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{{Short description|Irish musical and dance production}}
{{Cleanup|date=July 2008}}
{{Other uses|Lord of the Dance (disambiguation)}}
{{Other uses of|Lord of the Dance}}
{{Italic title}}
[[Image:Lord of the Dance - Cry Of The Celts - panorama.jpg|400px|right]]
{{more citations needed|date=June 2022}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox musical
| name = Lord of the Dance
| subtitle =
| image_size =
| caption =
| music = [[Ronan Hardiman]]
| book =
| basis = Lord of the Dance
| productions =
| premiere_date = 26 July 1996
| premiere_location = [[Point Theatre]], Dublin
| awards = <!-- Please do not include production-specific (acting, directing, etc.) awards -->
}}


'''''Lord of the Dance''''' is an [[Ireland|Irish]] [[musical theater|musical]] and [[dance]] production that was created, choreographed, and produced by [[Irish dance|Irish-American dancer]] [[Michael Flatley]], who also took a starring role. The music for the show was written by [[Ronan Hardiman]].
'''''Lord of the Dance''''' is an Irish dance show and dance production that was created, choreographed, and produced by [[Irish dance|Irish-American dancer]] [[Michael Flatley]], who also took a starring role. The music for the show was written by [[Ronan Hardiman]].


==Background==
==Background==
Michael Flatley found his first fame starring in ''[[Riverdance]]'', but he left the show in 1995 before its debut in London after a disagreement over creative control. Flatley dreamed of putting together a dance show capable of playing in arenas instead of traditional theatres.<ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0106/18/lkl.00.html]</ref> He soon began thinking of rhythm patterns and steps for an ''a cappella'' number. This number would later become "Planet Ireland", the show's finale. The show took six months to bring it from conception to the stage. Auditions were held in the [[SFX City Theatre, Dublin|SFX City Theatre]] in Dublin.
Michael Flatley found his first fame starring in ''[[Riverdance]]'', but he left the show in late 1995 due to conflicts over creative control. He dreamed of, and put into action, a plan of putting together a dance show capable of playing in [[arena]]s and stadiums instead of traditional theatres.<ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0106/18/lkl.00.html Michael Flatley Discusses How He Became 'Lord of the Dance'] in [[Larry King Live]]</ref>{{full citation needed|date=June 2022}} Later on, Flatley soon began thinking of rhythm patterns and steps for an ''a cappella'' number. This number would later become "Planet Ireland", the show's finale. The show took six months to bring from conception to stage. Auditions were held in the [[SFX City Theatre, Dublin|SFX City Theatre]] in Dublin.

==Story==
The show takes place in a “Celtic” land called Planet Ireland (or it is sometimes interpreted as ancient/historical Ireland), with much Celtic-themed imagery and music. The story follows Flatley’s character, the “Lord of the Dance”, and his fight against the evil dark lord Don Dorcha from taking over Planet Ireland. The Lord of the Dance defeats the dark lord's invasion with help from a little spirit, a [[pixie]] or [[faerie]] of sorts. This spirit, who initially appears as some kind of [[court jester]], is eternally positive, dancing and beaming at all times. The show begins with the little spirit playing “[[Lord of the Dance (hymn)|The Lord of the Dance]]” melody, solo, on [[tin whistle]], before the dark forces come and take over the [[Celts]]. There is also a secondary theme of “good girl versus bad girl”, or "love versus lust", expressed through dance several times throughout the show. Saoirse, the Irish ''cailín'' (normally appearing in white or brighter colours), fights to win the love of the Lord of the Dance against the wicked Morrighan, the Temptress (usually appearing in all red or black dress). The stories are based on ancient Irish [[folklore]] and some biblical references; the title itself, along with the main musical theme, is taken from [[Lord of the Dance (hymn)|a contemporary hymn]]. Through tales of love, heartache, temptation, peace, battle, struggle and finally victory, the story of the Lord of the Dance’s triumph is told through dance and live music.

==Synopsis (original 1996 version)==

The show begins with the number '''"Cry of the Celts"'''. A female troupe sleeps in a semicircle with a girl dressed in gold, known as "Little Spirit" while winds accompany the scene. Seconds later, masked figures cloaked in black and bearing torches arrive and stand as statues while ambient new age music plays. Later, the Little Spirit rises from her sleep and plays the show's theme song on a tin whistle. She then awakens the troupe with magical dust. The Little Spirit leaves with the cloaked figures as the female troupe makes their first dance. Drum beats fill in and the show's main eponymous character, known as "Lord of the Dance" appears and dances before an elated crowd before being accompanied by the entire dance troupe.

After a song by "Erin the Goddess" ("Suil A Ruin"), the Little Spirit activates a mechanical musical doll which then dances with the female troupe led by the lead female protagonist Saoirse ("Celtic Dream"). A terrifying performance of "Warriors" with suspenseful music follows, with dark lord Don Dorcha doing an introductory dance before being followed by his troupe. At the end of Warriors, the Little Spirit plays a trick on one of them. Morrighan the Temptress makes her introduction soon after ("Gypsy").

