RARE GILLIAN NORRIS INTERVIEW - Chat with 1990s Lord of the Dance "Bad Girl"

Until Michael Flatley came along, Irish dancing was sterile and sexless. His art form completely revolutionized the dance, and this applies to both men and women.
The perfect example of this is the original Temptress Morrighan from Lord of the Dance: Gillian Norris. "Sultry" slip jig isn't taught in school, yet somehow Gillian invented the style for seductive bad-girl Irish dancing that is still used to this day.
In our third episode of OG Tour Stories, Team Lord OG legends Denise Flynn, James Devine, Michael Donnellan, and Gillian Norris talk about: Gillian Norris!
Today, there are practically no limits on non-competitive Irish dancing. But keep in mind, back when this was originally developed, this was an atomic bomb in the world of Irish dancing. Even in Michael's first major show the year prior, the female Irish dancing was rather austere; here we see, with Lord of the Dance, the genesis of Irish dancing being used to portray dramatic characters both good and evil, embodying a wide spectrum of emotions. Using Irish dance to tell stories with characters is one of the biggest impacts Michael Flatley's art form has had on Irish dancing, yet it's often overlooked because we all too often focus on Michael the dancer instead of Michael the creator.
But these creations need superlative artists to bring to life, and it is a simple truth that in the world of Irish dance, there are few names as prominent as Gillian Norris. It's time to hear her story.
#FollowYourDream
/ michaelflatley
Hear more from the cast of Lord of the Dance. Like and Subscribe for new videos and livestream chats.
www.lordofthedance.com/
Visit the offical site for Lord of the Dance news, tour dates and tickets.

[@AnnaLizzyRose]

Gillian was the absolutely best, she'll always be my favourite in this role. Definitely something special about her performance.

[@princeofdatny]

The interview no one asked for but we all needed. She is a LEGEND

[@keithleonard9341]

Watching this show again evokes the same reaction I had several years ago; I'm so moved and I can't explain why. Moreover, in my mind it's Gillian that stands out. What a captivating performer in a legendary production. Thank you all for the years of pleasure.

[@LaizyDaisy]

At last, uninterrupted Gillian. The original and best. Thank you.

[@saskiachana9514]

OH MY GOD! I LOVE THIS WOMAN AND THIS SHOW MAKES ME CRY WITH JOY AND NOSTALGIA X

[@ISCREAM.STORE1]

Wonderful to see an interview with the performer who pioneered the gypsy character. Gillian is an absolute treasure, and I wish there would be a revival of this sort of art for the younger generations instead of the trash of today

[@MaxRank]

The cheeky wink in Hyde Park. I had such a crush on Gillian. Amazing.

[@helenchelmicka3028]

It's so funny to hear her speak and be so lovely when she dances that role so incredibly as if she's so dark and dangerous lol

[@joeyharper4483]

In my opinion, Gillian is the Goddess of the Dance. She needs to create her own Irish dance. I'm Irish and Scottish native, there is nothing more beautiful than a beautiful woman dancing to beautiful music, Thank you for this documentary. I enjoyed it. I have translated for a documentary for a friend and her band Be Under Arms.

[@trubrit5036]

Great interview! Wish the close was of Gillian and the footage in the thumbnail. So happy she has such good memories, as she gave allot of her years to the production and allot of joy to us.

[@1jazzyphae]

She is forever a legend

[@12clr12]

THE Greatest dance scene of the entire program!

[@michellefarrar7437]

Gillian was the perfect person to play fire...The perfect seductress...She had not only the gorgeous looks, but she had the perfect dance moves....

[@bacojonibacojoni5189]

She was a natural in this role. Fantastic!!!! 😘

[@10OF9OFBORG]

I have a DVD of Lord of the dance and I find Gillian Norris is very natural beautiful dancer and of course sexy. I can’t stop enjoy her dances that play my DVD so often. 😆

[@chrilles1859]

When ever I’m down I just look at those footage and it lifts my spirit up!-))

[@thegentlelioness]

Gillian is absolutely perfect! Nobody dances that role better than her.

[@CAMMURPHY250361]

Love these unique insights. Thanks

[@Clingan1234]

Her dance will always be my favourite

[@Polina_Abramova]

She is super star. I love her from first time when I saw her dance

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Wonderful to hear her perspective on the dance. And her so expressive eyes.

