Michael Flatley dancer

Michael Ryan Flatley (born 16th July 1958) is a former Irish-American dancer, choreographer, and musician. He became internationally known for Irish dance shows Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Celtic Tiger Live. Flatley's shows have played to more than 60 million people in 60 countries and have grossed more than $1 billion. Flatley is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance by incorporating new rhythms, syncopation, and upper body movements, which were previously absent from the dance. He is in the Guinness World Records for tap dancing 35 times per second and his feet were at one time insured for $57.6 million. Flatley retired in 2016 due to constant spinal, knee, foot, and rib pain.

[@MeTheMayo]

I am a fan of Michael Flatley since I was 14. He was 36 at his top performance in Lord of the Dance, pretty “old” for a dancer. Now that I am 36 myself I realise even more how amazing his achievements are, it must have take a huge toll on his body. Amazing man!

[@samconduct1356]

This man is the greatest living example of someone who followed the dream in their heart and lived it to the absolute maximum. He's a true inspiration for many and may many more generations see him and follow their dreams.

[@user-wt5gc8xf3f]

👍🤝❤

[@allies7184]

To me the fact that Flatley was about 10 years older than most of the other dancers, was incredible. It was like, "Come on kids, let me show you how it's done." lol

[@gailhancocks5207]

Yeah he was great but, got too big for his boots, he didn't do this on his own 😂

[@patriciadault8983]

He will always be the very best dancer ever, he is mesmerizing you literally can't stop looking at him...that is the Irish way keeping your integrity and fighting for what's right and you did it..I hope your kids are brought up with same talent and wisdom. ❤

[@mi2ube]

He stuck to his principles and that shows the integrity this man has. He was not gonna sell himself out for his future just for money. Such passion and you sir, have my respect.

[@carltongirl95]

I've seen other Irish male dancers but there is something special about Michael Flatley...from the moment he comes on stage he just has me in awe...absolutely amazing and very handsome as well 💜

[@cynthias5014]

He's Electric!

[@MC-yp7fb]

He is so amazing! I jusr can't stop watching him. I was at his show in Mexico City, "Lord Of The Dance" and when we got out we still were amazed. Bless you Michael.

[@user-wt5gc8xf3f]

👍👍🤝

[@stephanieruggles7783]

There is nothing more in the world that gains my respect than integrity. Very rare these days. To stand up for your own principles. The joy and the passion with Michaels dancing can never be bought by any company. Self financing is the best way to do it. You work on your own bill, make your own decisions without any people influencing with money. It was a very deep insight how much toll this took on him. Great tome for all sides but also a retirement well deserved. The self confidence Michael has is much needed if you finance a show like this on your own. Determination plus a vivid dream to fight and stand up for.

[@diannelavoie5385]

Determination in the eye, fire in the belly and magic in his feet = Michael Flatley.

[@parttimetourist]

Tremendous respect for Maestro Flately a true Master of Irish Dancing

[@edithdavis2848]

Michael Flatley changed the world with his dreams. Thank You so much for holding tight to those dreams and giving them to the world. An amazing legacy of dance talent never before or after seen.

[@cryingbroken8824]

Well said!!💖👏👏👍

[@LoveABun]

My heart literally races when I watch him perform. There’s just something about him that gets way deep under your skin... and it’s a marvelous feeling! That smile. Those eyes. Cuts right through you!

[@KT-jy9oj]

netcatzpj it’s called charisma and that with talent made him a star.

[@phillystracey9160]

He is somthing special. He brings the music to life and makes you feel it like he does.

[@bernadettekavanagh9984]

Such contracts are suffocating, mentally, physically and emotionally, and no amount of money can compensate for it. Michael is a very brave, intelligent and very courageous man, and truly deserves the success he and his team have achieved.

[@josmelser9869]

2024 Still amazed by Michael Flatley!

[@elfirafeige4848]

Mir stehen oft die Tränen in den Augen, wenn ich Michael Flatley tanzen sehe. Er und seine Tänzer sind großartig! Unglaublich. ❤❤❤

[@weallmakechoices7456]

A true Force of Nature. And credit to Melvyn Bragg for this sympathetic interview. Brava Michael!

[@miavos3610]

Michael is STREETS above anyone else in his field. 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@eugenequinn4578]

Just seeing this for the first time. Would have to agree thoroughly with the edited comments from M. Forrestal. I judged Michael when he won his ‘World Championship’ dancing on the stage of the Round Room in the Mansion House, Dublin, in 1975, and continued judging around the world for 45 years, so I think I know a little about Irish Dancing. And yes I did award him First Place. Eoghan O Cuinn, SDCRG (now living in Western Australia).

