American Reacts to Riverdance - Eurovision Song Contest 1994 Dublin, Ireland

[@deirdregahansuttle5698]

This was JUST the I terval act at the Euro vision held in Ireland. Since then this interval act has turned into a huge production that is held throughout the world. Go and see it.

[@kathrynboyd4448]

It was the half time show

[@lesleycooper7544]

Make. Me hold my breath. Jean Butler. So. Beautiful xxxx

[@joeduffy3309]

There are certain moments in history when a country shows the world that how incredible it is, this was one of Irelands moments.

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

and yet the main dancer wasn't even irish

[@joeduffy3309]

@@AlainnCorcaigh So someone with a name like Michael Flatley, with Irish parents, an Irish wife and considers himself Irish, isn't Irish just because he was born in another country? You're one of God's special little people aren't you?

[@The_Stranger1986]

​@@AlainnCorcaigh What are you on about Alainn?

[@kevinwhelan9607]

Yes, Joe, yes- and I'm not just saying that because I am a Whelan.

[@keithburke652]

I remember seeing this live and was absolutely GOBSMACKED 😳 an iconic moment of live TV. Nobody was expecting it. Amazing

[@annecurry3466]

It's still going all over the world, 🎉dublin ireland

[@alisonlawer1723]

I’m a Brit and I watched this live in 1994 and couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. It was amazing and I was mesmerised too. So skilful, so slick and so Irish ☘️😊❤

[@kathryncox7893]

omg u are so lucky u got to watch that live i would kill too see that live

[@cyflym11]

Same here. I happened to come in to the room as it started and completely forgot what I'd gone in for! I just stood and watched with my mouth open. At the end the audience just erupted.

[@mariaodonnell8220]

No silly Morris dancers with sticks like the brists have.

[@mb-vf3qb]

💚

[@Mulberry2000]

i am a brit and we saw stuff like this when I was growing up. Every summer there was Irish dancing in the a big local park. Lots of competitions there etc.

[@muddlepond]

Nearly 30 years later and it still gives me goosepimples!

[@kendataylor6386]

I start sobbing every time I watch it! ❤

[@paullytham1370]

​@@kendataylor6386 haha, we call tbem goosebumps in the UK!

[@suzturan]

Same as

[@janmcneil5221]

Every time I watch this - and I’ve watched it countless times - I get the shivers of excitement. So spectacular!

[@muddlepond]

@@paullytham1370 I don't and I'm in England, we always called them goosepimples.

[@kazbaz2011]

THIS WAS THE INTERVAL ACT!!! Let that sink in! The roar of the crowd at the end gets me every time. It took Irish dancing, and elevated it to the next level. I remember watching it on the night, in disbelief. And I still get goosebumps to this day! 🇮🇪

[@deborahmcgee7970]

And we won with the song Rock ‘n’ roll kids it was good to

[@leeleef]

I was 17, out in a galway bar, and I'll never forget the amazing atmosphere, it was unfortunately the last Real eurovision Don't bother watching it anymore, Nothing Compares

[@sallymclachlan3005]

Me too

[@HanneRahn]

After this interlude…and peoples reaction to it…they produced a whole show called Riverdance, which they toured with I guess all over the world…for decades…at least 20-25 years…! It’s a show with different tap dances and songs from other parts of the world…flamenco…American tap dance… Really worth seing…! ❤️🙏 Michael Flatley later also made another dance and music show based on Irish Dancing…Lord of the dance… which almost is a kind of fairytale…! ❤️

[@andysutcliffe3915]

It was an interval act, to keep the audience entertained until the actual acts were ready!

[@valforbes6374]

I remember that Eurovision and seeing Riverdance for the first time…it was breathtaking and stunning! None of us had ever seen anything like it. It still gives me goosebumps today! 🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

Same here.

[@DMGamanda]

Ditto just commented virtually the same thing. None of us even cared about the contest after this. 😮

[@bevharrison3657]

Me too

[@althelas]

Same and I wanted to watch them on stage. That dream came true in 1999 and it was even better.

[@channyh.221B]

I think everyone in Europe, watching that show, still remembers it till this day, it was iconic. Here in Belgium, everyone talked about it.

[@deirdregahansuttle5698]

Lady in Red Dress in audience was our President. River dance was 'jus5' an interval performance at the Irish Euro vision. Michael Flatley ( main dance) chorigraph the whole show. This was almost 30 yrs ago. It is now a WORLD WIDE Show called RIVER DANCE or the 2nd show is called LORD OF THE Dance. We are incredibly proud of this and it has given young Irish Dancers a show they can work towards performing on anywhere in the world. The show was a move towards modernising Irish Dancing - which it did.

[@CraigKennethWebster]

And it was so much better than any of the acts that year, my opinion.....eire 10points

[@davidodriscoll7043]

I wouldnt blame you nobody had ever seen anything like it before and im irish everytime i see it it brings tears. no its only on selected times .but it is just irish dancing

[@CliveBilby]

That's Irish Dancing. Michael Flatley said Kevin Massey was "one of the greatest traditional Irish dancers ever!" so Michael Flatley flew to Ireland to have private lessons with him. Kevin Massey was part of the dance team that had won the all-Ireland Irish Dancing Cup in 1957, that team included my mum. Kevin Massey, my mother and the rest of the winning team were all trained by Harry Mc Caffrey (My Great Grand Uncle).

[@silvergirl2847]

That's lovely Tellus more 😊

[@greekadmirer2204]

What a great story ❤👍

[@svarner8206]

How cool! I have a friend and mentor who studied with Kevin Massey. And yes, she remembers class with Michael Flatley.

