Riverdance at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics, Dublin 2003

The Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games on June 21st in Croke Park, Dublin, marked the beginning of the largest sporting event in the world in 2003.
The spectacular Opening Ceremony saw international stars from the worlds of showbiz and sport join together with 7,000 athletes from over 160 international delegations to collectively celebrate their achievement at reaching the final of the 2003 World Summer Games

[@denisejurado8335]

Who’s still nerding out to this in 2021? 🥰 love this since the 90s!

[@craigstarbuck9535]

Me. I loved this back in 1993. It's stood the test of time. 😍

[@Limbiclesion]

Great art rarely fades easily and so often continues to impress, entertain and inspire so therefore continues to bring joy to artist and audience .Here we have a cultural expression of great and humanely profound beauty …already crafted and ….centuries old 🙏🙏🏿👏👍🎩🦄

[@carolsloan2736]

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[@jeaniepate6046]

Yes, I am here in AZ.

[@Ailichan01]

Me too. I was just little girl when this begin. So this holds childhood menories.

[@StevenRoberts770]

2024 anyone

[@angelamahon8717]

So hard to believe this was 13 years ago.... Isn't it just magnificent?

[@KMTBB]

I’m here buddy ☘️

[@marranm4950]

I’m here sweetheart from ! N.ireland wishing I could have danced like these young ladies x

[@qwertyqwertz3400]

No 2022

[@harukiseik]

From Japan

[@barrez9307]

Here in 2023 ! I will NEVER FORGET the first performance of RIVERDANCE I saw in 1995. II was exhilarated, cheering, emotional swept away by the passion the artistry the beauty and magic of Ireland. Michael and Jean were GENIUS, gorgeous and A god and goddess of Irish Dancing History. A PHENOMENAL MAGICAL SHOW OF IRISH ARTISTRY, CULTURE AND GLORY.

[@cathysmith8705]

There will never be a show better than this. I watch it endlessly, simply amazing 💖

[@tonipait2568]

Watching now in 2023. So beautiful! Never too late to appreciate !❤❤

[@pinkyman5155]

I’m not Irish but anything music,dance, drama, art or literature that comes from Ireland is always of the highest standard and quality.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

Great compliment. Thank you

[@riverdance]

We are finishing up in North America after 16 years of touring there. We will continue to tour the rest of the world, visiting countries we have not visited before such as India, Brazill and others. So not a scheme, really the final shows!

[@edwardzeller3104]

Riverdance is just about the best Dance group I've ever seen. The timing and strength.

[@angelapenton867]

Jean Butler made riverdance in my opinion, she was warm and beautiful but also distant, like a fairy, you just waited till she showed up.

[@brad5983]

U know Irish dancing is old right

[@denisejurado8335]

Yes fairy is right!

[@ronniconnelly933]

I adore River Dance I get goose bumps when I watch

[@warringtonminge4167]

It's actually scary how much I watch these Riverdance clips and even scarier how I always get a bit of grit in my eyes when I do. Just love it.

[@ainelawlor5755]

Hello KZbin fans my name is aine Lawlor and I am a special olympion I took part in the 2003 world games and came 4th in the world for Ireland 🇮🇪 was a proud moment for me and my family what a honor it was to be in croke Park that night to see this Riverdance always gives me goosebumps proud irish year this was and moment for me I hope to get another world games 💪💪💪💪 ps you don't need a high IQ to be a special olympion 😘😘😘😘 dreams do come true even when you have a learning disability never give up

[@n17whlronnie92]

Bravo up the Irish! 👍👏👏👏

[@sherbear2016]

Wonderful Aine! Congratulations on being an Olympian. I’m sure this was a glorious night for you to see Riverdance as well!

[@healmac]

God bless you!

[@noelyboy6969]

Brilliant

[@giturdone1200]

Not taking anything away from Riverdance they are exceptional however Micheal Flatney is just going to be hard to beat I know he is retired now but one of the greatest dancers I've ever seen

[@redtoenails2909]

Ireland are proud people. River dance a wonderful beautiful dance.

