Riverdance: A Review of an Irish Dance and Celtic Music Performance

The note, written cursorily in red ink, lay on the table next to the two tickets. As I quickly scanned the message left by my mom, I slumped into a chair groaning. My mom had bought tickets for both of us to see the Irish show, Riverdance, because our family was taking a trip to Ireland in a few weeks. To appease my mother, I agreed to go along, feigning excitement when really I was wishing I did not have to go. My expectations for the show were low, and I really wanted to hang out with my friends instead. Despite my reluctance, by the last curtain call I came to appreciate the dedication and hard work of the Celtic dancers and singers. Unexpectedly, the show not only made me feel proud of my Irish heritage but also left me awed at the Irish dance traditions that have manages to survive for so many centuries.

The Boyne, the name of the Riverdance Company that performed for us in Delaware, consisted of sixty-seven members, including thirty-two Irish Dance Troupe members, six Russian Folk Dancers, two American tappers and one Spanish Flamenco dancer. Also, there was an amazing live Irish orchestra, a bagpiper and Celtic singers. Because of its' ability to re-energize traditional Irish folk dances, Riverdance is able to remain a successful, albeit popular, production.