Name: Katie Flannery
Nationality: American
Troupe: Boyne
Birthday: 9th Jun
Joined the Show: August 2003
Height: 5ft 5 inches
Eye colour: Green
Hair colour: Brown

At what age did you start Irish Dancing?
I started with ballet and other types of dancing and gymnastics before starting Irish dancing at age 9.

What did you like most about Irish Dancing?
Dance class, the traveling definitely and meeting new friends at competitions around the world?

When and why did you decide you wanted to be in Riverdance?
In 1994 after seeing Riverdance for the first time on Eurovision, I was amazed and knew I wanted to be in it when I “grew up”.

Where did you audition and what was it like?
I had a private audition in Chicago, and it was just a BIT tiring dancing by myself for a few hours!!

How did you feel when you heard you had been offered a place in the show?
I had just gotten home from work and my parents told me that Riverdance had offered me a role in the show. I was absolutely thrilled since it was a childhood dream and excited to take a break from college also!

Favorite part of the show?
I love dancing the wake scene since it’s like a party from the past on stage with all of the cast members, it’s a blast. Also I love watching the Russians.

Best Riverdance moment?
The first time I performed with the show and meeting my boyfriend :)

Most embarrassing Riverdance moment?
It was my first tour and I lost my partner Aileen Cronin in the wake. We couldn’t find each other, so I thought, but she was dancing right behind me the whole time. Meanwhile I was spinning in circles by myself! It was hilarious.

Do you have any rituals you have to do before going onstage?
I usually say a prayer and get a little goofy with everyone before going on it’s always a great laugh.

If you could only take 2 comfort things on tour what would they be?
I would love to bring my little doggies Bailey and Guiness my little cuties but that’s impossible. So definitely a few pair of comfy boots, that’s why they call me Katie Boots, and my sketch book to draw my future fashion.

What do you do in your free time on tour?
Of course I love to shop and work out, go out with my friends here, sightsee and see strange land marks!