"Strings of Fire" kicks in with two female fiddlers. Later Saoirse leads the female troupe in fighting Morrighan and later changes to black inner clothing after a fight with the temptress ("Breakout"). They are then greeted by the Lord of the Dance himself and his troupe, who then dances into an a'capella number ("Warlords"). Another song by Erin the Goddess follows ("Gaelic Song")

The eponymous number of the show ("Lord of the Dance") begins with a two pairs of males accompanying a pair of females in an introductory dance before the eponymous character dances to the shows' upbeat theme. The number ends with the title character being joined by his troupe.


==Performances==
==Performances==
''Lord of the Dance'' had preview shows at the [[Point Theatre]] in Dublin from June 28 to July 1, 1996. The show staged a premiere performance on June 27th 1996 - the video was filmed on July 2, 1996. The story follows the character "Lord of the Dance" and his fight against the evil dark lord "Don Dorcha" from taking over Planet Ireland. The "Lord of the Dance" defeats the dark lord's invasion with help from a little spirit. There is also a story with a "love vs lust" theme expressed through dance throughout the show. "Saoirse, the Irish Cailín" fights for the love of the "Lord of the Dance" against the wicked "Morrighan, the Temptress". The stories are based on ancient [[Ireland|Irish]] [[folklore]] and some Biblical references; the title itself, along with the central musical theme, is taken from [[Lord of the Dance (hymn)|a contemporary hymn]].
''Lord of the Dance'' had preview shows at the [[Point Theatre]] in Dublin from 28 June to 1 July 1996. The show staged a premiere performance on 27 June 1996 – the video was filmed on 2 July 1996.


In March 1997, ''Lord of the Dance'' was performed at the [[Oscars]]. That November, ''Lord of the Dance'' expanded operations by forming several troupes of dancers which would tour North America and Europe. Flatley signed a contract with [[Disney]] for ''Lord of the Dance'' to perform at [[Epcot]] in [[Walt Disney World]] in the summer of 1999 and ''Lord of the Dance'' was asked back the following summer in 2000. Troupe 4 performed at the [[Euro Disney|Disneyland Paris Resort]] in 2002 and 2003. There are currently two troupes of ''Lord of the Dance'' productions touring the world. Troupe 1; currently touring throughout Europe, whilst Troupe 2 is resident in the US.
In March 1997, ''Lord of the Dance'' was performed at the [[Oscars]]. That November, ''Lord of the Dance'' expanded operations by forming several troupes of dancers which would tour North America and Europe. Flatley signed a contract with [[Disney]] for ''Lord of the Dance'' to perform at [[Epcot]] in [[Walt Disney World]] in the summer of 1999 and ''Lord of the Dance'' was asked back the following summer in 2000. Troupe 4 performed at the [[Euro Disney|Disneyland Paris Resort]] in 2002 and 2003. There are currently two troupes of ''Lord of the Dance'' productions touring the world: Troupe 1, currently touring throughout Europe and Asia and Troupe 2, touring US and Canada including Europe too.


==''Feet of Flames''==
==''Feet of Flames''==
On July 25, 1998 after two years of touring, Flatley created ''[[Feet of Flames]]'', an expanded version of ''Lord of the Dance''. ''Feet of Flames'' took the dancers from all the troupes and put them together, totalling almost 100. The final stage was {{convert|180|ft|m}} wide with multiple levels. The show was held before 25,000 people in London's [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]]. The special feature was a dance solo by Flatley without music. It was supposed to be the last time Flatley danced live on stage, but a different version of the show would later go on tour in 2000–01 (only one troupe appeared on this tour). The show in Hyde Park was the last time Michael Flatley danced in "Lord of the Dance", he would go on to do the ''Feet of Flames'' World Tour, and after that ''Celtic Tiger.'' The Lord of the Dance 10th Anniversary Party was held in June 2006.
{{further|Feet of Flames}}After two years of touring, Flatley created ''[[Feet of Flames]]'', an expanded version of the show. The first Feet of Flames concert which premiered on July 25 that year, was made as a one-off performance of ''Lord of the Dance'', held before 25,000 people in London's [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]]. While closely resembling the original show, ''Feet of Flames'' merged two troupes of the said show, totaling almost 100, and also adds an all-male choir and a live band. The show's stage, measuring {{convert|180|ft|m}} wide, borrowed set designs from the original ''Lord of the Dance'' but adds multiple levels for the finale. A special feature was a dance solo by Flatley without music. The Hyde Park show marked the last time Flatley starred in Lord of the Dance and was supposed to be the last time he danced live on stage, but a different version of Feet of Flames would later go on a world tour in 2000–01 (only one troupe appeared on this tour); he would go on to do ''[[Celtic Tiger Live|Celtic Tiger]]''. The Lord of the Dance 10th Anniversary Party was held in June 2006.
{{further|[[Feet of Flames]]}}


==''Lord of the Dance'' today==
==2010 Return of Michael Flatley Reunion tour==
Flatley's return to performance in Feet of Flames [[Taipei]] in 2009 marked the first step to his return in the show.
''Lord of the Dance'' still has two troupes on tour. Troupe 1 tours Europe and Asia, while troupe 2 tours North and South America. Michael Flatley, meanwhile, is still the creator, producer and director of the production.


