Name: Deirdre McDonnell
Nationality: Canadian
Troupe: Boyne
Birthday: 4th June
Joined the Show: August ´00
Height: 5ft 1 inches
Eye colour: Green
Hair colour: Blonde

At what age did you start Irish dancing?
I started irish dancing when I was six.

What did you like most about it?
The heavy shoes that made lots of noise!!

When and what made you decide you wanted to be in Riverdance?
In August 1996, I saw the show in the Point Theatre in Dublin. Of course I wanted to be in it immediately, it was awesome!

Where did you audition for Riverdance & what was that like?
The North American Nationals in Orlando in 1998, I was only 16 and terrified, but my dancing teacher just told me to give it a go! I was successful and got to join the N.A. Flying Squad.

How did you feel when you heard you had got into the show?
I was very excited, but I was also worried because my Dad didn´t want me to audition and I did without telling him! He was OK though, as long as I finished high school. He was happy!!

Favourite part of the show?
Finale, when everyone is on the stage, the crowd is clapping, the lights are bright. It´s great energy.

Best Riverdance moment?
Dancing Principal for the first time in St. Louis, MO.

Most embarrassing Riverdance moment?
Joining the wrong line in the first part of Reel and dancing around the stage like a fool looking for the right one!!

Do you have any rituals/superstitions you have to do before going on stage?
Make sure I have over knickers on!!

Most memorable city you have toured to and why
Milwaukee, because we hung out with university people the whole time!!

What do you do in your free time while on tour?
Shopping!! Working out.

What´s the question you´re asked the most when people find out you are a Riverdancer?
Do your feet ever get sore!! Duh!