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Kitchen Table Kibitzing September 7. 2025 [1]
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Date: 2025-09-07
Riverdance
In 1994 I saw a teaser on PBS about an upcoming dance show featuring Irish dancing. I was intrigued, though I wasn’t much of a fan of dancing. Well, some of the early tap dancing movies were interesting. When the show was scheduled I was ready, and recorded the whole thing on my VCR (remember those?). I was hooked. I watched and re-watched the video. I still have it. This featured the original cast, including Michael Flatley and the lovely Jean Butler. I as well as millions of folks were entranced with Butler’s ethereal effortless seemingly floating back and forth on the stage, in perfect coordination with Flatley.
The original presentation originated as a seven-minute interval act during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Dublin. It expanded into a full stage production which went worldwide. That production was what I recorded. Since then I’ve attended any Irish dancing event I could, some with very young performers. We attended a performance of the singing group Cherish the Ladies and two of the best Irish dancers appeared as a surprise act, one of whom shared my name. I confess to happy emotional tears.
Here for your pleasure is the original seven minute Riverdance.
x YouTube Video
One unusual aspect of Irish dancing is that the dancers keep their arms by their sides. It does emphasize the precision footwork, but as a possible legend states;
The legend goes that when the British occupied Ireland they tried to stamp out symbols of Irish identity, so the Irish started dancing with their arms down so that when British soldiers passed by their window, or fence, or bar, or hedge, they wouldn't be able to tell that they were dancing.
Another version is that it was the strict clergy that had the same effect.
Irish dancing is now one of Ireland's most successful exports. There are schools in every continent except Antarctica.
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