In April 2010, he announced{{clarify|reason=out of date. He either returned or he didn't|date=May 2013}} that he would be returning to headline the Lord of the Dance show, with performances in Dublin's [[3Arena|The O<sub>2</sub>]], Belfast's [[Odyssey Arena]], London's [[The O2 (London)|O<sub>2</sub> arena]], Sheffield's [[Sheffield Arena]], Manchester's [[Manchester Arena|MEN Arena]], Birmingham's [[LG Arena (Birmingham)|LG Arena]], Nottingham's [[Nottingham Arena|Trent FM Arena]], Liverpool's [[Echo Arena]], London's [[Wembley Arena]], Newcastle's [[Metro Radio Arena]] in November 2010, with dates also announced in Germany, Switzerland & Austria, the first time he will have done so since 1998.
''Lord of the Dance'' recently played in Las Vegas at the Steve Wyrick Theatre. Dancers from Troupe One and Two merged together during this period.


This iteration of the show remained the same as the 1996 version but did not use the original castle courtyard stage set design, rather, upgrading it to a modern design consisting of seven erect rectangular screens with a set of stairs also acting as screens. New lighting was introduced and aircraft landing lights were used as stage lights to add to the effect. The reunion tour also featured updated and redesigned costumes from the original show as well as elements from Feet of Flames 1998 such as a live band, chanting monks, and the notable Feet of Flames solo.
In December 2009, a troupe played in Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C. to a standing applause.


The concerts in Dublin, London, and [[O2 World (Berlin)|Berlin]] were filmed for a 3D concert film entitled Lord of the Dance 3D, later released on DVD and Blu-ray on 28 June 2011 under the title ''Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance'' in US and Canada, and 4 August in Australia, 12 September 2011 in the UK and October in Germany, France, Benelux and Scandinavia. The 3D version of the film was released only in Blu-ray in late 2011.
In April 2010 Michael Flatley announced that he would be returning to headline the Lord of the Dance show, in five performances in Ireland, three at [[The O2 (Dublin)|The O<sub>2</sub>]] in Dublin and two at The [[Odyssey Arena]] in Belfast in November 2010, the first time he will have done so since 1998<ref>http://www.insideireland.ie/index.cfm/section/news/ext/riverdance002/category/905</ref>.

== Dangerous Games ==
In 2014, Flatley created Dangerous Games, a revised spinoff of Lord of the Dance. While maintaining 50% of the numbers from the original show, new numbers were introduced, featuring dancing robots, new songs, new music by Gerard Fahey, and re-scores of Ronan Hardiman's pieces.

The character of Don Dorcha was remade from a simple warrior and rival clan leader to an undead, demonic, humanoid/cyborg hybrid with new supernatural powers. In addition, the show used a more modern screen background.


==Lead dancers==
==Lead dancers==
Over the years, along with several troupes, the lead dancers have changed.
Over the years, along with several troupes, the lead dancers have changed.


Original characters (1996 show)
===Original characters (1996 show)===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*Lord of The Dance: [[Michael Flatley]]
*Lord of The Dance: [[Michael Flatley]]
*Saoirse, the Irish Cailín: [[Bernadette Flynn]]
*Saoirse, the Irish Cailín: [[Bernadette Flynn]]
*Morrighan the Temptress: [[Gillian Norris]]
*Morrighan the Temptress: [[Gillian Norris]]
*Don Dorcha: [[Daire Nolan]]
*Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord: [[Daire Nolan]]
*The Little Spirit: [[Helen Egan]]
*The Little Spirit: Helen Egan
*Erin the Goddess: Ann Buckley
*Fiddlers: [[Máiréad Nesbitt]] and [[Cora Smyth]]
*Erin the Goddess: [[Anne Buckley]]


;Understudies
Bernadette Flynn is still touring with the show. Gillian Norris left the show in early 2000. Daire Nolan left the show shortly after its first run in [[Epcot]] in 1999. Nesbitt is now with the Celtic band [[Celtic Woman]]. Smyth is touring with Flatley in ''[[Celtic Tiger Live|Celtic Tiger]]''. Buckley has left the show and has made her own solo album.
*John Carey - Lord of the Dance
*Areleen Ni Bhaoill - Saoirse
*Fiona Harold - Morrighan
*Cian Nolan ''(Daire Nolan's younger brother)'' - Don Dorcha
{{div col end}}


