‘Michael Flatley appeared like a rockstar’: how Riverdance gave the jig cool factor
Thirty years ago, Riverdance’s groundbreaking Eurovision interval performance ignited a new generation’s devotion to Irish dancing
Every Irish dancer remembers the first time they watched Riverdance. For many, that bolt from the blue struck 30 years ago when the Eurovision song contest interval act was broadcast across the world on the evening of 30 April 1994. This sensational, seven-minute showcase of the host country’s traditional dance form would upstage the main event and inspire a new generation of jigging hopefuls, begging their parents to be enrolled in Irish dance classes the very next week.
I was one of the more unusual cases, having taken up Irish dancing lessons in my local church hall before even seeing Riverdance. My Irish dad, realising this was fast becoming a deep devotion and not a fleeting hobby, soon introduced me to the show that had changed Irish dancing for ever. “You will love Riverdance,” he enthused to his then nine-year-old daughter, born one year after the show’s debut.
Continue reading...Date: |
Filter
-
The Dow crossed 40000 for the first time, a milestone that appeared implausible a little more than two years ago when the Fed began raising interest rates to cool an overheated economy.
The Dow crossed 40000 for the first time, a milestone that appeared implausible a little more than two years ago when the Fed began raising interest rates to cool an overheated economy.The Wall Street Journal - World -
Beyoncé, ESPN gave Harris tickets, disclosure shows
Vice President Harris was gifted tickets to Beyoncé’s concert by the artist herself and a Howard University football game courtesy of ESPN, a 2023 financial disclosure report shows. Harris attended Beyoncé’s "Renaissance World Tour" concert in ...The Hill - Politics -
Goff cites 'security,' NTC as factors in new deal
Jared Goff noted "security" and his no-trade clause as the biggest things he valued in his contract negotiations with the Lions.ESPN - Sports -
How Media Outlets Are Covering Michael Cohen’s Testimony
Conservative outlets have painted Mr. Cohen as a traitor to the conservative cause, while liberal organizations focused on what he said he did for Donald J. Trump.The New York Times - Business
More from The Guardian
-
Israel recovers bodies of three hostages taken by Hamas, including Shani Louk
Bodies of Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter recovered from Gaza as 129 hostages taken on 7 October remain in captivity. The bodies of three hostages kidnapped by Hamas, including the German-Israeli Shani Louk, have been retrieved from Gaza by the ...The Guardian - World - Israel -
Economic damage from climate change six times worse than thought – report
A 1C increase in global temperature leads to a 12% decline in world gross domestic product, researchers have found. The economic damage wrought by climate change is six times worse than previously thought, with global heating set to shrink wealth ...The Guardian - World - Climate -
‘Magic David called’: David Copperfield repeatedly contacted Jeffrey Epstein
Phone messages and meetings suggest a friendship between Copperfield and the disgraced financier. His lawyers deny it. The message pads appear a little faded, but the handwriting on the spiral-bound notebooks is clear enough.. Staff at Jeffrey ...The Guardian - World -
Scottie Scheffler charged with assault after traffic stop outside US PGA
World No 1 released in time to play second round at ValhallaPlay delayed after pedestrian killed by shuttle bus near courseFollow live updates, plus news from round two of the US PGAThe most extraordinary chain of events in major history saw ...The Guardian - World -
Trump aides plot deportation effort inspired by UK Rwanda plan – report
Wall Street Journal notes that British example may not be a good one, as ‘plan hasn’t gone into effect yet ‘amid legal challenges’. Aides to Donald Trump working to transform US immigration policy should he return to power are pursuing goals ...The Guardian - World - United Kingdom