[@TheCarlocaroline]

That's very interesting!

[@maureenharrison6877]

What fantastic reading about about your family’s training thank you .

[@catherineharrison9441]

Irish dancing is taught from childhood, these dancers are at the top of their expertise. 😊

[@kevanparker908]

So is how to be a terrorist?

[@marpowerful]

Yes most of us Irish dancers are learning since very young

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

and yet our best known Irish dancer is American

[@dannylewin]

Most do. There were a few of us who started VERY late (I was 18 when I started with a teacher). But I toured for nearly 11 years with shows. You’re never too old to start something new 😁

[@grlfcgombeenhunter2897]

@@dannylewin how’s ur knees

[@idontsignin]

As a 13 year old watching this in 1994 I was completely mesmerized by it. Now as a 42 year old it has the same effect.

[@goldencherry9033]

Ditto! I still have the cassette single too 😂

[@joannetyndall3625]

Yep.. same age here too x

[@TheWoodBrood]

I was 10 and it blew my mind! I was obsessed with Riversance for a good few years after that 😅

[@Jenzedwow]

Same!

[@Selly_2007]

I had just turned 11, and same! Now 40, and still love it! I danced as a child (from 5 right up to 18), have done Zumba both in a class and as an instructor, but never tried Irish dance. I still want to though.

[@jocarter2848]

The look on your face watching for the first time was just how I felt! Speechless!

[@tracyholliday2200]

I remember watching that in 1994 and being blown out of my chair. All these years later it stll does. Magnificent.

[@SteveInScotland]

I think people forget that the interval acts were seen as filler, generally uninteresting and more often than not just plain awful but that all changed and that is a genuine standing ovation, you can see the moment on Michael as the enormity of the audience reaction hits home, they probably hoped for a nice round of applause and on with the rest of the show but that ovation just rolls on. The stage shows have been running since then, one after the next. They put Irish dance firmly on the map that night. Amazing stuff. Irish creativity at its finest.

[@samanthakerth7691]

And then 1994 they got a superbowl half time act.

[@swanpride]

Oh, there were a few really good interval acts, but they are difficult to get right.

[@Adelaide2286]

"What's going on guys," why do you ask? Inane Guys,guys, guys,guys,guys.

[@beldarin]

So true Steve, the home reaction was incredible, I remember well the eruption of applause in the pub we were watching in, it was breathtaking

[@marietighe6328]

@@Adelaide2286 chill out will you. Vernacular and nuances in language change from generation and geographical location.... my vocabulary has changed over the years. I'm almost 50 now but when I was younger I used a lot of pop culture lingo, hence the CHILL OUT at the start of this comment. He is a young person so it just comes naturally. He wasn't over using it as you would hear in a sentence full of LIKE N LIKE. But one thing I don't do is go to the comments section of a video that has NOTHING TO DO WITH LINGUISTICS and just criticise someone ( who is just using commonplace sayings) for no apparent reason. Why? Also I'm Irish so I could use a phrase you're not familiar with and like wise you could use terms I'm not familiar or fond of. So what? The only inane thing here is people pontificating about language were its not needed. Very petty . It was a reaction to a performance not an language test. 🙄

[@Bungle-UK]

Ireland actually won the Eurovision Song Contest that year for a record breaking third year in a row, a record never beaten. However, nobody remembers the winning song….just the amazing interval act!

[@georgebarnes8163]

Ireland has won the contest many times times but only one of the entries was actually Irish

[@darren25061965]

"Rock 'n' Roll Kids", performed by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, and written by Brendan Graham.

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

​@@georgebarnes8163what do u mean? Dana is from derry and johnny logan is irish too

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

​@@georgebarnes8163l feel like ur just here to troll

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan Dana is from the Uk and Johnny Logan is Australian.

[@mariaclark7358]

I’m 70 now but did Irish dancing from the age of 4 up to 16 and when I saw this on the TV in 1994 my heart nearly burst open it was the most beautiful thing ever. Once a dancer always a dancer I can still do the steps and the rocks only a bit slower HA HA love your response ❤❤❤

[@lellyt2372]

It was an amazing experience to watch this. Back when the Eurovison was an "event" and was watched by almost every household in Ireland and to then experience the next days, when it seemed the whole of Europe was talking about Ireland and traditional Irish dance and music. It was a very proud moment and, like yourself, my heart nearly burst when I watched it ☘☘☘💚💚💚

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

I agree I started highland face aged 3- 18 I too am 70 and yes I can still dance a mean sword dance. Once a dancer as you say always a dancer.

[@ladydragon6854]

I'm Scottish but be it our own pipes and drums or the Irish dancers and singers to the Welsh choir's it resonates something deep in our psychic and our souls and no matter how many centuries go by these things will always touch our souls and our sense of kinship ❤

[@some_might_say]

Those pipes in Scotland came from ireland as did most of the celtic culture and population

[@daftirishmarej1827]

Watching Titanic in Ireland was a very loud thumping of feet during the third class party!

[@mariaodonnell8220]

They are not bagpipes they are Irish uillean pipes.

[@smugmcmuffin]

Up the Celts yeoooo

[@xotan]

I understand. It's something that stirs hearts in the Celtic nations.

[@Ali.89.]

I was 4 years old when this aired yet it's one of my earliest memories. My dream was to preform in Riverdance and I trained for years, sadly for health reasons it never happened, one of the hardest moments of my life was walking away from it. 😢 Glad you checked this out and liked it, such an iconic piece of Irish history! Much love 💚🤍🧡

[@Heyerkat]

When The Eurovision Song Contest was held that year I, along with other designers was invited to see the dress rehearsal for this interlude act. There were about 40 of us in that huge auditorium . It was an experience I will never forget! The sound of it from the hauntingly gorgeous singing to the sound that their feet made in unison was spectacular. We knew then it was going to be huge. That was the first time that traditional Irish dancing had been given a modern twist. And was the very beginning of the spectacular full length show that has wowed audiences around the world for many many years and sparked other similar Irish dance shows since. I feel so privileged to have been one of the first to see it live.

