March 8-10, 2022 – Lied Center for Performing Arts – Lincoln, NE
For over 25 years, Riverdance has been entertaining crowds around the world, and I had the privilege of seeing the 25th anniversary show on Wednesday March 9, 2022, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Originally featuring Irish dancing champions Jean Butler and Michael Flatley in 1994, the show grew into a full on-stage production that tours around the world and has been seen by over 25 million people.
If I had to describe Riverdance in one word, it’d be perfection! Every dancer and musician was spot on, and had precise, crips moves from beginning to end. I can’t even begin to imagine how long it takes to perfect each dance. Michael Flatley, one of the original stars of Riverdance, holds the record for 35 taps per second, and although it was impossible for me to time, these dancers are right up there. It’s truly unbelievable how fast their feet can move!
Riverdance brings new meaning to the word choreography, because at any given time, there are 1 to 20 or more dancers on the stage, all dancing in perfect harmony to the music. The lighting, the sound, the set, and the costumes all added to a night of unforgettable entertainment. The pure conditioning of these dancers is a sight to behold. I felt exhausted after just watching some of the numbers, but the performers danced effortlessly with style and grace. Being a fan of Irish music, the accompanying soundtrack was spectacular. The audience was treated to drum, flute, fiddle, and saxophone solos, all backed by traditional Irish music.
Standout scenes for me were the Thunderstorm, Trading Taps, and of course the grand finale.
If you have the chance, you have to see Riverdance live and in person.
With good reason, it’s one of the most successful dance productions in the world!
All photos courtesy of Riverdance