===2010 Return of Michael Flatley tour===
==Show acts==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
[[File:Lord of the Dance - 02 Cry Of The Celts, The Spirit (cropped).JPG|thumb|]]
[[File:Lord of the Dance - 03 Cry Of The Celts, dancing Girls (cropped).JPG|thumb|]]
*Lord of The Dance: [[Michael Flatley]]
*Saoirse, the Irish Cailín: [[Bernadette Flynn]] O'Kane
[[File:Lord of the Dance - 13 Cry Of The Celts, The Lord of the Dance and The Little Spirit cropped.JPG|thumb|]]
*Morrighan the Temptress: Ciara Sexton
Act 1
*Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord: Tom Cunningham
* Cry of the Celts
*The Little Spirit: Kate Pomfret
* Suil a Ruin
*Erin the Goddess: [[Deirdre Shannon]]

;Understudies
*James Keegan - Lord of the Dance
*Laura Jones and Sarah Lennon - Saoirse
*Aisling McCabe - Morrighan
*Zoltan Papp - Don Dorcha
{{div col end}}

Bernadette Flynn toured with the show until 2011. Gillian Norris left the show in early 2000. Daire Nolan left the show shortly after its first run in [[Epcot]] in 1999. Mairead Nesbitt moved to Celtic band [[Celtic Woman]]. Cora Smyth toured with Flatley in ''[[Celtic Tiger Live|Celtic Tiger]]'' until he cancelled the tour due to a viral infection. Anne Buckley performed with the show until the Feet of Flames 2001 tour, at which point she left and has since recorded a solo album.

==Band==
===Original band===
*Dave Keary, [[Guitar]]
*Eamon Byrne, [[Bass guitar]]
*[[Gary Sullivan (drummer)|Gary Sullivan]], [[Drums]]
*[[Máiréad Nesbitt]] and [[Cora Smyth]], Fiddles
*Liam O'Connor, [[Diatonic button accordion|Button accordion]]
*Ger Fahey, [[Uilleann pipes]], keyboards

===Return tour band===
*[[Giada Costenaro]] and [[Valerie Gleeson]] - fiddles
*John Colohan - Guitar
*Eamon Byrne - Bass
*Terry Fahy - Drums
*Kenneth Keary - mandolin
*Willie Dune - bass
*Ger Fahey - pipes, keyboards

==Musical numbers==

===Original===
[[File:Lord of the Dance - 02 Cry Of The Celts, The Spirit (cropped).JPG|thumb|The Little Spirit]]

;Act I
* "Cry of the Celts" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan
* "Suil a Ruin" - Erin the Goddess
* "Celtic Dream" - Saoirse, Girls
* "The Warriors" - Don Dorcha, Warriors
* "Gypsy" - Morrighan
* "Strings of Fire" - The Violins
* "Breakout" - Saoirse, Girls
* "Warlords" - Lord of the Dance, Warlords
* "Gaelic Song" - Erin the Goddess
* "The Lord of the Dance" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan
[[File:Lord of the Dance - 03 Cry Of The Celts, dancing Girls (cropped).JPG|thumb|Dancers]]
;Act II
* "Spirit in the New World" - The Spirit
* "Dangerous Game" - The Spirit, Don Dorcha, Warriors
* "Hell's Kitchen" - Lord of the Dance, Don Dorcha, Warlords, Warriors
* "Fiery Nights" - Morrighan, Don Dorcha, Warriors, Their Women
* "The Lament" - The Violins
* "Siamsa" - The Clan
* "She Moved Through the Fair" - Erin the Goddess
* "Stolen Kiss" - Saoirse, Lord of the Dance, Morrighan
* "Nightmare" - Don Dorcha, Warriors
* "The Duel" - Lord of the Dance, Don Dorcha
* "Victory" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan
* "Planet Ireland" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan

===2010 return of Flatley tour===
* Cry of the Celts
* Marble Halls
* Celtic Dream
* Celtic Dream
* The Warriors
* Warriors
* Gypsy
* Gypsy
* Strings of Fire
* Strings of Fire
* Breakout
* Breakout
* Warlords
* Warlords
* The Lord of the Dance
* Dance of Love
* The Lord of the Dance
* Celtic Fire


Act 2
;Act II
* Spirit of the New World
* Spirit in the New World
* Dangerous Game
* Fiery Nights
* Hell's Kitchen
* The Lament
* Fiery Nights
* Siamsa
* Our Wedding Day
* The Lament
* Stolen Kiss
* Siamsa
* Carrickfergus
* Nightmare
* Stolen Kiss
* The Duel
* Nightmare
* The Duel
* Victory
* Victory
* Feet of Flames
* Planet Ireland
* Planet Ireland

[[File:Lord of the Dance - 13 Cry Of The Celts, The Lord of the Dance and The Little Spirit cropped.JPG|thumb|The Little Spirit and the Lord of the Dance]]

==Recordings==
''Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance'' is an album of the music composed by [[Ronan Hardiman]] and released in 1996.

