Printable Biography of Lord of the Dance

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Michael Flatley’s name is synonymous with the wave of Celtic dance mania that began sweeping the world in the mid 1990s and has continued to grow steadily ever since. He is the American-born dance pioneer who created Lord of the Dance, the most popular touring dance production in history. The youngest son of Irish parents who immigrated to the U.S. after WWII, Flatley spent much of his childhood in their native Ireland, where he developed an affinity for the traditional form of Celtic dance. It is this form of dance that Flatley combined with ultramodern techniques and a synergistic blend of other styles to create Lord of the Dance. Recognized as the guiding force that helped catapult Irish dancing into the global spotlight, Flatley conceived and choreographed the theatrical extravaganza that has been seen by more than 50 million people worldwide at sold out theaters, arenas and stadiums. He originated the role of the Lord, and presently serves as the show’s artistic director. Michael Flatley, who originated the role of the Lord, serves as the artistic director and continues to oversee all aspects of the production. The first American to win the All World Championship in Irish Dance, Flatley opened the show in Dublin in 1996.

“Our goal is to take the audience on a wondrous adventure that will ignite their minds and souls,” said Flatley. “We’ve combined traditional and modern forms of dance to create a high octane blend with soulful beats and feet that move too fast to comprehend.”