A brief outline of the Riverdance extracts available for Flying Squad performances.

Dance

Riverdance is the main dance number in the show, performed by both principal dancers and the full Irish troupe. It is instantly recognisable, having been the original Eurovision 1994 interval act which launched the touring phenomenon; Riverdance - The Show.

Firedance is a sensuous piece that builds from an almost static reflective mood to one of furious passion and fiery movement, symbolising the contrasts between fire and water. It is performed by the Spanish Flamenco soloist and the Irish male dancers.

Trading Taps is the very popular number featuring Irish male dancers and American tap dancers. It is a playful game of trading rhythms and skills, ultimately uniting both cultures in a powerful execution of precision dance.

Thunderstorm is a dramatic hard shoe number performed 'a capella' by the male Irish dancers.

American Wake is classic example of traditional Céilí and 'crossroads' dancing, showing clearly the roots of today's popular Irish dancing.

Russian Dervish is a traditional yet fast-moving acrobatic dance piece performed by the highly skilled members of the Moscow Folk Ballet Company.

Heartland is the highly-fuelled, hard-shoe dance climax of the show. The leads are joined onstage by the Irish troupe. This number includes a dynamic 'a capella' section where the troupe form the famous line, dancing in perfect unison.

Finale is the reprise of the items in the show featuring all of the performers and climaxing with everyone dancing in unison to the Riverdance theme music.

Music & Song

Slow Air and Tunes is a musical item featuring the fiddle player performing a gentle lilting air. They are joined onstage by a bodhrán (Irish handheld drum) player. Together they build to a lively and rousing finale.

Cloudsong is an ethereal tune sung by the female vocalist, sometimes accompanied by the choir. The song is the first part of the original Riverdance number.

Caoineadh Chú Chulainn is a haunting lament performed on the traditional Irish Uilleann (ill'awn) pipes.

Lift the Wings is a gentle emigration love-song sung by the male and female soloists.

Heal their Hearts is sung by a Bass Baritone. This is a cry from the heart of an immigrant having recently arrived on a foreign shore.

Freedom is led by the Bass Baritone who is joined onstage by the Riverdance Company. It is a song of a displaced people.

Home & The Heartland is a ballad, sung by the choir. This beautiful lilting song leads us into the powerful dance of Heartland.

Back to FAQ's section