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

Amazing!

[@samhartford8677]

Wow! Must have been awesome!

[@OscarsWilde]

Oh WOW, how lucky were you xxx

[@annedonnellan6876]

Expo Seville 1992 Irish Week combined flamenco with Irish danE. Pissibly sowed a seed

[@emilymast2712]

I think the mesmerizing sound you're hearing is the Uilleann pipes! The performance is a mixture of both Irish soft shoe and hard shoe dances, both of which have been traditional for centuries.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

The Northumbria pipes are similar...😊

[@eh1702]

Uillean pipes are the concert instrument of the bagpipe family, really. You could say the northumbrian pipes are the fireside pipes and the highland pipes are the ones for the street, the sports stadium and battlefield.

[@just_deb]

Uilleann pipes are a sound all of their own that can carry you away. I have never heard a more pleasant sounding type of pipes. They are, as you said, mesmerizing.

[@hallohallo1332]

You saved me from having to type Emily!

[@reducer774]

The uillean pipes performance on this is literally one of the greatest instrumental performances I’ve ever heard

[@fayesouthall6604]

This was a magical moment in tv. Nobody knew what it was about. It’s thrilling when they all dance together.

[@faithk13]

I always get chills watching this performance. They're all so talented. I can't even imagine how many hours of practice it took to perfect their performance.

[@matildamartin2811]

It plays havoc on their feet. I remember watching a documentary of the dancers backstage and they have buckets of water to cool their feet in after each dance.

[@MacdeEire92]

30 years later and River Dance is still absolutely amazing to watch

[@helenwood8482]

My sister and I went to two of the stage shows that grew out of this, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Both were incredible.

[@vallee3140]

so did we, the atmosphere was electric, sad Michael has cancer now

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Saw them at Liverpool Empire...electric....😊

[@susanwinn4478]

He also did Celtic Tiger I believe

[@ivaneames4354]

​@@susanwinn4478 Correct.

[@pfoley8655]

I went with my Mother here in Ireland. Fantastic. Sad we are losing our culture and religion now with all the outside influences

[@stevemellor655]

For me the finest piece of dancing and choreography I've ever seen, it took my breath away at the time . Absolutely stunning from start to finish .

[@sdann9114]

I grew up watching River Dance and Lord of the Dance. Their pure strength and dedication to learning the routines. It is magical

[@piperforever8320]

I was in the audience for the first dress rehearsal of Riverdance. It was something special.

[@northernirelandbandparades4440]

I have literally watched this thousands of times and STILL that ending gives me goosebumps every single time.

[@yvonnesugrue167]

It's simply called "Irish Dancing". I get goosebumps every time I watch it.

[@kieranflynn7582]

Irish step dancing they have competitions all over the world in it especially in the US and GB the 3 types gigs reels and horn pipe

[@withcoffey]

​@@kieranflynn7582I'm in Ireland - they just it Irish Dancing here. Defo go check it out live. Superb.

[@TeresaDonoghue]

​@@kieranflynn7582JIGS 😂

[@nancybudd494]

England here, i was 15 when this was aired, inwas babysitting for a neighbour and itbwas mesmerising, it's Irish dancing and river dance has been a global phenomenon ever since. It's beautiful, intricate, fun, expressive and just gorgeous, as a dancer myself I could not even begin to have this level of skill. Just gorgeous

[@badpinktink100]

A bit of back story about the dancers , the dancing in general. The dancers you saw on stage were in their early to mid 20's and would have begin dancing at age 4 or 5. Irish Dancing is a very competitive childhood to teenage activity, probably comparable to high school cheer leading and pageants in America. Many of dancers in this performance were World Champions and had reached the end of their dancing careers. Before Riverdance, when dancers reached the highest level and were in their 20's the only option was either to stop dancing or become dance teachers. Riverdance changed the Irish Dance community and gave dancers a way to become professional Irish dancers, as it inspired a whole new industry of theatrical Irish Dance shows. I am from Ireland and of similar age to the dancers in this performance. I started dance classes around age 5 right up until I was about 18. I did dance classes after school and then competitions a few times a month. I recognise many of them from the competition circuit. You also asked about the styles of dance. The soft shoe dance by Jean Butler is in the Slip Jig tempo. The shoes she is wearing are competition standard soft shoes, similar to ballet shoes but in black leather. This is one of the standard tempos for Irish Dancing. There are many various tunes in this tempo and for competitions, each dancer will do their own choreography mixed with some compulsory elements. What Jean is doing in this performance is a stylized more theatrical version of a competition dance. Then it changes to Michael Flatelys solo. Theres way to much to explain about him, look him up but basically when he was doing competitions he was the World Champion bad boy of Irish dancing, he pushed the boundaries' in competitions and created his own stylised theatrical type of Irish dancing. The shoes he is wearing are an adapted form of the competition heavy shoe. The competition shoes are soft leather with solid fibreglass tips and heels and an ankle strap for support. The noise is made by the force of the tips and heels hitting the ground or by them hitting together during high kicks. His solo with the drums and then when all the dancers come on stage for the end section is a stylised theatrical version of a competition treble reel. There are two types of reel, a soft shoe reel and a heavy shoe reel. The reel tempo is a fast based tempo and is often used as a show piece. People often remark about the tight synchronisation of theatrical Irish dance shows. Part of the training, right from a very young age is learning to dance this way. The chorography is learnt by repetitive drilling, and dancers are trained to repeat the same sequence or multiple sequences over and over and over for hours. When preparing for competitions, its very common to spend maybe 4 or 5 hours repeatedly doing the same multiple sequences of chorography. The dancers in this performance are all at the highest level and dancing in tight synchronisation would be something they have done for many years.