===Track listing===
# "Cry of the Celts" &ndash; 4:27
# Suila Ruin" &ndash; 3:18
# Celtic Dream" &ndash; 5:39
# "Warriors" &ndash; 3:09
# "Gypsy" &ndash; 2:11
# "Breakout" &ndash; 3:48
# "The Lord of the Dance" &ndash; 4:46
# "Spirit in the New World" &ndash; 1:31
# "Fiery Nights" &ndash; 3:10
# "Lament" &ndash; 3:23
# "Siamsa" &ndash; 4:29
# "Our Wedding Day" &ndash; 3:25
# "Stolen Kiss" &ndash; 3:24
# "Nightmare" &ndash; 3:39
# Victory" &ndash; 2:48
# "Cry of the Celts" (Bonus Version) &ndash; 2:24
# "The Lord of the Dance" (Bonus Version) &ndash; 4:46

===Charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Chart performance for ''Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance''
! scope="col"| Chart (1996–1998)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|9|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|8|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|12|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|37|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Finland|28|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|16|id=2983|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|33|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|6|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|23|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|46|artist=Ronan Hardiman|album=Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance|rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|37|date=19961102rowheader=true|access-date=20 December 2024}}
|}

''Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance'' was released on video in 1997.


==Tour dates==
==Tour dates==
{{further|[[Lord of the Dance (musical) tour dates]]}}
Michael Flatley starred in the show from 1996 to early 1998 before going on to ''[[Feet of Flames]]''.
Michael Flatley starred in the show from 1996 to early 1998 before going on to ''[[Feet of Flames]]''.
This incomplete list includes Troupe 1, Troupe 2, Troupe 3, and Troupe 4.
This incomplete list includes Troupes 1, 2, 3, and 4.


'''1996''' - with Michael Flatley
'''1996''' – with Michael Flatley – 28 June to 30 December: Ireland premiere, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
June 28 to December 30: Ireland premiere, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand


'''1997''' - with Michael Flatley
'''1997''' – with Michael Flatley – 3 January to 27 November: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia
January 3 to November 27: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia


'''1998''' – 11 January to 10 December: England, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Austria, France, Norway.
'''1998'''
January 11 to December 10: England, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Austria, France, Norway.


'''1999'''
'''1999'''
January 9 to December 19: Israel, Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Portugal.
9 January to 19 December: Israel, Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Portugal.


'''2000'''
'''2000'''
January 26 to December 16: Japan, South Africa, France, United States, Germany,
26 January to 16 December: Japan, South Africa, France, United States, Germany, Argentina.


'''2001'''
'''2001'''
January 21 to December 22: Germany, France, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, England, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Estonia, Belgium.
21 January to 22 December: Germany, France, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, England, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Estonia, Belgium.


'''2002'''
'''2002'''
February 16 to December 31: France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Lebanon, England, Finland, Russia, Ukraine,
16 February to 31 December: France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Lebanon, England, Finland, Russia, Ukraine,


'''2003'''
'''2003'''
January 1 to December 16: France, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Spain,
1 January to 16 December: France, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Spain,


'''2004'''
'''2004'''
January 13 to December 19: Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland, France, Greece, Czech Republic, South Africa, Israel, China.
13 January to 19 December: Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland, France, Greece, Czech Republic, South Africa, Israel, China.


'''2005'''
'''2005'''
January 12 to December 31: Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Macedonia, England,
12 January to 31 December: Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Macedonia, England,


'''2006'''
'''2006'''
January 1 to June 26: England, Chile
1 January to 26 June: England, Chile


'''2007'''
'''2007'''
Troupe One --- March 1 to December 22: Poland,United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Greece
Troupe One – 1 March to 22 December: Poland, United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Greece


'''2010''' --- Tour with Michael Flatley -- UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria
'''2010''' – Tour with Michael Flatley – UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria


'''2015''' – ''Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games'' had temporary shows at the Playhouse Theatre, London and at the Lyric Theatre, Broadway and two touring casts elsewhere at the same time – one was in Sydney, Australia and also in Auckland, New Zealand, the others were spread across Europe. The European tour included countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Poland.
--- June 3 to June 9: Bulgaria


'''2022''' - ''25 Years of Lord Of The Dance'' United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy
==Notes==

<references/>
==References==
{{commonscat|Lord of the Dance}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lord of the Dance}}
* [http://www.lordofthedance.com Official show site]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110311095006/http://www.lordofthedance3d.com/ Official site of the 3D film of the show]
* {{IMDb title|0148422|Lord of the Dance}}
* {{IMDb title|1792584|Lord of the Dance 3D}}


==See also==
{{Michael Flatley}}
{{Michael Flatley}}
{{Irish dance}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Irish dance]]
[[Category:Irish dance]]
[[Category:Irish stepdance]]

[[Category:1996 musicals]]
[[cs:Lord of the Dance]]
[[Category:Irish musicals]]
[[de:Lord of the Dance]]
[[fr:Lord of the Dance (spectacle)]]
[[he:לורד אוף דה דאנס]]
[[nl:Lord of the Dance]]
[[pl:Lord of the Dance]]
[[ru:Lord of the Dance]]
[[zh:舞王]]

Latest revision as of 09:05, 20 December 2024

For other uses of "Lord of the Dance", see Lord of the Dance (disambiguation).

