Athgarvan Musings

Perhaps the most memorable thing that has emerged from The Eurovision Song Contest in its 57 years has been the Irish dance group Riverdance. I'm sure everyone is familiar with this group by now. It originated as an interval performance during the 1994 Song Contest. Its dance routine is, basically, the story of Irish culture and of the Irish emigration to America and elsewhere down through the years.

This year, Ireland is inviting as many of its emigrants as can to come visit us again in what is called The Gathering.  Jean Butler, original star of Riverdance, invites all to come to Dublin in July and join her and other Riverdance castmembers along the banks of the River Liffey in an attempt to set a new World Record for Riverdance line dancing. So if you have a few dance steps in you why not join them?

From 15-19 July, The Gathering will also host a Masterclass Series, an invitation for 50 dancers to embark on their careers as show dancers. The best and brightest applicants from Ireland and abroad will be chosen to attend the week of free masterclasses where they will learn best practice for show dancers as well as technical aspects of show-performance and stagecraft. Tuition and mentoring will be provided by some of Riverdance’s most experienced and talented dancers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H617vzKyIT0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DioTTxmE_74