[@gallowglass2630]

You know your stuff,but they are other forms of irish traditional dance worth mentioning Sean nos,Step dancing and ceili dancing

[@badpinktink100]

@@gallowglass2630 thanks, I didnt want to confuse things by mentioning the other forms, as this is his first viewing and introduction to the world of Irish music and dance. I just wanted to give some info on the competitive Irish dancing which this performance is based on. I was still in the Irish dance community the year of this performance and did hear about the auditions but I wasnt at that standard. Some more info. At the time it was just this once off performance and many of the dancers were rehearsing for this performance and also competiting in national and international competitions as well as probably in college or work. Due to the huge and overwhelming reaction, the creators of this performance decided to build a full theatre show, called Riverdance The Show. Jean Butler and Michael Flatly were the leads and many of the original performers took a chance, left their jobs to become full time professional dancers in the show. That original run of shows was such a huge success that it became an international touring production which is still in operation. Google Riverdance The Show to see where the touring productions are. Michael Flately finally found acceptance in the Irish Dance community for his unique style and went on to create his own Irish Dance show company. His first show was Lord of The Dance, then Feet of Flames which was an updated version of Lord of The Dance and then he created Celtic Tiger. He has now retired from dancing but I think there may be still some touring productions of his shows, again check Google. There are also many other touring productions of Irish dance theatre shows, inspired by Riverdance and Lord of The Dance. They have different music, chorograpy and dance but are the same basic idea. The Riverdance legacy is huge and far reaching in the Irish dance community. It brought Irish dancing mainstream. Before Riverdance, Irish Dancing was kinda this dorky uncool , doing it cos its family tradition thing but then suddenly people saw how it could be stylized and made into a show and you could actually be a proper professional dancer. Some of the show elements, how they changed some of the traditional standard chorography is now allowed in competitions, like standing on the toes in a hard shoe like a ballerina. When I started dancing this wasnt part of chorography, but after Riverdance, dancers started doing it and the shoes were made differently, flexi hard shoes, so that the dancers could do the move.

[@gallowglass2630]

@@badpinktink100 You were right to keep it simple

[@silvergirl2847]

​@@gallowglass2630 I love the Sean nos..

[@mariemenard4447]

Thank you for your informative and interesting background. I learned something new tonight and it’s very cool!

[@katpawz622]

I’ll never forget watching this. And it’s always spectacular.

[@tammywilliams1387]

I've always loved Riverdance since seeing this when I was still a youngster. I got to see it live in Dublin and I was totally thrown off guard by my reaction...the thud of the beat & footsteps made me really emotional & I had tears in my eyes throughout most of the show. It was spectacular ❤❤

[@lincliff663]

The Eurovision Song Contest is held on a Saturday. I was out that night but on Monday morning everybody (everybody!) was talking about Riverdance at work. I worked with a girl who had been through a rough time but she was a different person - animated & uplifted - because of seeing this. When I did get a chance to see the dance the reaction was completely understandable. This was lovely.

[@veronicacostello5881]

Watching your face was priceless,glad you liked it, love from Ireland ❤, love your channel 👍

[@valeriestephen9617]

It still makes me cry with emotion when I see this. The whole Riverdance story and performance is so inspiring.

[@novo611]

Oh i remember this so well When they finished Everywhere errupted I thought my heart would explode. If your irish it just does something to you inside so emotional

[@Joodles22]

I have seen this probably 100 times in the last 30 years. Watching you, watching where your eyes went, and your reaction as it finished, gave me SO MUCH JOY! It was like me watching it again for the first time 🫶🏻 I’m so glad it blew you away too 🥰

[@suidelikeson21]

I was 7 years old when I saw this on TV during the Eurovision. I was so entranced by it. It was incredible! I love watching this again at now almost 37 years old. It takes me back to being 7 and in awe of something so beautifully put together!

[@Devo_UTFR]

We must of been separated twins, Snap!

[@antiqueinsider]

This is based on the Irish Jig. Many kids in Ireland learned this style of dancing as a tradition, but the Riverdance troupe just gave it a massive update and new rythms. There are some good documentaries around showing younger people competing in competitions etc.

[@antiqueinsider]

@Nicky L It's a more traditional form of clog dancing, Riverdance is updated with more swing and more co-ordinated group-work and caused a renaissance of the older tradition with younger people. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4nNqHSGptOmftk

[@badpinktink100]

@Nicky L as a former Irish dancer, yes a jig is different. In Irish music / dance a jig is the name of the tempo of an Irish music tune. There different versions of the jig tempo, a jig, a slip jig, a single jig and a treble jig. In traditional Irish dancing the first 3 are soft shoe dances and the treble jig is a hard shoe dance. For competitions, there are specific traditional elements which have to be included in the choreography and then each dance school will add in their own elements. There is no such thing as "an Irish jig" which is portrayed in American film and tv.

[@TheGreenhillsCyclistInRagOrder]

The original Irish Dance dresses were very very heavy. Myself and my sister had ones that were made out of extremely heavy material. The ones these days are as light as a feather. We learned how to jig before crawling!