Lord of the Dance
MusicRonan Hardiman
BasisLord of the Dance
Premiere26 July 1996: Point Theatre, Dublin

Lord of the Dance is an Irish dance show and dance production that was created, choreographed, and produced by Irish-American dancer Michael Flatley, who also took a starring role. The music for the show was written by Ronan Hardiman.

Background

[edit]

Michael Flatley found his first fame starring in Riverdance, but he left the show in late 1995 due to conflicts over creative control. He dreamed of, and put into action, a plan of putting together a dance show capable of playing in arenas and stadiums instead of traditional theatres.[1][full citation needed] Later on, Flatley soon began thinking of rhythm patterns and steps for an a cappella number. This number would later become "Planet Ireland", the show's finale. The show took six months to bring from conception to stage. Auditions were held in the SFX City Theatre in Dublin.

Story

[edit]

The show takes place in a “Celtic” land called Planet Ireland (or it is sometimes interpreted as ancient/historical Ireland), with much Celtic-themed imagery and music. The story follows Flatley’s character, the “Lord of the Dance”, and his fight against the evil dark lord Don Dorcha from taking over Planet Ireland. The Lord of the Dance defeats the dark lord's invasion with help from a little spirit, a pixie or faerie of sorts. This spirit, who initially appears as some kind of court jester, is eternally positive, dancing and beaming at all times. The show begins with the little spirit playing “The Lord of the Dance” melody, solo, on tin whistle, before the dark forces come and take over the Celts. There is also a secondary theme of “good girl versus bad girl”, or "love versus lust", expressed through dance several times throughout the show. Saoirse, the Irish cailín (normally appearing in white or brighter colours), fights to win the love of the Lord of the Dance against the wicked Morrighan, the Temptress (usually appearing in all red or black dress). The stories are based on ancient Irish folklore and some biblical references; the title itself, along with the main musical theme, is taken from a contemporary hymn. Through tales of love, heartache, temptation, peace, battle, struggle and finally victory, the story of the Lord of the Dance’s triumph is told through dance and live music.

Synopsis (original 1996 version)

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The show begins with the number "Cry of the Celts". A female troupe sleeps in a semicircle with a girl dressed in gold, known as "Little Spirit" while winds accompany the scene. Seconds later, masked figures cloaked in black and bearing torches arrive and stand as statues while ambient new age music plays. Later, the Little Spirit rises from her sleep and plays the show's theme song on a tin whistle. She then awakens the troupe with magical dust. The Little Spirit leaves with the cloaked figures as the female troupe makes their first dance. Drum beats fill in and the show's main eponymous character, known as "Lord of the Dance" appears and dances before an elated crowd before being accompanied by the entire dance troupe.

After a song by "Erin the Goddess" ("Suil A Ruin"), the Little Spirit activates a mechanical musical doll which then dances with the female troupe led by the lead female protagonist Saoirse ("Celtic Dream"). A terrifying performance of "Warriors" with suspenseful music follows, with dark lord Don Dorcha doing an introductory dance before being followed by his troupe. At the end of Warriors, the Little Spirit plays a trick on one of them. Morrighan the Temptress makes her introduction soon after ("Gypsy").

"Strings of Fire" kicks in with two female fiddlers. Later Saoirse leads the female troupe in fighting Morrighan and later changes to black inner clothing after a fight with the temptress ("Breakout"). They are then greeted by the Lord of the Dance himself and his troupe, who then dances into an a'capella number ("Warlords"). Another song by Erin the Goddess follows ("Gaelic Song")

The eponymous number of the show ("Lord of the Dance") begins with a two pairs of males accompanying a pair of females in an introductory dance before the eponymous character dances to the shows' upbeat theme. The number ends with the title character being joined by his troupe.

Performances

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Lord of the Dance had preview shows at the Point Theatre in Dublin from 28 June to 1 July 1996. The show staged a premiere performance on 27 June 1996 – the video was filmed on 2 July 1996.

