Riverdance at 30 – The New Generation

By Matthew Stafford | Photo Credit Riverdance

What began in 1994 as an interval performance at the Eurovision Song Contest and which soon evolved into a full stage performance in 1995 has flourished into a worldwide phenomenon known affectionately as Riverdance. Riverdance at 30 – The New Generation promises to expand on their fan base as they continue on their sixty-seven-city American tour. While faithfully keeping to traditions that have excited fans for decades, the new show includes performers who weren’t yet born during Riverdance’s genesis. 

As impressive as the dancing continues to be across the generations, equally impressive is the musicality. With a cast of stellar musicians and vocalists, the show not only pleases with its continuity of talent, but also adds some new fun along the way. Beloved by audiences worldwide, the Nashville audience was no less enthralled, comprised of both longtime fans and those new to the show. A new performance, which seemed to be a favorite of the audience at TPAC’s Jackson Hall, was set in front of a modern-day subway stop in New York City. “Trading Taps” was originally choreographed by Colin Dunne and Tarik Winston. Blending newer street dancing with more traditional movements, Nashville fans were generous with their applause and vocal adoration. 

Beyond the seemingly indefatigable dancing, traditional music developed from Irish and Scottish violin traditions into the fiddle music that ultimately helped shape American country and Appalachian folk music. After all, it’s not such a big leap from the passionate coastal shores of old Ireland to the late twentieth century that produced Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Between the myths of ancient Ireland, the struggle of immigrants, and the excitement found in a new world, it is precisely the preservation and appreciation of the thread that unites the talent of legendary, older times to what becomes the talent of tomorrow, which is part of what makes Nashville unique and what makes Riverdance immortal. 

You can check out additional tour dates and cities at Riverdance.com.

For other upcoming events at TPAC, visit tpac.org/.