[@ekateriniprifti388]

Love the Irish music and the Irish dance.

[@lillyhall676]

I ABSOPOSOTUTELY love watching him dance and hid flirtatious moves with the ladies..he most definitely has my utmost respect and gratitude..those eyes make my heart melt

[@tanb9304]

So loved watching this! Went to see Lord of the Dance in 1996/97 and it was just magical! Took your breath away. Even now I am still moved watching it. Bloody amazing!

[@poison1vy]

Oh I'm so jealous. I was going to see Riverdance in Finland, I even bought the ticket but my narcissist parents stopped me to go to the show. 😢 But anyhow, I'd had like to see specially Michael Flatley. So in love with his moves. ❤❤

[@leoSaunders]

@@poison1vy . 😔😔😔

[@cinnabar585]

I saw Lord of the Dance during that time period too. Still the most amazing show I’ve ever been to!!

[@villiestephanov984]

Absolutely irreplaceable!

[@jolpenrose]

I could watch Michael Flatley dance all day long!

[@ekateriniprifti388]

Can't stop watching him dance. He is magic

[@lysechrist1947]

Magic is the right word!

[@veracraveiro5105]

Me too!

[@lenahickey3571]

MY HEART ❤️ WAS RACING WHEN I WENT BACK IN TH LATE 90'S.

[@inspelled]

Maybe it was just something from back in the day. But I got HELD BACK BECUASE OF MY DREAMING. My teachers just couldn't handle it. Now though it is the very thing I'm known for. Live your dreams, don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise and thank you Michael for living yours.

[@lesliesmith5797]

Have been to two of Michaels performances and it completely had my heart racing both times. He and his troupe are amazing. 💕🕺🏼

[@vickiepearson5345]

I am so glad Michael that you went ahead and gone on with your dream. I have tremendously love your work. God has blessed you!

[@pamelafoxx129]

This man is beautiful..inside and out

[@lauraemoretti3685]

Best interview I have ever seen. I am a forever fan.

[@patriciagarrett4243]

My maternal grandparents came from Ireland to the US in1920. Landed in NYC and made their home first in Hell's Kitchen then in the Bronx where they had 4 kids (my mother the 1st born took Irish step dancing but it got too expensive to continue). She regretted being unable to continue. I was given the opportunity to go to Ireland in 1958 with my grandfather and my youngest aunt for the month of August. My mother was supposed to go, not me, but she was pregnant at the time and in her 3rd trimester. I had my 12th birthday in Ireland and my sister was born that October. I have never forgotten that trip and I'm 74 now. My younest aunt went along. Her birthday was esrliervin August and she wantedvme to be born on her birthday...I didn't cooperate. But I turned 12 and my aunt turned 25 that August. It was a wonderful opportunity and alot of fun. And to this day, I am so grateful for that opportunity.

[@daisycostello2430]

You are the Greatest!!!! Love ya Mr. Flatley 🍀

[@edshoprag5738]

I hope you can live a pain free life now ,GENERATIONS Wil for ever thank you god bless you

[@maidinulster]

True Irish legend

[@GabrieleMeurer]

Michael Flatley is my greatest inspiration as a dancer. Unfortunately he cannot dance anymore today because of multiple injuries. He paid the price. He knew it. I myself on the other hand am still dancing at age 68. I do not do it for fame, just for fun. No price to be paid.

[@rosemorris7912]

Sadly, he doesn't have the speed or the stamina--but who among us does at that age? I can't imagine the aches and pains he has from the decades of punishment he put his body through in order to achieve that perfection.

[@GabrieleMeurer]

@@rosemorris7912 I have. Still at age 68. I have never punished my body trying to reach perfection.

[@helenabrawn6908]

We were there for his whole journey we love you forever michael Flatley x

[@yknowgirl]

What a cool guy. I’m so impressed and want more. Thanks!

[@maryk446]

Even Fred Astaire would have been impressed with the dancing of Michael Flatley. And that's saying a lot.

[@pamelafoxx129]

The man with the magic feet

[@faithrada]

That Yes.. but even more than that... he has that special *something*.. that one either has or they don't. He has IT

[@cryingbroken8824]

Well stated.💝

[@Clingan1234]

What a guy 🙌

[@CarmenZynger]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 - excellent story on Michael Flatley!!!

