superstars of Dance.