[@MysticLilPearl]

I remember watching the auditions for Lord of the dance on TV. They interviewed the dancers that did pass. They showed their practices........I hurt for their ankles and feet. Well anyway that was the first time I saw Gillian (didn't know her name till now). I do recall that the person that was suppose to dance with her hurt her ankle or something. That's not the point. I was so happy to see her dancing her style and through the years I have never forgotten her face! Gillian is the absolute best dancer and her shoes will be hard to fill.

[@audio91000]

I always loved Gillian. She was perfect!!

[@matejvarga6631]

"I love this". Exactly, and it was displayed. I think all Lord Of The Dance crew loved that at that time. Gillian Norris, Michael Flatley, Bernadette Flynn - the very best art. Step dancing coupled with a cool soundtrack and the amazing appearances created the memorable shows. I have always loved LOTD, I loved it from the first riverdance shows. Great to see that Gillian is doing well, though older, still feels enthusiastic, outgoing and good. LOTD the fine art

[@user-jw3uq6ok3y]

I don't know how many times ive watched love it

[@adrianaestriv8273]

Omg!!!!! Gillian, the one, the only and the best dancer!!! 😱💚☘️

[@hectorramirezrobles7268]

GILLIAN, ERES LA MEJOR QUE HA INTERPRETADO , ESTE PAPEL, ERES LA QUE TRANSMITE , EMOCIONES QUE NOS HACEN VIBRAR!!!!!

[@Hermitgirl123]

Очень талантливая артистка! Would love to see her back on stage again at least once. 😍

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

Gillian is an amazing dancer

[@matricaria1855]

Какая же она красавица в танце, так легко и живо танцует. Сначала мне не понравился танец Морриган, но все же чем-то зацепил, и уже столько лет я все пересматриваю порой этот танец. Нравится, когда люди живут своим делом, в данном случае танцем.

[@ianmcfadden5450]

Absolutely number 1 !

[@samconduct1356]

An amazing dancer.

[@Dragonfly_dance_]

Gillian is amazing!

[@user-gf5fb5nx2f]

"Gypsy" из "Feet of Flames" - это круто! Gillian, ты супер!!! Привет из России!

[@marcialramirez9566]

My love forever !!! Beautiful !!! Insuperable, nadie lo a hecho bien después de ella en ese mismo papel.

[@kcalwayskcalways]

She was why I started dancing! Amazing dancer !

[@Aussietari]

Gillian IS ♥️Morrighan.♥️

[@scottrodman1457]

Beautiful and Unbelievable talented

[@mr.wasgehtsiedasan4227]

We have feet of flames on Video and i've been watching this when i was a lil kiddo (3 years hehe) and i am still (i am 16) I love gillian and i am always imitating her even if i dont know the moves but EVERYTHING about the dances is great

[@canudigitsuker]

she is an absolute legend and probably my first ever crush hah

[@daveydouglas8145]

awesome!!!!!!

[@dannyhayden1170]

Gillian is a pure heart

[@andreacorey6730]

Love!!!

[@suelaughton3795]

Perfection doesn't come any better.

[@mr.wasgehtsiedasan4227]

Can someone please say what they say after Minute 6:00 I dont understand every word😅😅😬

[@kingajackson9118]

💃❤

[@feiz01]

Hot and wicked,,,, so tallented. Totally made the show spicey.

[@richardmorganwrites]

What I never figured out was, during the original filming of Lord of The Dance, when she danced with Michael and the "good girl," Michael gave Gillian's hair a hard yank, hard enough to make her go "WHUPF!!" It happens fast and it's easy to miss. Was that scripted? Was it a hint that she was about to break choreography?

[@Catherine3296]

Is this the same lady with the ginger hair?

[@dianariverjackson5123]

The only part that sort threw me off the bed was the 20 years old age gap between her and Michael at the time of LOTD. I found it a bit inconvenient the fact that an 18 year old girl was seducing a 38 year old man. And considering Michael´s autobiography on how "certain" activities were occuring behind the scenes with the female dancers, this is a part that really stood out for me while reading the book.

[@lavastar7701]

Its like a clown car 500 people in one car