In March 1997, Lord of the Dance was performed at the Oscars. That November, Lord of the Dance expanded operations by forming several troupes of dancers which would tour North America and Europe. Flatley signed a contract with Disney for Lord of the Dance to perform at Epcot in Walt Disney World in the summer of 1999 and Lord of the Dance was asked back the following summer in 2000. Troupe 4 performed at the Disneyland Paris Resort in 2002 and 2003. There are currently two troupes of Lord of the Dance productions touring the world: Troupe 1, currently touring throughout Europe and Asia and Troupe 2, touring US and Canada including Europe too.

Feet of Flames

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Further information: Feet of Flames

After two years of touring, Flatley created Feet of Flames, an expanded version of the show. The first Feet of Flames concert which premiered on July 25 that year, was made as a one-off performance of Lord of the Dance, held before 25,000 people in London's Hyde Park. While closely resembling the original show, Feet of Flames merged two troupes of the said show, totaling almost 100, and also adds an all-male choir and a live band. The show's stage, measuring 180 feet (55 m) wide, borrowed set designs from the original Lord of the Dance but adds multiple levels for the finale. A special feature was a dance solo by Flatley without music. The Hyde Park show marked the last time Flatley starred in Lord of the Dance and was supposed to be the last time he danced live on stage, but a different version of Feet of Flames would later go on a world tour in 2000–01 (only one troupe appeared on this tour); he would go on to do Celtic Tiger. The Lord of the Dance 10th Anniversary Party was held in June 2006.

2010 Return of Michael Flatley Reunion tour

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Flatley's return to performance in Feet of Flames Taipei in 2009 marked the first step to his return in the show.

In April 2010, he announced[clarification needed] that he would be returning to headline the Lord of the Dance show, with performances in Dublin's The O2, Belfast's Odyssey Arena, London's O2 arena, Sheffield's Sheffield Arena, Manchester's MEN Arena, Birmingham's LG Arena, Nottingham's Trent FM Arena, Liverpool's Echo Arena, London's Wembley Arena, Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena in November 2010, with dates also announced in Germany, Switzerland & Austria, the first time he will have done so since 1998.

This iteration of the show remained the same as the 1996 version but did not use the original castle courtyard stage set design, rather, upgrading it to a modern design consisting of seven erect rectangular screens with a set of stairs also acting as screens. New lighting was introduced and aircraft landing lights were used as stage lights to add to the effect. The reunion tour also featured updated and redesigned costumes from the original show as well as elements from Feet of Flames 1998 such as a live band, chanting monks, and the notable Feet of Flames solo.

The concerts in Dublin, London, and Berlin were filmed for a 3D concert film entitled Lord of the Dance 3D, later released on DVD and Blu-ray on 28 June 2011 under the title Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance in US and Canada, and 4 August in Australia, 12 September 2011 in the UK and October in Germany, France, Benelux and Scandinavia. The 3D version of the film was released only in Blu-ray in late 2011.

Dangerous Games

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In 2014, Flatley created Dangerous Games, a revised spinoff of Lord of the Dance. While maintaining 50% of the numbers from the original show, new numbers were introduced, featuring dancing robots, new songs, new music by Gerard Fahey, and re-scores of Ronan Hardiman's pieces.

The character of Don Dorcha was remade from a simple warrior and rival clan leader to an undead, demonic, humanoid/cyborg hybrid with new supernatural powers. In addition, the show used a more modern screen background.

Lead dancers

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Over the years, along with several troupes, the lead dancers have changed.

Original characters (1996 show)

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Understudies
  • John Carey - Lord of the Dance
  • Areleen Ni Bhaoill - Saoirse
  • Fiona Harold - Morrighan
  • Cian Nolan (Daire Nolan's younger brother) - Don Dorcha

2010 Return of Michael Flatley tour

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  • Lord of The Dance: Michael Flatley
  • Saoirse, the Irish Cailín: Bernadette Flynn O'Kane
  • Morrighan the Temptress: Ciara Sexton
  • Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord: Tom Cunningham
  • The Little Spirit: Kate Pomfret
  • Erin the Goddess: Deirdre Shannon
Understudies
  • James Keegan - Lord of the Dance
  • Laura Jones and Sarah Lennon - Saoirse
  • Aisling McCabe - Morrighan
  • Zoltan Papp - Don Dorcha

Bernadette Flynn toured with the show until 2011. Gillian Norris left the show in early 2000. Daire Nolan left the show shortly after its first run in Epcot in 1999. Mairead Nesbitt moved to Celtic band Celtic Woman. Cora Smyth toured with Flatley in Celtic Tiger until he cancelled the tour due to a viral infection. Anne Buckley performed with the show until the Feet of Flames 2001 tour, at which point she left and has since recorded a solo album.

