ABC News’ Will Ganss recently had the opportunity to sit down with Riverdance CEO Padraic Moyles and lead dancer Anna Mai Fitzpatrick to discuss the iconic Irish dancing tradition and its 30th anniversary. As they chatted, Ganss also got to learn a few new dance moves from the experts themselves.
For three decades, Riverdance has captivated audiences around the world with its unique blend of traditional Irish dancing and contemporary music. The show has become a global phenomenon, with over 25 million people having seen it live and countless more watching it on television.
Moyles, who has been with Riverdance since its inception, shared his thoughts on the show’s enduring success. “I think the key to Riverdance’s longevity is its ability to constantly evolve and stay relevant,” he said. “We’ve always stayed true to our roots, but we’re not afraid to incorporate new elements and push the boundaries of traditional Irish dancing.”
Fitzpatrick, who has been a lead dancer with Riverdance for over a decade, added, “It’s amazing to be a part of something that has such a rich history and has touched so many people’s lives. Every night on stage, I feel the energy and passion from the audience, and it’s truly an incredible feeling.”
As they reminisced about the past 30 years, Moyles and Fitzpatrick also shared some of their favorite memories from their time with Riverdance. “One of the most memorable moments for me was when we performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994,” Moyles recalled. “It was the first time Irish dancing was showcased on such a large scale, and it really put Riverdance on the map.”
Fitzpatrick added, “For me, it was performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It’s such an iconic venue, and the energy from the audience was electric. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
But it’s not just the big moments that have made Riverdance special. Moyles and Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of the close-knit community within the show. “We spend so much time together on tour, and we’ve become like a family,” Moyles said. “It’s a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated dancers.”
As the conversation turned to the future, Moyles and Fitzpatrick revealed that there are some exciting things in store for Riverdance’s 30th anniversary. “We have a new show called ‘Riverdance 25’ that will be touring Europe this year,” Moyles shared. “It’s a celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary, and we’re excited to bring it to new audiences.”
Fitzpatrick added, “We also have a special performance planned for the 30th anniversary, which will take place in Dublin. It’s going to be a huge celebration, and we can’t wait to share it with our fans.”
Before wrapping up the interview, Ganss couldn’t resist the opportunity to learn a few dance moves from the experts. Moyles and Fitzpatrick graciously taught him some basic steps and even got him to try a few more advanced moves. “It’s not as easy as it looks,” Ganss joked, but he couldn’t hide his excitement at being able to dance with the pros.
As the interview came to an end, it was clear that Riverdance’s 30-year journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings to international success, the show has become a symbol of Irish culture and a source of inspiration for dancers around the world. And with new shows and performances on the horizon, it’s safe to say that Riverdance will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