[@galoglaich3281]

redtoenails Yes but riverdance is the show ,the dance style is irish step

[@rachelgroth7108]

I’m not even Irish and it makes me tear up

[@TheManuelasoares]

It's a badass dance

[@vilamor007]

🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 We are a proud nation it's a pity our corrupt Governments are not the same, They are Traitors to flag and country, Riverdance superb 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@markyd2633]

Jeesus.....remember watching this in 94 at the eurovision......just watched it again....choked up and nearly in tears....proud to be Irish....2023

[@aldente2011]

20 years down the line, this spectacular performance is shining and will it no way fade away from our memory.

[@cnzhk5925]

When they all got in line and started to dance so brilliantly in syn, it's looks almost like it was CGI. It takes dedication and self-discipline to achieve such perfection. Hats off to each and every one of the dancers involved 👍💞 I'm watching this in 2024, and I'm sure people will be in awe watching this for years to come 🎉👏🤩

[@MrMountainMan]

Awesome to see Jean Butler at the beginning. I still have a hard time ever thinking any pair was as perfect as her and Flatley. Regardless the music score transcends the performers and this show is absolutely amazing.

[@viviennebolger739]

I can remember watching the 94 eurovision contest at the local was always good craic.. but that year wow I can honestly still remember the hush descending. Incredible moment never to be forgotten and most likely never will be repeated. Sending love to everyone and strength to Michael Flately right now 💪 ❤️

[@reneecote7187]

It sends chills all over me every time I see anything to do with river dance it truly is magical

[@andytyler1140]

I’m still here and watching in 2022 I’m proud of my Irish descendant’s and I’m proud of our wee Ireland. God bless you all health and happiness to you and your families.

[@pondent]

I’m proud of this, I wish I could dance like this and I’m indian

[@markandrew3667]

Watching 2024 still gives me chills

[@Icandoitifiwant]

Seen Riverdance in person 4 times. GOOSEBUMPS EVERY time I watch it!!

[@ArvindDevalla]

If you come to India, I am ready to shell out every rupee in my savings to get a glimpse of you folks dancing! Please come soon!

[@lindab8397]

How can anybody put a thumbs down for this 🙄 it’s fabulous 👍😆🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@gloin10]

Some humans have an incredible capacity to be negative. And they always come out of the woodwork for something like this... It is deeply sad.

[@rozzyalexa9005]

I never tire of watching this from the very first time at the 1994 Eurovision song contest and it still takes my breath away.

[@warringtonminge4167]

Riverdance never ceases to a) amaze me and equally b) reduce me to tears

[@andrewsetiadi3258]

Riverdance remains the superior irish dancing show. Original and true to its heritage. Not with silly robots and unicorns in enflamed bushes

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Still watching !! 9 March 2024....from Cape Town....❤❤❤❤

[@BluDiamond-77777]

18th March 2024 from London... 💞💃🏽🕺

[@annabrisley479]

Hi from Gqeberha (PE) 🇿🇦

[@Never-Mind007]

Still watching in October 2023 🎉

[@julienneattwood8209]

My late sister was there. Couldn't believe I didn't know about it in the UK. As much as I enjoy UK, I am born and bred Ireland. I call what I have the homesick Diddley Dee syndrome. Aren't these guys fab?

[@socialbutterfly4146]

They are so very lucky! They got the best opening show EVER! ❤

[@janicehill7342]

God bless Ireland for the creation of such a masterpiece of dancing. I never get tired of watching riverdance and was quite surprised when I came across a chinese version who have put their own twist on it. Watch and compare you may be surprised.

[@SloMo2723]

We saw Riverdance when they came to America. It was the best show I've ever seen!

[@jgibbs651]

Amazing. When this routine first appeared during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest it set a standard that nothing has come close to since - just breathtaking.

[@louiserobson]

Another national treasure born to uplift, entertain and beguile the world. Thank you Michael and Jean for your lead in this wonderful troupe, phenomenal!!!