[@georgebarnes8163]

The dance origninated in Holland, nothing Irish about it

[@badpinktink100]

@@georgebarnes8163 not true, Modern day comeptitive Irish dancing and the theatrical shows such as Riverdance and Lord of The Dance have evolved though centuries and generations but they can trace their roots back to the Pagan Druids and Celts who lived on the island of Ireland over 5 thousand years ago. Other European countries evolved their own similar but different style of dance. Dance historys often intertwine and take inspiration and evolve but THIS style of dance, the original Riverdance performance and the theatrical shows it inspired are based on traditional Irish dancing chorography passed down through the generations.

[@sarahross5399]

Other than ABBA, probably the best thing ever to come out of the Eurovision Song Contest. I remember being blown away by that performance that night. I was first in line for tickets when the full-blown Riverdance show came out - and saw it multiple times after that!

[@jamie2186]

Eimear Quinn !

[@jamie2186]

Eimear Quinn !

[@TheDivayenta]

This show is in every country. There’s always a tour. And you can get it on DVD!!!!!

[@paulsaunders6536]

I will never, ever, tire of watching the finale of the 1994 dance. The interval act that eclipsed the main event…. It certainly did. Superb 🎉

[@dougiemilnephotography756]

This is based on traditional Irish dancing (but brought fully up to date). When Irish immigrants brought it to the US, it morphed into tap dancing, just as traditional Irish and Scottish music became traditional American country music. If you get a chance to see the whole show, make a point of going to see it - it is breathtaking, with not just the dancers but musicians on stage, who sometimes also break into dance, while playing their instruments.

[@lizroberts1569]

North East England has its own bagpipes and similar dancing tradition with clogs

[@PapaJoeWalsh]

@@lizroberts1569 Hi Liz. No comparison though with Riverdance. only saying!

[@roisinmalone3015]

​@@lizroberts1569 Why bring in England?

[@SusanEMcKay]

This was taken from a whole show. I was lucky enough to see a live show with Michael Flatley in Belfast. Amazing memory. You might be able to find a full length video.

[@starfallstreams]

@@SusanEMcKayit created the show!

[@Paddy_Roche]

Awesome Steve, I'd not seen that for a while. Now you're getting there buddy. Irish Music, Irish Dancing. Its practised all over Ireland and as you see its wonderful. I think you felt that in your soul, you now know you're Irish my friend. Peace.

[@oliviadevlin2340]

It gives you chills , it's so amazing. I love being Irish.🍀🍀🍀

[@trishaprett7721]

Me too.💚

[@threewisewomentheatreco3460]

if you are Irish you should know, four leaf clovers are for Turkey. it's a shamrock for Ireland ☘big difference

[@noelmoran5725]

I'm so proud 2 b Irish🇮🇪💪

[@raythomas4812]

I remember watching this on TV at the time - and I ve seen the full river dance show - and watching this still give me goose bumps - Every time !!!!

[@anneboban2002]

I saw the full Riverdance show in Detroit, years ago. It was fantastic!

[@johnnyuk3365]

As others have said I remember watching it live on TV back in 1994. I live in the U.K. and of Irish parents. Irish dancing became a craze after this in England. My niece managed to join an after school Irish dancing class when she was about 8 years old. But there was a drastic shortage of places. My sister-in-law was offered £50 by one mum if her daughter could take my niece”s place. She didn’t accept.

[@roseoconnor5938]

After this display....the whole of Irish Dance with Michael Flatley & Co., became worldwide and a huge success. Across the UK and Ireland there are competitive dance schools of Irish Dance...up to World titles in different age groups. ( male and female )....My granddaughter belonged to a dance school and was pretty successful until University studies took over. It's always amazing to watch....just brilliant ☺

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

There have always been competitive schools of irish dance. Its traditional, thats how Riverdance came about

[@roseoconnor5938]

Irish Dance in its current form developed from various influences and became popular in Britain and Ireland during the 19th century.....who knew.....😊

[@hectorsmommy1717]

@@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan Both Michael Flatley and Jean Butler were trained at Irish Dance schools in Chicago. Milwaukee had 3 well established ones when I first moved here in 1980. One, the Trinity Irish Dancers, appeared on Johnny Carson every St. Patrick's Day. I remember watching them on TV in the 70's.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

@@roseoconnor5938 And it was one of the main influences on tap dancing, which developed in the US. Irish and Scots-Irish who settled in Appalachia continued the tradition and influenced the former slaves who also lived in the area. Add in African and Afro-Caribbean traditions and we get tap. I just love how traditions are never static but build out of older ones.

[@lottie2525]

Absolutely wonderful, I love watching this every time it comes up over the years. It was such a phenomenon and makes me tear up every time at how fab it is.

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

Same i could watch 5 times in a row and cry every single time haha

[@angel15550]

For hundreds of years the Irish's hands were tied but their souls live on. This is Irish dancing, see how their hands remain at their sides but they move so gracefully. We learn Irish dancing as soon as we start school. 💚🇮🇪

[@ronamcmahon1562]

My dad did the River Dance in 2001 on the Great Wall of China and he also did a competition between the world and he came third in the world. I'm carrying the legacy of the dancer's of my family. His three siblings have done Irish dancing when they were younger. My cousin on my mum's side also did Irish dancing.

[@TheDivayenta]

I have the DVD of the Peking performance. Is that the one with your Dad?

[@gargarcomedy]

Thank God for people like ye. Great art brings us all together❤

[@kristinbur]

Coming from an Irish family a jig would invariably break out at weddings, christenings and especially funerals. Even funerals were full of love and laughter with so much dancing.

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

Wheres that? Im from derry and never seen anything like that in my 44 years but sounds great! Are you in the Gaeltacht?

