What has the Eurovision Song Contest given to the world? Abba?, well yes, but there has been something else, a worldwide phenomenon that has reached places even Abba hasn’t reached. Martin Hutchinson reports WE first came across Riverdance in 1994 when it was performed in the interval of that year’s Eurovision Song Contest. It was an immediate success, receiving a standing ovation for the dancers, led by Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, and the music that was composed by Bill Whelan.

The dance consisted of some traditional Irish step dancing, notable for its rapid leg movements while keeping the arms and body still.

Opening in Dublin in February 1995, the show was a sell out and the phenomenon that is Riverdance took off.

The show has grown in the ensuing 15 years into a music and dance extravaganza and has toured the world numerous times, but it has been decided that this new tour, the ninth to come to the UK, will be the last one.

To keep up with demand for the shows, there are three performing companies, all named after Irish Rivers — the Boyne tours in North America, the Foyle in Ireland and The Corrib in Europe.

The lead male dancer is Ohio-born Joe Moriarty.Joe has been Irish dancing since the age of eight (he’s 28 now) and has competed at the World Championships on three occasions, ranking in the top five.

He joined Riverdance in August 1997 and he is only the second North American dancer to be the male lead in the history of the show.

He said: “It’s got something for everyone. Spanish, American, Russian as well as Irish.”

This year’s show, predominantly features Irish music and dance, but Firedance is Spanish, and American tap and Russian choreography is included.

Music is an integral part of the show, which has already been seen in the UK by 2.7 million people, although it could be argued that music isn’t always necessary.

Joe said: “The rhythm of the footwork is music itself. The audiences have been great and it’s totally sold out; in fact at the Hammersmith Apollo they had to sell standing room only tickets.”

The energy and power of some of the dancing makes a gruelling schedule for the dancers.

“It can be quite hectic. At first, you have to learn the dances and even though we are all world class dancers it takes a few weeks.”

But once they’ve got to grips with it, it’s just a matter of keeping it going.

Joe said that in a few years he’ll be thinking of retiring.

“It really depends on the person, but I reckon you can dance up to your mid-30s. It’ll be hard to stop as I love the dancing. I’d really love to get into teaching dancing after I stop performing.”

Riverdance — The Farewell Tour will be at The Opera House, Manchester from March 23 to 28. Tickets are priced at £23.50 to £39.50 and are available on 0844 847 2328.