Since the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) televised the premiere of Riverdance from Dublin, Ireland, to 300 million viewers worldwide on April 30th, 1994, it has remained a household name. Originally presented during an intermission, Riverdance introduced Irish dance to a broad audience, and the dancers amazed viewers with their showmanship, unconventional arm movements, and extraordinary footwork. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts opening night, Friday, May 15, 2026, was filled with an excited audience eager to see the 2026 revival of the celebrated show. This 30-year-anniversary tour features original choreography by Michael Flatley, a co-creator and legendary dancer best known as Lord of the Dance. It also includes new choreography that incorporates three other dance genres and is set to state-of-the-art projections with exquisite landscape backdrops. The vibrant and energetic Riverdance 30 – The New Generation flows beautifully, captivating audiences with its unstoppable rhythm and fresh talent.
Cast of Riverdance – Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
From the beginning, the show sets a gentle, Celtic, and nostalgic tone with an angelic singer, live onstage, musicians, and a narrator who guides you through the water’s life cycle and the Irish people’s resilience and transformation. A key Riverdance piece, Reel Around the Sun, choreographed by Michael Flatley, opens the performance, featuring intricate formations and mesmerizing, synchronized tap dancing. Costume designer Joan Bergin upgraded the costumes, adding a solid green dress for the women, complemented by a red underskirt, signature black tights, and jig shoes. The lead role, originally performed by Flatley, was played by Conor Rodgers, who demonstrates an exquisite vertical technique. His kicks are high, and his footwork is technically clean and impressive. He tends, however, to have a reserved way of presenting himself and a calm demeanor.
Riverdance – Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Tiernagh Canning took on the principal role in The Countess Cathleen. Her exceptional, transcendent, and ethereal presence lends the story an enchanted atmosphere. With fluid, balletic, and airy movement, she gracefully navigates the large stage. The ladies in the ensemble were fabulously feminine, soft, and unified. In contrast, in Thunderstorm there is a hypnotic rhythm, and a steadfast storm of men in a fast-paced powerhouse piece by Michael Flatley.
Riverdance in “Firedance” – Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
From Seville, María Pagés, a prominent modernizer of flamenco, choreographed Firedance and Ritmos Del Corazon/Andalucia, a collaboration with Riverdance star Colin Dunne. The solo flamenco artist Rocio Dusmet Orellana is passionate and confident, infusing the performance with vibrant energy, a strong presence, and charisma. Her movements are broad and expressive, with arms fully extended. An engaging part of the show featuring Irish dance and in Ritmos Del Corazon/Andalucia, a duet with suave partner Conor Rodgers.
Shivna is a mystical dance originally choreographed by the Moscow Folk Ballet Company and later restaged by Svetlana Malinina. It is a lyrical contemporary dance performance featuring two dancers and singers on stage. Another piece by the same choreographer, restaged, was the Russian folk dance of the evening, Macedonian Morning/The Dervish. The Dervish ensemble Christine Lesnikova, Llia Pozdnyakov, Ana Turcan, and Eugeniu Turcan were uplifting, and showcased traditional, challenging, and exhilarating tricks.
Closing the first act is Riverdance’s signature number, Riverdance, whose original choreography is by Mavis Ascott, Michael Flatley, and Jean Butler. It is a showstopper featuring the full Irish company of dancers and drummers. Conor Rodgers and Tiernagh Canning shine together and have a delightful ability to cover the whole stage by smoothly gliding across the stage.
Riverdance in “American Wake” – Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Throughout the evening, numerous favorite moments stood out, with American Wake being a top highlight. Choreography by Michael Flatley and Set Dance Consultant Paula Nic Cionnaith incorporates charm and exudes warmth in this segment, enabling the entire company to shine through a series of solos. The backdrop screen displayed a marvelous, multidimensional array of homes. The sets throughout the night were stunning. Set Designer Alan Farquharson, Motion Graphics Creator Cosmo Av, Lighting Designer Andrew Voller, and High Res Lead Designer Peter Canning effectively unified the show, using modern technology to craft a mystical, magical, and brilliant storytelling experience.
Riverdance – Fergus Fitzpatrick in the foreground – Photo courtesy of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The show featured a tap homage, Trading Taps, a fun, whimsical dance battle between the American tappers Dharmesh Patel and Kenard Williams and the Irish dancers (unfortunately not listed). All the dancers did an excellent job representing their craft while educating the audience on the similarities and differences in synchronization, movement, and rhythm.
Frequently during interludes, the stage musicians showcased their talents. Mark Alfred on percussion, Emma Haley Richardson on fiddle, and Cathal Croke on Uilleann Pipes excelled both in their solos and as an ensemble, making their performances relatable and engaging for the audience. Music composed by Grammy Award winner Bill Whelan in 1997 continues to fill the theater with exhilaration, mystery, magic, and nostalgia.
Riverdance – Finale – Photo courtesy of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
This program had it all; it was no ordinary Irish dance routine. A mix of choreographic pieces throughout the night kept the music and choreography in motion, slowing down, then picking up again, keeping the audience on its toes. You would feel a sense of serenity, only to be whisked into an excitement of dazzling steps. The choreography would yield Kapoeta movements, jazzy split jumps, gymnastic back layouts, and ballet grand jetés. The Riverdance brand is on track to bring happiness to people worldwide, across both former and new generations. There is even an animated movie that came out in 2021. Merchandise, spin-off shows, soundtracks, and licensing are featured at the center of the show backdrop. A consistency of the Irish love of life, music, and dance that continues to be celebrated by all.
To learn more about Riverdance, please visit their website.
For more information about the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, please visit their website.
Written by Alice Alyse for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Riverdance in Reel Around the Sun – Photo courtesy of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.