[@kristinbur]

@@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan My family are from Sligo but moved to the Wirral after the war. Maybe it’s just my family that love drinking and dancing 😅 It’s literally any excuse

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

@@kristinbur lovely! I think emigrants do appreciate the culture and make more effort to preserve it than those who live at home! X

[@ChristineKelly1000]

@@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan have you never been to an Irish wake? You are seriously missing out.😊

[@kathleenward4905]

After hours on a Saturday night down in the local pub riverdance comes alive.everyone with a few to many dances the jig.out comes the spoons, tin whistle and then the singing starts ❤😂😂 sure it's all part of been Irish ❤😊

[@pollyg4505]

I saw Michael Flatley & Jean Butler at the Appollo in London in its early days (I'm from the UK) & it was the most mesmerizing & exhilarating performance I have ever seen.. The music stiil gets me even now.

[@DMGamanda]

I still remember watching this live and having my mind blown. It was almost a surreal experience, like nothing so many had seen before. Incredible totally overshadowed the whole eurovision that year i would say. Amanda from UK 🇬🇧

[@lfbep2165]

I enjoyed watching your face during the performance - you looked mesmerized. I watched it when it was originally performed and I still get goosebumps when I look at it now.

[@VanH77]

Thank you for your face and wide eyes watching that 😊 My reaction been the same, i was 16 when that aired on TV, watched it with my family, never lost its magic ~☆

[@Boogledigs]

Riverdance is still being performed all round the world. The 25th Anniversary show is being performed in Dublin in the summer.

[@kevdenn]

My wife and I saw "Lord of the Dance" at Wembley Arena in London many years ago. We both sat mesmerized at what we were seeing and hearing. "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance" 2 great full videos to watch and enjoy.

[@mikekelly5869]

I was there that evening working as a rigger and that performance blew me away. The tradition of dance was nothing new to me but the freeing up of the style into something more modern was fantastic. It helped to make Irish dance, music and culture relevant into the current millenium. We have a debt to the people who put the performance together, even if they are luvvies.

[@kristinaF54]

It really caught the nation on the hop as nothing suggested such an interval performance would be so grandiose, thrilling, majestic and mesmerising, far outdoing the Eurovision contest singers. Three hundred million viewers watching it on their TV at home were all caught up in the same rapturous moment going through the same tumultuous emotions.

[@richardarmstrong5483]

😅

[@jmac8834]

This exactly. The dancers are so impressive, but it’s the luvvies that created this breathtaking performance.

[@tumbleweed860]

My daughter began Irish dancing when she was 4 years old, and 12 years later was asked to audition for “Riverdance”.

[@reactingtomyroots]

That's awesome! I'm sure you're proud of her :)

[@adammielniczek7584]

@@reactingtomyroots hey dude. Im only a Pole-a Polish who is almost 50;I lived in Limerick a very long time.a very long time. Had 2head back-my mom is over 80...Tears are falling from my eyes every time when I watch Irish dancing-they are my lads and I love them.Once they said-after I ate a bread roll with butter and crisps,that Im almost Irish as I was workin,need a snack and I was hungry.God bles U from half a Pol,1/10th Irish soul-varies,U Irish American pal,who`s got an Irish reaction 2river dance.God bless man.

[@janeelfgren]

Isaw Riverdance live in Stockholm, Sweden short after they performed in Eurovision song contest. Totally amazing🇮🇪💚🍀🍀💚🇮🇪

[@TheGreenhillsCyclistInRagOrder]

The dance is Traditional Irish Dancing and you're right, the foot-taps are very similar, if not almost identical to tap dancing. I remember watching the Eurovision that year in the kitchen of my Moms' house, myself 4 siblings Mum and Dad. We were as mesmerised as you were when it came on the telly. When it was over, all 7 of us leaped out of our seats and cheered. We had lumps of pride bursting out of our chests and choking back the tears after it was done.

[@svarner8206]

Absolutely --- Irish stepdancing, African dance, Appalachian dance , Flamenco--- gave birth to tap dance.

[@robbeaman3542]

I had forgotten about this. Watching it brings back so many memories of me and my parents watching this when I was 5. Unfortunately my parents aren't with us anymore but I would have loved to play it for my mum again..

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

So sorry for your loss they mustve been young thats awful 😢

[@robbeaman3542]

@@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan thank you. I had an old father. Born in 1940 He was 49 when I was born. My mum was 30. He died age 77. Then 3 months later my mum passed 9 days after her 59th birthday. 2017 was a horrible year. One I won't forget that's for sure.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

There are plenty of wonderful traditional Irish and Scottish bands playing folk music. I must recommend Clannad and their awesome "Harry's Game" and The Battlefield Band "St Valery". Two very different tunes and styles. Riverdance however was and still is something very special.

[@carlchapman4053]

I remember seeing it when it was first aired and it was mind-blowing, I am still amazed at it today even though it looks like tap dancers playing 'The floor is lava' with no safe areas.

[@christophercasey3530]

😅 as an Irish person i love this comment

[@jackieodonnell200]

Wow indeed! My roots too. Can’t wait to see the show again live!

[@janetd4862]

It makes you want to get up and dance with them! The skill and control necessary to do that well…..wow. Simply breathtaking. I’ve seen this clip before, and never tire of it.

[@lesliewhite6784]

It's a dance representation of a rivers journey from upland stream to the waves on the sea.

[@ralphwhitehead3441]

Each dancer another tributary into the main river

[@kdd3051]

Oh, thanks so much.

