How to utterly wreck a fabulous performance with stupid American insensitivity. Sitting there with a baseball cap with not a game in sight.......interrupting with ridiculous comments and making your nation look even more unintelligent than normal. Shame on you.

There's never been another Eurovision interval act that comes anywhere close to Riverdance. It totally redefined Irish dance globally.

as a former Irish dancer, it takes a lot of training and strength. But most importantly it takes heart and desire. you have to want it.

I remember watching this with my dad who was Irish, born in Dublin, grew in Galway and then Kildare. He married my South American mum, and when we watched this his heart grew, his body grew, and he said, “this is your heritage, your blood mixed with your mother.’s This is where you come from.” My gran was an Irish dance teacher. My other gran was the daughter of a Spaniard and an indigenous Indian in Venezuela. I am an international child. I belong to both. I am so very very proud of you heritage

That roar from the crowd was visceral, a primitive reaction. I've seen it dozens of times and I still get choked at the sheer massed perfection. It's hard to believe that the whole routine was only designed to be a filler, to give the audience something to watch while nothing else was happening.

Watched it live from my Dublin sitting room. No one expected this; they kept it under raps until the performance. Nice reaction from a nice guy. sláinte ( good health )

Thank you for this reaction video. In my opinion, Riverdance changed the history of Ireland. At the time, most people in Ireland would say that they wouldn't watch the Eurovision but in fact, nearly everybody ends up keeping an eye on it. THAT year, we were hosting, because we had won it the year before (and the year before that, as it happens). I cannot tell you.... I think every single Irish person was dumb struck, mouths agape, galking at their television screens during this "filler" interval act. We had never seen our own national dance presented like this. I was crying. Tears rolled down my face. Knowing that 300million Europeans were watching too, I felt, WE felt ... well, we felt SEEN. Something that was staid and boring and traditional; often a bit of a chore that (especially female) children were dragged to (lessons) after school... it suddenly shot back into the ancient past, into our rivers, our mountains, our blood. Why do I think that it changed the course of history? Well, we always looked down on ourselves in Ireland. We had picked up the racism "No dogs, No Blacks, No Irish" signs outside London pubs, "Stupid Paddy" and even our own "Ah sure, that's a bit Irish" (meaning: that's a bit crap but expectedly so)... We had 25% unemployment, mass emigration for 150years... but it all changed in the 1990s. It started in 1990 when we, a nation of only 3 million at the time) qualified for the World Cup (soccer) for the first time. Astonishingly, we got to the semifinals and Irish people were flying the Tricolour proudly for the first time. Then we won more medals than ever at the '92 Olympics. Then we won Eurovision twice in a row. Then... then, as we were hosting for the second time, this time NOT in Dublin but in a tiny rural village in an extended horse shed (!!!), in front of our first female President (RgtHon, Her Excellency Mary Robinson), we had Riverdance. We went on to win that night again, making 3 wins in a row (never before nor after repeated since the first Eurovision in 1956). We won again 2 years later making 4 wins in 5 years. The burst of pride and confidence... Changed. The. Irish. Psyche. That (and cheap credit, it has to be said) resulted in the Celtic Tiger, the fastest growing economy in the world. It was a miracle. Ok, we went bust in '08 but the boom had paid for a massive overhaul of infrastructure, school building, business experience, reaching out beyond our usual trading partners (UK, UK, UK) and gaining stature in fields other than sports and music. But it was RIVERDANCE above all else that cauterised the wound of inferiority. Without this avalanche of confidence and self-assuredness I'm sure that we would not now be on the brink of getting a United Ireland, 800 years in the waiting. Go raibh míle maith acu: ag Jean Butler agus na fir agus na mná in aice lei.

This here makes me PROUD to be Irish 😍😍

Note that Riverdance was not a completely new invention but a groundbreaking renewal of an Irish folk dancing tradition that never died and had to be revived; it was alive all along. The Riverdance show made the rest of the world aware of Irish dancing like never before. Not just tapdancing ("hard shoes") -- Jean Butler's first solo dance in the Eurovision show was in "soft shoes" -- but on a Riverdance tour in the US there was a very enjoyable tapdancing battle between Irish and American male dancers.

I watched this on tele, at home in London. Everyone stopped what they were doing, and sat in silence and awe. At the end, after a shocked silence we just erupted into cheers and applause, and tears due to the beauty and emotion of it. Amazing.

I did Irish dancing for 6 years, but this is champion-level dancing. Many of the dancers in Riverdance started when they were around 3 years old.

I remember watching this at the time performed for the first time during the Eurovision Song Contest interval and it was amazing to watch, still gives me chills now

World record for the longest Riverdance line dancing together for the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics when Ireland was hosting the games

My next door neighbour was the physiotherapist for the Riverdance troop and travelled the world with them for years .. the work was relentless and the stresses and injuries horrendous, but they kept going through the pain and strain.

Irish dancer here. He’s wearing modified Irish hard shoes. Since he’s the star of the show, he has metal taps because they are more resonate. The other dancers are wearing traditional shoes and those shoes have fiberglass taps and wooden heals.

Even watching it 29 years later my Goosebumps have Goosebumps. This has got to be the most exhilarating dance performance I have ever seen. Sadly Michael Flatley is currently battling cancer. Get well soon.