[@rangerpete3868]

Fantastic performances. They are the best of old Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤

[@nicolakj]

I saw Riverdance live when I was a teenager with the same principle dancers.... it was incredible

[@camkent8629]

I've just seen it today and i agree with you it is absolutely phenomenal. Would love to learn it haha

[@patriciabilinkas3911]

When you see the show in person, the floor actually bounces.💚☘️

[@saramcdowell5596]

It has to for the shoes and dance style. A hard floor is really hard on our feet, ankles and knees. The bouncing floor gives momentum and absorption, like a spring. 💚🇮🇪💃

[@susanfuerte7844]

The floor is a shock absorber.

[@TommySimmons-jb3yc]

I'm from 2024 I'm loving all irish dance I'm some irish my self

[@montannaglaze9575]

Pretty much the Irish were like oh we’re hosting the Olympics? Let’s set a record to start it off

[@paulwhelan7123]

Best ever stage performance in history, makes me proud to be Irish 👌☘

[@guestaccount2989]

16 years later, people are still listening to that amazing voice❤

[@patslovnik4397]

Timeless beauty, timeless showmanship. Erin go bruh!!!

[@pamelastory8737]

The most fabulous show on earth,ever

[@suzanmcgaw888]

Total Excellence, Beauty, Talent Now and Originally.

[@AJDaniels5298]

First off, I'm from Washington State. When I was a kid, back in the 90s, I used to have this "Michael Flatley" costume that I'd put on and go out on the back patio and "Riverdance" along with the tape. After seeing a home video my mom made of it, I now know that I looked like a tiny pirate trying to step on a very fast spider. I still love Riverdance but I'm not auditioning anytime soon rofl

[@carolpaula2204]

Fair play 💚🤍🧡

[@Artis341]

Hahaha🤣☘️🤣☘️🤣☘️

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

Bet you are not like a lot of Americans, obese. I guess you are like Biden or Obama or Bush junior and senior. Slim trim and full of energy.

[@johanneflanagan2999]

Crying with laughter, love from Ireland ps I did Irish dancing lessons in my 20's I'd nearly vomit with exhaustion

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

I saw a podcast once of big American Footballer who took up Irish dancing to improve his lower limb strength and agility. He said it worked wonders for him.Spent a whole end of season in Ireland learning to do Irish dance.

[@goldapardy4234]

Im watching but i have to be honest although these guys are brilliant indeed. I cant help but remember River Dance with Michael Flatley. Although sometimes a little big for his britches he was the best and he knew it. I have to agree although many tried to take his place i dont think they ever will. Cheers Michael you will always be number 1 in my book.

[@zoewtang]

River dance is amazing part of Irish culture. Shout loud and proud when you have something this amazing

[@cheesethrower]

Pierce Brosnan went from this to voicing in the animated Riverdance movie and that is truly special

[@MrHattick]

Props to the builders who made that stage! :D

[@trinidad2450]

My heart leaped out of my chest as I watched all the wonderful dancers line up to dance perfectly synchronized. I had chills! I tell you the truth, if I were Irish, I’d be incredibly proud! Wow, what a performance! I never get tired of watching them perform. Thank you for sharing this with us all. Today, I am Irish! ☘️

[@viviennemcgee1913]

Thank you Ian proud to be Irish ♥️

[@Eric-of3cd]

Watching in 2023 ! Love it still !

[@patriciab7137]

Who is watching this in 2023?

[@Javier-lz4ku]

I DO❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-rz3dd2tq6g]

Я смотрю из Украины!!! И мне нравится,но всеравно 1996 год лучший!

[@tinekespa1190]

Its 2024 now and I am watching.

[@graemetaylor2135]

Anyone else watching and thinking Ben Stiller is really good at this?

[@babavee100]

Brilliant quip !!! well done !

[@janeelfgren]

Watching this may 2023🇮🇪💚🍀🍀💚🇮🇪

[@DorothyMarsh-ch5zt]

Fantastic. 💖🙏.

[@tomayrscotland6890]

Those kids must have put hours and days into that routine, Just excelent no words to describe the performance.