[@jacquelinepearson2288]

I can remember watching that performance so vividly on television even to this day. No other interval act has even come close to matching that one. In traditional Irish dancing the arms are kept still by the side of the body, but Michael Flatley added his own features and interpretation (as you saw - he raised his arms in the air for some of the performance). He is an Irish American, but came over to Ireland in his teens to train for competitions, and has remained there ever since. This interval act then was transformed into a stage show and has been performed around the world for many years. Michael went on to produce and star in other productions - The Lord of the Dance, Irish Tiger. I have seen him perform live a few times. The sound of the feet when the cast is on the stage is incredible!

[@olivebear7273]

30 years on, still fabulous.and spine tingling Your reaction was so enjoyable .. thank you.

[@raven3212]

I remember the first time I saw this, I was utterly speechless. Absolutely breath taking...

[@claregale9011]

Remember watching this and was just mezmorized and the music is beautiful .

[@Princejoan27]

Anya a beautiful singer, haunting voice 😊

[@oursharon1001]

*Enya Is a wonderful Irish singer.

[@tamielizabethallaway2413]

Enya is indeed a beautiful singer.....but THIS is not HER! The whole group is called Anúna, and the soloist is called Katie. Katie McMahon. NOT ENYA! CERTAINLY NOT ANYA! 😜

[@silvergirl2847]

It's not enya dosent sound anything like her.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

It's Anuna. They're a well-known Irish group.

[@aine7173]

Beautiful voice but i think they missed a trick by not singing it in irish.

[@SteveParkes-Sparko]

I, too, remember that night vividly and, even now, I get quite emotional watching that again! This was the Interval act - while the votes were being counted from the various European juries to decide the best song act from the main song contest that had gone before this. Everyone was just blown away by this! It was like nothing anyone had seen before - based upon traditional, 'arms-down' Irish dancing, but Micheal Flatley had taken it to a whole new level! The multi-European audience, as you saw, gave them a standing ovation - it was an incredible performance which quite overshadowed the Main Event that night! They went on to develop Riverdance into a whole, stand-alone dance show on its own which became a major box-office sensation - and this was where it all started!!

[@eloradannen]

I had the same reaction as a 12 year old watching it on TV and i wasnt a dancer or into trad or anything. I was trying to explain to my English husband the significance of this at the time. He doesn't get it. I think that it was a whole paradigm shift in a way. The 80s were bleak in Ireland, the early 90s saw things gradually beginning to improve, 1994 was when the paramilitaries had their ceasefire in the North and the peace process was beginning, we were on the brink of the tech boom and the celtic tiger. It felt like Ireland was actually becoming something impressive. That and wekept winning the euro vision, we were obviously doing something right :D

[@SteveParkes-Sparko]

@@eloradannen I don't understand your husband. I'm English with NO Irish connections and I was simply blown away by seeing this for the very first time - it was utterly magical!

[@suburbanhousewife40]

This is the voice of the oppressed folks. Arms bound. Eyes straight ahead. Feet getting louder, and joined up by great numbers.

[@sarahanderson1545]

Saw Riverdance live in Edinburgh and it was fantastic.

[@littleannie390]

It was the first time that Irish dancing had been put together in this way, and the way they combined it with tap dance. The most impressive part I think is the skill, synchronisation and energy of it. Bill Whelan’s musical score is the final essential element. At the time it was a huge sensation and led on to international fame and worldwide shows that are still going today.

[@silvergirl2847]

It's not combined with tap dancing IT is ALL Irish dancing tap dancing came after Irish dancing. long after

[@littleannie390]

@@silvergirl2847 Riverdance combines Irish dancing with other types of dancing in the show including tap and flamenco. Michael Flatley is credited with reinventing Irish dance, incorporating additional steps, syncopation and upper body movements which are not in traditional Irish dance. Riverdance is literally Irish dance plus.

[@Dreyno]

@@littleannie390 Upper body movement had been part of Irish dance for centuries. Arms by the side is associated with stepdancing and particularly competition stepdancing. Sean-nós or “old style” Irish dancing had arms moving freely.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

Irish step dance.

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

Irish dancing always had clog dancing its not tap dance altho its similar

[@12hoursAwake12hoursAsleep]

I was 14 when I seen this on TV, my whole family were all transfixed on the TV and never moved once till it was over. It was spectacular.

[@kdog4587]

We had Riverdance on VHS when I was a kid and me and my sister's would always be stomping about like elephants trying to copy hahaha! We learned Irish dancing at brownies as little girls and now me and my best friend watch it with our babies and they're always transfixed. It's beautiful:)

[@katelynbailey252]

Did you know Michael Flatly is in the Guiness book of world records TWICE? Once for tapping 28 times in a second and then beat his own record with the 35 times in a second in his hard shoes. Legendary man

[@lindawitt9063]

I believe you, but HOW is that possible???

[@CheburashkaGenovna]

Whoever participated, whoever won - "Eurovision-1994" was remembered by Europeans only one thing: the beauty, charm and energy of Jane Butler, Michael Flatley's staccato - the unforgettable, breathtaking birth of Riverdance!!

[@Arksimon2k]

It really is mesmerising. Nowadays when people think of Irish dancing they think of this, even though Irish dancing goes way back.

[@lorrainet6798]

Check out Lord Of The Dance too. The set pieces with the male dancers and Flatley are breath taking.

[@KC-gy5xw]

Your face, catching flies. Just like I was when we watched it live back then.

[@guybrennan5801]

After that performance, Bill whelan the writer, wrote a whole Musical called Riverdance, which includes that dance. With Music and Irish dancing Its amazing. Ive seen it live on the stage in England 3 times over the years.