[@daylily32]

Not bad for a guy from Chicago....did I get that right? The man can litally fly.

[@IrishAnnie]

I’ve never seen anyone dance like him. Not ever.

[@stewartquark1661]

As a teacher of a form of karate that is now extinct I would love to work with Mr. Flatley to exchange some ideas with him about " kicking" I can surely say he and so many others have never heard of or could have possibly imagined.Thank you, God bless

[@mariannewilliams138]

Amazing just amazing

[@batsinthebelfry4676]

I knew he is a great dancer but after I heard that he was brave enough to go his own was, I like him even more

[@patriciagarrett4243]

Fabulous dancing and the shows were glorious.

[@dannypowell8080]

I think Michael flatley is the greatest dancer ever

[@veveveverita521]

Wonderful! Merveille! Maravillossa! Congratulations! Thank you! 🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶😀😀😀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀

[@noelp4916]

Good on you Michael. Best regards from Australia.

[@tracylynn1053]

What a stunning person 💕💕

[@wisamjameeloloo2527]

I never saw or see a perfect dancer like him

[@lindapryor3747]

Don’t forget Fred Astaire! He was perfection!

[@lenahickey3571]

I was so not into irish stepdancing not till I saw him.loved it

[@helgavest8355]

I love Michael Flatley! Love is from Russian!🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Macon-xh5ik]

He is the best!!! And I'm not Irish...but Michael is out of sight...

[@rosemorris7912]

Neither is he. He was born in Detroit and grew up in Chicago. But you can't sell yourself as the King of Irish Step Dancing with a Midwestern twang.

[@Macon-xh5ik]

@@rosemorris7912 well maybe to me is awesome because as I said I'm not Irish..the thing is that I love to see this dancing ...👍🏻

[@kimberlywoodyard9027]

Loved watching him dance!

[@jangowan5742]

I agree with everything that was said..Also think Bill Whelan has composed some amazing stuff☺

[@henkpoog1264]

I can't stop by watching at him !!!!!!!! Gr Lillian 🌹🇳🇱👍

[@user-xs5nb8nz3x]

Уже писала!! Не владею английскою в полной мере! Майкл- особенное явление!!! Есть много танцоров этого жанра! НО!!! ТАКОГО уровня! Такой экстаз в танце?!!! Такой огонь в глазах?!!!

[@lauraemoretti3685]

Brilliant

[@elizabethkelly2424]

Just the best and Michael your a fresh spirit try keep the sunshine have time out lreland love you well done all the best from Elizabeth from Dublin best to you and yours

[@SuperSunshinesue]

Born Free......and with feet !!!!!! OMG.

[@davestevens112]

Incredible man. You have my greatest respect. Dave uk

[@jasminnemcdonald94A]

That man has feets of strength.

[@barbaraheinze9406]

You were so great. From River dance who made you famous and you are known around the world. I’m not sure your age but i’m 68. Your ankles knees back took a beating so if your around my age i have to wonder how your joints are holding up because your dancing is stellar. Your dance troops are marvelous

[@kathyhunt3681]

YOU HAVE PROVED THAT YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IF YOU LOVE IT ENOUGH.👍🏼💕

[@jodigeorge299]

What a dancer and amazing man...

[@sarahleach9997]

He is sp amazing ❤🥰🤗

[@DavidJohnson-yq4nz]

A true great of the dance Majestic

[@dagmarwateridge1442]

Keep it up!! Cant wait for a new show!

[@michelledelaney5132]

GOD WHAT A MAN 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🇬🇧

[@ekateriniprifti388]

Amazing. Brilliant

[@MsPixi66]

Hes a strong hardworking magical man eye stopping jaw dropping sexy sexy man and all man.xx

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

Just love his accent.

[@montgomery9882]

Class absolutely class

[@loisraymcinnis6006]

Time flies; 5:43 PM FRI. 11-Mar-2022.

[@albinazaseeva7295]

Fantastic person❤

[@EsteraGKafka]

I love Him , Love Love Love, amazing Man

[@janicemeeks3243]

Michael Flatley is AWESOME! So glad he done what he believed in. All of his dancers were fantastic too! I wish this dance had been around when I was young.because I certainly would have done it! Now I have grandchildren and great grandchildren. I want them to have an opportunity to do this but can’t find anywhere that teaches this dance. My granddaughter loves to dance she takes ballet and is quite good. I live in Williamston N C 27892. If you know of a company that teaches this dance please comment.

[@elainehendrix9714]

And a magic body too!!