Band

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Original band

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Return tour band

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  • Giada Costenaro and Valerie Gleeson - fiddles
  • John Colohan - Guitar
  • Eamon Byrne - Bass
  • Terry Fahy - Drums
  • Kenneth Keary - mandolin
  • Willie Dune - bass
  • Ger Fahey - pipes, keyboards

Musical numbers

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Original

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The Little Spirit
Act I
  • "Cry of the Celts" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan
  • "Suil a Ruin" - Erin the Goddess
  • "Celtic Dream" - Saoirse, Girls
  • "The Warriors" - Don Dorcha, Warriors
  • "Gypsy" - Morrighan
  • "Strings of Fire" - The Violins
  • "Breakout" - Saoirse, Girls
  • "Warlords" - Lord of the Dance, Warlords
  • "Gaelic Song" - Erin the Goddess
  • "The Lord of the Dance" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan
Dancers
Act II
  • "Spirit in the New World" - The Spirit
  • "Dangerous Game" - The Spirit, Don Dorcha, Warriors
  • "Hell's Kitchen" - Lord of the Dance, Don Dorcha, Warlords, Warriors
  • "Fiery Nights" - Morrighan, Don Dorcha, Warriors, Their Women
  • "The Lament" - The Violins
  • "Siamsa" - The Clan
  • "She Moved Through the Fair" - Erin the Goddess
  • "Stolen Kiss" - Saoirse, Lord of the Dance, Morrighan
  • "Nightmare" - Don Dorcha, Warriors
  • "The Duel" - Lord of the Dance, Don Dorcha
  • "Victory" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan
  • "Planet Ireland" - Lord of the Dance, the Clan

2010 return of Flatley tour

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  • Cry of the Celts
  • Marble Halls
  • Celtic Dream
  • Warriors
  • Gypsy
  • Strings of Fire
  • Breakout
  • Warlords
  • Dance of Love
  • The Lord of the Dance
  • Celtic Fire
Act II
  • Spirit in the New World
  • Dangerous Game
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Fiery Nights
  • The Lament
  • Siamsa
  • Carrickfergus
  • Stolen Kiss
  • Nightmare
  • The Duel
  • Victory
  • Feet of Flames
  • Planet Ireland
The Little Spirit and the Lord of the Dance

Recordings

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Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance is an album of the music composed by Ronan Hardiman and released in 1996.

Track listing

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  1. "Cry of the Celts" – 4:27
  2. Suila Ruin" – 3:18
  3. Celtic Dream" – 5:39
  4. "Warriors" – 3:09
  5. "Gypsy" – 2:11
  6. "Breakout" – 3:48
  7. "The Lord of the Dance" – 4:46
  8. "Spirit in the New World" – 1:31
  9. "Fiery Nights" – 3:10
  10. "Lament" – 3:23
  11. "Siamsa" – 4:29
  12. "Our Wedding Day" – 3:25
  13. "Stolen Kiss" – 3:24
  14. "Nightmare" – 3:39
  15. Victory" – 2:48
  16. "Cry of the Celts" (Bonus Version) – 2:24
  17. "The Lord of the Dance" (Bonus Version) – 4:46

Charts

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Chart performance for Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance
Chart (1996–1998) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[2] 9
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[3] 8
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[4] 12
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[5] 37
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[6] 28
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[7] 16
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[8] 33
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[9] 6
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[10] 23
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[11] 46
UK Albums (OCC)[12] 37

Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance was released on video in 1997.

Tour dates

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Michael Flatley starred in the show from 1996 to early 1998 before going on to Feet of Flames. This incomplete list includes Troupes 1, 2, 3, and 4.

1996 – with Michael Flatley – 28 June to 30 December: Ireland premiere, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand

1997 – with Michael Flatley – 3 January to 27 November: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia

1998 – 11 January to 10 December: England, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Austria, France, Norway.

1999 9 January to 19 December: Israel, Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Portugal.

2000 26 January to 16 December: Japan, South Africa, France, United States, Germany, Argentina.

2001 21 January to 22 December: Germany, France, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, England, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Estonia, Belgium.

2002 16 February to 31 December: France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Lebanon, England, Finland, Russia, Ukraine,

2003 1 January to 16 December: France, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Spain,

2004 13 January to 19 December: Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland, France, Greece, Czech Republic, South Africa, Israel, China.

2005 12 January to 31 December: Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Macedonia, England,

2006 1 January to 26 June: England, Chile

2007 Troupe One – 1 March to 22 December: Poland, United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Greece

2010 – Tour with Michael Flatley – UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

2015 – Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games had temporary shows at the Playhouse Theatre, London and at the Lyric Theatre, Broadway and two touring casts elsewhere at the same time – one was in Sydney, Australia and also in Auckland, New Zealand, the others were spread across Europe. The European tour included countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Poland.

2022 - 25 Years of Lord Of The Dance United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy

References

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  1. ^ Michael Flatley Discusses How He Became 'Lord of the Dance' in Larry King Live
  2. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance". Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  4. ^ "Ultratop.be – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  5. ^ "Ultratop.be – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Ronan Hardiman: Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  7. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  8. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  9. ^ "Charts.nz – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance". Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  10. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance". Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  11. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Ronan Hardiman – Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance". Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  12. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
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