[@AnGhaeilge]

I watched this as an 11 year old boy here in Ireland when it first aired. I'm a 41 year old man now and every time I watch it it either gives me goosebumps or brings tears to my eyes. There's something just so special about it. The fantastic composing by Bill Whelan and the amazing choreography by Mick and Jean.

[@davebyrne1980]

The Eurovision half-time interval is where all the different counteries have a tele-vote to vote on their favourite songs. The half-time show was always a boring affair of the host country showcasing some boring act for tourism reasons, and most people generally swich off or are completely disinterested in it. That all changed with Riverdance... It started off where people thought it was more of the same... but as it went on and progressed through each of the stages (inital vocal harmony, Jean Butler solo, Michael Flately solo, Drum/Dance off, final cresccendo) it drew in more and more people seeing that THIS was different. Every year since, other host countries have tried to re-create something that had a feel like this, but could never capture the lightning in the bottle that Riverdance did. In all the years that the Eurovision has been on, Riverdance (an interval act) is still it's most memorable

[@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan]

Theres something cringe but endearing about the boring tourism intervals they are so embarrassing but i gotta watch kinda thing. Like dragostea din tei (the o-zone song 😅)

[@davebyrne1980]

@@CHRISTSPIRACY.comJESUSwasVegan Ah yes, but only if you're sitting in a chair in front of a webcam 🤣 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ7Xq4R5iM1prs0

[@RayzerSharpe]

But this is more than dancing. This is pure poetry. This is how we tell our stories down the ages. To understand Irish culture is to understand what builds the music, song and dance. So to me this is a great story told.

[@lynneausten1390]

There has never been a Eurovision Song Contest interval performance anywhere near approaching this incredibly moving performance.

[@francescamoore8463]

The only l've seen where Steve hasn't stopped the video every few clips. I think we irish gave him a bit of a culture shock 😅😅😅

[@rowenawragg3903]

I remember watching this on tv when it was broadcast. They have shows all over the world. It became a huge phenomenon. There are documentaries I've watched about taking the show to different countries. I think Japan was one. That interlude in the Eurovision song contest was the first I remember being one that was a single amazing performance. I think it was 20 minutes long. We just say entranced. Usually we would go get a drink and a snack in the interlude.

[@tsmeman63]

First of all: I loved watching your expressions. You watched it all with open mouth and opened it even wider to take a deep breath when the second row of dancers appeared! Literally mesmerised! 😊 The Riverdance group still performs, in and outside of Ireland. I saw them last year in Dublin (I live only 30 minutes away from Dublin in the countryside). But they also perform in other cities in Ireland and tour across the world. Seeing them perform live is AWESOME! Two and a half hours is even too short to watch them (but they need to rest, lol). There’s a lot of Irish dance schools, even one in a village nearby where I sometimes walk in to watch. Lots of boys and girls in Ireland learn this way of traditional dancing. There are National, but also European competitions. Fun detail: the dance is normally performed on a small spot. This originates from the fact that in the old days, in rural Ireland, dancers took out the wooden door of their tiny house and laid it on the uneven muddy ground. Often neighbours joined in with their music instruments and songs. Dancing on the door gave the tapping sound, but also limited in their movements, due to the small dance “floor”. Hence the arms to the sides. The best way to learn about Ireland and it’s history, music, landscape, people and culture is to come and visit us. An Irish band that I love are the High Kings, they sing beautifully all Irish songs, the Wolftones sing mostly rebel songs, The Dubliners also sing traditional Irish, Christy Moore is a great singer… A few titels to listen to (and find on KZbin: Rocky road to Dublin, Grace, Galway girl, Fields of Athenry, Cavan girl, The parting glass, The Irish Rover, Boolavogue, Star of the County Down, Paddy’s green shamrock shore, Mc Alpine’s fusiliers, Finegan’s Wake, The Foggy Dew, Leaving of Liverpool… A great deal of Irish songs are about Ireland’s (not so pleasant) history, like Grace. Read more about that song on the internet. A lovely song in Irish (Gaelic) is “Ar eireann ni neossinn ce hi” (the High Kings version is amazing!).There’s too many songs to mention. Books can provide a lot of information, but you have to experience Ireland in Ireland and at least have one pint of Guinness in a pub, any pub (in a village or countryside). Slaìnte! 🍻 You’re welcome! Greetings from Donadea, county Kildare ☘️🇮🇪

[@cathafloat1519]

I was lucky enough to see the Riverdance show in Newcastle Arena in the 90s and the subsequent tour, Lord of the Dance, with Michael Flatley. The shows build and build to a crescendo, you feel the reverberations in your organs. Watching it again gives me goosebumps. Lord of the Dance is still touring and is currently in the USA…..go see the show if you can.

[@amandavanwyk5661]

I'm soo glad that you did a reaction to this. I absolutely love it and anyone Irish should be soo proud!! And I wD there watching it live, absolutely stunning!!

[@michellesherwood7021]

Look up on KZbin a song called In a lifetime..by the group Clannad Nd Bono..its fantastic..Enya is a sister of the Clannad family group and Enya a world selling artist herslf and of course Bono being of U2..ps its irish dancing ..jigs and reels an 12:39 d irish music !

[@kellydev]

I went to see Riverdance 25 th anniversary show last year in Dublin it was amazing , makes me proud to be Irish ,we've such a strong culture & music ,dance literature is to be found in every corner of Ireland,it runs through our veins . Glad you enjoyed it you were transfixed watching it , Riverdance 25 th anniversary show goes all over the world it will be back home in Dublin this June ,so maybe check to see if it's showing near you in the US .

[@TheSuperlambanana]

I took my mum to the riverdance 25th anniversary show in Liverpool! It was an amazing show she had always wanted to see it live and I’m so glad I got to go too ❤