[@barrez7300]

I remember the first time i saw this on the Eurovision Song Contest show in the '90s. I was shaking and the exhilaration took my breath away. I had witnessed something so unique and passionate and beautiful and exciting I and the world will never be the same again. I experienced that again today! Long live RIVERDANCE!🏃💃🎶🎵

[@Canuck13]

Watching 2024. My Belfast grand dad could dance like this in our kitchen! It was incredible. I was little but remember it like yesterday.

[@monicarothbeck7393]

Michael Flatly started it all. I went to see them 3x and that's what I call talent dancers. It's very hard to do what they are doing and be Perfectly in sync. The are the BEST.

[@MFrainbow]

Good evening all and Riverdance. You are very welcome in Germany and good luck on the German stage 🎻👍🎻👍🎻❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍🤗

[@robertashaffer3950]

Wonderful... But still.. There was no one like Jean Butler and Michael Flatley. They were the best!

[@caasiwms]

Jean Butler said it was such an honor for her to welcome them on the stage there. It should be their honor to have the chance to perform the amazing dance that she helped co-choreograph/co-star in. No one will ever surpass the original Michael Flatley/Jean Butler combo.

[@dtaylor4552]

@Karma Sweet "Lord Of The Dance" should come to the Big Screen as a Biopic of Michael Flatley's life from humble beginnings being born to Irish parents growing up in Chicago to the glittering and successful life long career as a stage performer and the smash hit show of the 1990s and the part he played in bringing show to life starring Poldark's Aiden Turner as Michael Flatley, Mamma Mia actress Amanda Seyfried as Jean Butler, Pop Singer Shakira as Bernadette Flynn, Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Domnhall Gleeson as Daire Nolan and Love Island's Maura Higgins as Gillian Norris in a cast of thousands with Directors Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemnickis at the helm and Composers Ronan Hardiman and John Williams creating the musical score for the film to supersede "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Rocketman" on the screen for the thrillseeking cinematic audiences to be amazed further across the globe.

[@carlaaustin6054]

Watching in June 2023. Still enjoying it. My great niece tap dances.

[@kathleenward4905]

Sorry this is not tap dance.its hard shoe irish dancing.

[@carlaaustin6054]

@@kathleenward4905 is it really? I always thought that they were tap dancing. It's remarkable.

[@kathleenward4905]

Yes it's all irish it's taught in school from an early age.but riverdance are champions of champions. To get to their standard you have to be very fit have a passion for it. It takes anywhere up to 20 years to get to that standard and they have to practice for a couple of hours every day.

[@dawnmcintosh7631]

Watching 2024

[@hkgat8632]

Wow, Lisa Kelly in the opening group vocal. Love her voice. Beautiful lady too.

[@dublinjazz1]

She sang at my wedding in Dublin back in 1996😀

[@marika6570]

It's March 2023 and I enjoy this fantastic performance. The dancers* are beautiful.

[@madelynvanzant6810]

Have enjoyed since 1994 when the world was shown the wonderful talent

[@andytyler1140]

Who’s watching in 2023?.

[@agentjordan605]

Me

[@kevinroche3334]

OMG! NEVER GETS BORING! IRELAND, MY IRELAND!

[@EMomp]

I'm watching this in 2023 and can only hope I will see it in person again soon!!

[@indiantinamorals5791]

...me too EMomp

[@amandaalbury8681]

We saw Michael and his troop in Riverdance in Australia. What a wonderful and fun concert to watch.

[@JohninRosc]

My heart beamed with pride this night as it showed Ireland in great light. It showed the understanding and love the country has for children with special needs but moreover, Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali were in attendance. How privileged we were.

[@stevegregson4357]

Wow the Celts proud dominant beautiful never ever give that heritage up

[@clarewitcomb6918]

Watching from Montana in April 2023. I first saw RIVERDANCE in 1995 and I marvel at it now as I did back then.

[@kathleenmurray1185]

Not ashamed to say I must be a nerdy then Michael still gives me goosebumps.

[@ewalaura8370]

he is worth it, genial look on "lord of the dance" he also made, even better!!

[@Kaibigan39]

That's not Michael, that's someone else.

