When Riverdance - The Gathering takes over Dublin this July, there will be so much to see, you'll need to be prepared. We've got you covered
Since we first saw Micahel Flatley and Jean Butler dance their way into the record books, many of us have dreamt of being Riverdancers. Here’s your chance!
From 15-19 July, Riverdance – The Gathering will host its Masterclass Series, an invitation for 50 dancers who are about 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 and will take place in the Gaiety Theatre’s very own rehearsal studio.
Successful applicants will also attend a Riverdance show at the Gaiety, attend warm-up and rotations as well as meet the entire Gaiety cast. In addition, keen focus will be places on all of the other aspects that are essential to an Irish Dancer – fitness, diet and attitude. At least 25 of the places on the series will be reserved for dancers from abroad, and applications close on Friday 26 April so don’t delay.
For more information on how to apply for a place on the Series visit www.riverdance.com or email: masterclassgathering@riverdance.com.
Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park
There could be fewer more attractive surrounds for Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park, than Merrion Square, one of Georgian Dublin’s prettiest corners. From 2pm on 20 July, this historic square will jig, hop and buzz to music and dance. Aspiring dancers will receive informal and fun instruction from Riverdancers in the park, which sits right on the doorstep of the National Gallery and is where Oscar Wilde spent his childhood (there’s even a statue of him lounging on a rock here). And the craic (fun) is set to high-kick into action when the Riverdance Céilí starts hopping. Lead by the cream of Riverdance’s musicians and dancers, this is just the opportunity to give that Riverdance number a try. And don’t be shy – everyone else is at it!
The better news? Admission to Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park and Riverdance – The Gathering Ceili is free of charge. Lovely.
Riverdance – On Screen
As part of Riverdance – The Gathering, The Gathering Ireland will present a special Riverdance – On Screen show in gorgeous Georgian surrounds on Merrion Square West. On July 20, with an on-screen backdrop of highlights from Riverdance over the years, musicians past and present will play live, showcasing the talent and skill that has made traditional Irish music so adored. If the evening didn’t sound magical enough, there will be appearances from special musical guests, too.
Riverdance – The Gathering World Record
This is big. Well, that’s definitely the plan anyway. When we saw that first Riverdance line tapping for their lives on that Dublin stage, they took their breath away. They’re about to do it again.
The current world record for a Riverdance dance link is 652, and in Dublin, on 21 July as part of Riverdance – The Gathering, a host of dancers, along with the the First Lady of Riverdance, Jean Butler, plan to smash it.
Want to be involved? Here’s how.
You could be a member of a dance school in Ireland or at home, you might have danced jigs in your youth or you may even be a former Riverdancer, if you want to be involved in this utterly unique event, your most important port of call for information on registering is right here. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert dancer, you just need to be comfortable with performing the basic steps.
Once you’ve registered successfully, participants will receive a voucher to attend Riverdance’s matinee performance during the remainder of its Summer Season with a delightfully discounted price of €13 (a Gathering special!).
Riverdance – The Gathering at the Gaiety
Riverdance – The Gathering wouldn’t be the same without a live show. As Riverdance – The Gathering draws to a close on July 21, The Gaeity Theatre will host special matinee and evening performances with the theatre decorated top to toe in Riverdance paraphernalia. The show will welcome, in particular, all of those who have travelled from overseas, giving them the chance to see the show in the place where it first made its name. Now wouldn’t that be just the way to spend an evening with family and friends you haven’t seen in years?
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