The Eurovision Song Contest was held in Dublin, Ireland. It was hosted by Gerry Ryan and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and the show was done in English, Irish, and French.
It was a great evening full of talent and theater. Truly a world class production that many still talk about to this day. There were many contestants that evening but one group stole the show.
Riverdance took the stage and STOLE the show. The audience at the Point Theatre had no idea what they were about to witness. It was the birth of something spectacular. The beginning of a group that to this day, still dazzles and delights their audiences.
Europe and the world were treated to a fantastic display of Irish dancing. Now remember, this was back in 1994. No social media for sharing. It was the television and by word of mouth.
Gerry and Cynthia, both looking very nineties with their hair and outfits, introduce the group in a very formal manner. Since Ireland was the host, they had to produce a show that truly reflected the culture of the country.
The performance was produced by Moya Doherty, with music composed by Bill Whelan. Hard and soft shoe dancing was the choice. There’s no other way to go about it. Moya called Jean Butler and Michael Flatley.
“Just as my life changed with Eurovision 1994 so the cultural image of Ireland was also transformed. Irish culture, expressed in this case through dance and music, and as part of a wider, cultural awakening, took its place with confidence on the world stage.”
Jean takes the stage, dressed in black, her feet in those soft ghillies just taking her around the stage. She is so light on her feet it’s like watching a fairy go about her business. Jean’s springing and hop kicks make you wonder if she’s cheating gravity.
And the music just takes you away and over the mountains of Ireland where there seems to be a magic unknown to the rest of the world.
The mood shifts with rolling drumbeats now, and Michael Flatley comes running and jumping on stage with a split kick and already his hard shoes are making that tap tapping sound.
When Jean joins him, the pair embark on a dance so mesmerizing to watch. They tap along to the beat, their hips swaying to the melody, and as the music rises, so does their tempo.
More dancers join Jean and Michael, and together, they launch into a frenzy of taps and kicks. It sounds like a crashing waterfall except done with rhythm. A flurry of taps and spins assault the audience and once the music stops and the dancers catch their breath, the place explodes with applause and cheers.
It’s a standing ovation. And clearly, they were not expecting it. Gerry and Cynthia in different outfits now are stunned themselves. It’s no surprise that this performance still drops jaws today. It put Ireland and Riverdance on everyone’s minds that night. Never to be forgotten.