[@lindaterrell5535]

When Celtic dancing meets Flamenco.

[@Ytdeletesallmycomments]

Hmm no totally different discipline hahaha.

[@lindaterrell5535]

@@Ytdeletesallmycomments I was being snarky. Joke - whoosh.

[@tatilibero3]

Considering his original Riverdance show had flamenco in it too... lol

[@leslietylersmith430]

Truly Amazing. Beautiful

[@marylinegamard7776]

Michael flatley est vraiment magnifique ainsi que la troupe tte entière vs êtes sublimes

[@hipdogdsv]

Omg, I do the same thing with ice water everyday here in Texas. Ive heat stroked twice so my regulator doesn't work right. I also wear ice around my neck in my bandana.

[@ellencasey5580]

He's his own Man

[@faithrada]

IMHO.. Riverdance screwed up BIG TIME.. the day they let Flatly go. God dances through this guy!

[@rosemorris7912]

I disagree. They got what they wanted, a show virtually unchanged, with interchangeable dancers. They're fun to watch. Flatley, however, got what he wanted: to be the undisputed star of the show. I only wish Jean Butler had gone with him. Nobody dances like she did.

[@corryjookit7818]

I'll bet the first photograph has been his Mother's favourite for sometime, until her next favourite cam along. Mothers are like that.

[@mihailfelixdumitresc]

There is always some degree of rage bottled up in a person who has succeeded this way. To go against the flow, against the ''standards of the industry'', to challenge the ''good practice'', you need some courage and the roots of that courage is most often than not, rage. Rage from being bullied, from being at the bottom of the food chain, from not being seen as worthwhile in no respect, etc, etc. That boxing chapter in his life speaks volumes about that rage. No calm, balanced, cheerful man volunteers for boxing for the love of Muhamad Ali or of Mike Tyson. It is rage there. The good part of the story is that all that rage was channeled towards a good and lucrative purpose. I see a resemblance between Michael Flatley and Bono's careers; both of them very good at public relations and hard working, perfectionist guys. And also some violence present in their early lives.

[@lynnhexler-haan3357]

@ Mihal F D Bono is a mealy mouthed hypocrite ! Micheal Flatley is made of a very different mettle, it would be folly to suggest otherwise.

[@mihailfelixdumitresc]

@@lynnhexler-haan3357 I respect your point of view. I know for a fact that many hundreds of millions have been raised by Bono+Bill&Melinda Gates foundation, money who has gone to poor people in Africa, for installing running water into their houses, for tuberculosis treatment, etc, etc. Both Bono and Bill Gates, could have bought another island or so, but they chose not to. For that, respect ! I have not been able to do that for my fellow people. Yes, sometimes Bono gets ahead of himself when talking about politics, but he is entitled to his own views. So are you. I have tried to find similarities between Bono and Michael Flatley; probably the differences between them exceed the similarities, I wouldn't know that. But I believe they both have been inspirational to many people each of them in their own way. Cheers !

[@loisraymcinnis6006]

WOW;; WOW; WOW!

[@moon_03cain64]

❤️

[@alyssa3031]

Corporate greed messes up EVERYTHING , EVERY TIME... but not for Micheal Flatley!!!!!!!!

[@loisraymcinnis6006]

I used to look out the window wishing we could learn outside; the principal asked: :What do you see out there; pink elephants?

[@sherry9284]

💖💗💕😍

[@misslieselotte7310]

Lord of the Dance is made in 1996 not 1995.

[@user-wt5gc8xf3f]

👍👍👍❤❤❤🌹🌹🌹

[@samantha9313]

Like running a marathon

[@Onlinesully]

gosh I’d love to have had a tiny fraction of his spirit

[@lysechrist1947]

Same magic Barishnakof had!

[@lysechrist1947]

Absolutely!

[@heidithomas5455]

An Irish dancer from America...who'd a thought?

[@m.forrestal5893]

Both his parents are Irish, and made sure their children knew their roots. They have family in Ireland and frequently visit the country. In fact, his parents are buried there. I've visited the grave. I also spent two years in the same class as one of his siblings when she spent time in Ireland as a teenager.

[@nenabunena]

A lot of Irish in America fyi

[@fairlyvague82]

Hahaha can you imagine these days anyone DARE saying Michael Flatley and his creations aren’t quite ‘arty’ enough for an ‘arts’ show?! They’d have a RIOT on their hands! Lolol Edit- Are there other parts to this documentary or did you just upload this one please? TIA

[@lanamedcalf1561]

What happened to Jean Butler?