[@Orlak3lly]

Can’t believe my boyfriend got to witness this that night. Majestic is not the word

[@bytheway456]

so beautiful. I discovered river dance on tv in 2013... Is one of my dreams to go to see the real show live .. one day

[@mccm2060]

Amazing I remember this night. I was in the stands with my mam, dad and sister. Mohammed Ali and Nelson Mandela where there. All to welcome the amazing athletes, there coaches, suporters and families to ireland for the special Olympics, the first time it was held outside the USA. We hosted bangladesh in my town. It was a great experience and it really was an amazing few weeks for the Athletes. What a night that was.

[@user-kf8ns8qo9w]

ここまでスケールの大きなリバーダンスは初めて観た。爽快だ‼️

[@jeancaust9762]

I love the Irish dancing, I have Irish both sides of family, my great grandmother came across from Ireland to Australia and could only speak Gaelic.

[@bikescarsandeverythinginbe7309]

Started almost 30 years ago,still just as impressive.

[@evemahony671]

What a spectacular performance!!!

[@coreencasey5109]

Oh the Irish, they know how to dance. I miss the Mighty Mike. Sensational performance.

[@Janazzzzzzzzz]

I’m watching in 2023 💥💥💥💥💥👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤❤❤👵🏻

[@gracetang7612]

Always mesmerized by Riverdance. First watched their Spirit of the Dance performance in Auckland in 2002. The stage background for this Special Olympics should've been bright as the dancers' pants were black.

[@carolparker7714]

I was there for the original river dance at hammer smith Odeon, I will never ever forget it, went back many times

[@davidhaney1394]

with respect , the original Riverdance was on 9 February 1995 at Point Theatre, Dublin . I`m sure you mean that , you saw it the first time they toured it with Michael Flatley though so , I`m really not having a go at you x

[@bredaokeeffe4702]

The orignal was dublin 30 th april

[@carolsiedzik8127]

These dancers are so good but there will never be another Michael Flatley or the original riverdance💔

[@kerryg100]

Ireland finest moment ever and I was there the night we hosted the special Olympics It was magic ..This was but a small part of what was to unfold The generosity of spirit by all present on the night will never be replaced ... K

[@tamarapuja4675]

Oh God! What a Riverdance! Respect people! Love from Croatia 😘

[@patriciahall8506]

2022!!! would love to see them again!!! Great show! ❤️🔥

[@ewalaura8370]

look on "lord of the dance" in this is creator all this: Micheal Flatley, best ever. also look on his other work - "celtic tiger", amazing

[@lynncuthbert2307]

Magical and brilliant. It never gets old. Go Ireland we love you.. ❤️❤️🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@patbarbour808]

Who’s watching this Christmas Day 2023.😊

[@bb22602]

The amazing synchronozation of these dancers always blows me away.

[@dominiqueanno4234]

I HAVE BEEN MAKING.. CLAQUETTES.. IN PARIS.. SEVERAL YEARS... I LOVE THIS SPORTING DANCE.. SO LOVELY.. VERY DIFFICULT. FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER ROGER'S... WHO KNOW THEM?? I HAVE BEEN 10 YEARS OLD... YES IT IS JUST DANCING IN ONE GROUP... THAT IS NOT FOR ANYONE.. CIAO EVERYONE.. GOOD TIME.. LET'S GO...!!! 🎶➕

[@enisjusuf2457]

Simply, amazing......like Ireland...Thank you!

[@patrickba5083]

Who is watching in 2023?

[@warringtonminge4167]

Quite a few of us I think.

[@roberthope3966]

Watching may 2024

[@tomhermens7698]

Amazing!! Have no other words for this.

[@vanessadaly6699]

I got to witness this live and still in 2024 I get chills and brought back to that magical night ✨ never seen anything like it 🇮🇪💚

[@robinbird3563]

She has an angelic voice... so beautiful. Love Riverdance!

[@8ballphil150]

brilliant performance . but miss michael so much . the governer .

[@davidkeenan5642]

He thought he was the governor, but he was easily replaceable!

[@at_brunch3836]

Saw Riverdance in Canada and wept with emotion through the entire stellar performance. Magnificent, brilliant, enduring strength of the very talented Irish people.

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

you better believe it