If you went to school in Ireland before this moment you knew the pain. For me it was every Wednesday. The class would go to the main sports/assembly hall and for an hour we'd do Irish dancing, arms down by our sides, most of us hating it, never getting past the initial "1, 2, 3 step" movement. You might get one in every class who went on to more advanced, actual Irish dancing and competed (it's really a sport as much as it is a dance). For most of us though, it was that 3 step thing we did every Wednesday. When Jean Butler comes out she's essentially doing traditional Irish dancing. She's doing it to perfection and it's precise and graceful and smooth but there's a stiffness to it, a restrictiveness to it. Then Flatley came out and it was a real holy shit moment. Imagine the first time somebody did a slam dunk in basketball. That's what this moment was for Irish dancing. His arms were spread, he was wearing bright colours, he was moving like nothing anyone who ever witnessed or participated in Irish dancing had ever seen. Jean Butler's initial dance showed how Irish dancing could be sensual. Flatley made it sexual, even throwing in a bit of Michael Jackson into his routine. There is a story to Riverdance about a fairy princess and a rogue fairy prince or something but the real story of Riverdance is the transformation of a traditional, conservative dance into a mindfuck of creativity and possibility. I was a kid at the time and I didn't get the full significance of this performance then but even as 9 year old I knew I'd just watched something truly transformative.

they make it look so easy when in fact it takes years to master,the heart feels the beat,the legs do the talking.

The thing that just astounds me is at the end of all that...they aren't even breakin' a sweat. Just standing there smiling like they only took a slow Sunday stroll through the park.

Seeing it live, from balcony seats, where you could see all the choreography, was a singular experience. I never got goosebumps watching a dance before or since.

My wife and I saw the show live in Los Angeles a few years ago. The sounds of the dancing and the volume of the orchestra was amazing. The tickets were a bit pricey but totally worth it.

Still knocks me sideways nearly 30 years on

The unsung hero in the Riverdance phenomenon is Moya Doherty. Yes Bill Whelan's interpretive genius made something new and wonderful out of traditional Irish music, yes Jean and Michael were both great dancers and great choreographers, but the entire concept of this few minutes, from start to finish and from the germ of an idea to a masterclass production, was Moya's. She created Riverdance out of an idea and look what it gave birth to. I have had few occasions to be proud of being Irish in recent years, but when I watched this when it first aired in 1994, it left me with an abiding sense of pride in my country, our culture and our heritage.

Saw this live with my wife, who already loved Irish dance. Neither of us had ever seen anything like it. Completely blew us away. Makes me cry every time I watch it.

I believe that this is the one and only time when Eurovision interval show got the standing ovation.

I had friends who saw the dress rehearsal, came back talking not about the show but the interval act. We taught they were nuts. As they were huge Eurovision fans.

HxC, I am so glad you reviewed and enjoyed this absolutely amazing spectacle! I was born in England in 1962 and remember watching this live on television on the night. I was just riveted - along with millions of others! Honestly, it was as though the ethereal choral voices and the scene had spellbound the entire audience and then, Riverdance began... Already hypnotised by the music; snapped to attention by the drums, we couldn't move from our seats! The atmosphere was electric! We were witnessing something from another realm! Nobody outside the Irish dance community had ever seen anything like it and everyone - live at the event and all over the world - just went mad! Yes, I was emotional, too: How could one not FEEL what was entering your ears, eyes, soul? You can see it in (Irish-American) Jean Butler and Michael Flatley's faces at the end as it dawned on them what they had just done: they could feel the power of the audience; they'd just blown the roof off!

I either saw Riverdance or Lord of the Dance as a kid and I remember my parents sorta giggling a bit because my under 10 year old brain just couldn’t handle how cool it was and started silently crying while never taking my eyes off the stage. I don’t remember the show, but I remember the feeling to this day. I’m 30 now

i was about 27 years and i was actualy crying when it finished it was so beautiful it was totaly unexpected and there for so d... m good

It’s really lovely to see your reaction as an American .I’m Irish and I remember the night I watched it on tv. Everyone in Ireland was talking about it. 🇨🇮🇨🇮

The children start so young. Its in their blood. So wonderful to watch

I live in Wales the UK, but both my parents are Irish-born and if you dancing lessons you started young . I'm proud to call myself irish

After seeing this show I really wanted to learn Irish dancing. Fortunately, that was possible in the Netherlands. But my goodness that was heavy and difficult. But such a nice thing to do! I was just too old when I started :-) I learned that in Ireland a lot of children start dancing at the age of four. The dancers on the stage have probably already had 15 to 20 years of intensive training.

Not seen this for a while, I'd forgotten how incredible it was

I attended a River Dance performance in Vancouver. It was even more impressive in person! ❤️🇨🇦

Michael was a boxer who took up dancing. He was the king of this dancing and Jean was the queen. The ones that followed them when they moved on were good, but Michael and Jean just couldn't be beat.

My two sons took me to see Riverdance several years ago, and it was WOW. Being a retired tap dancer, I loved their performance and was amazed at the energy the dancers showed.

I remember watching this certainly the best ever Eurovision act! They have travelled all over the world to receive outstanding accolades.

The audience reaction at the end! The combination of dancing at the very highest level, percussion, choreography. Masterful, really.

Anúna made us proud in that moment a fine display of Irish vocals. Plus the Irish dance...well have to be light and fast on the feet as to steal the show.

I dont know why but i just start crying watching this the emotion is mental,first time watching your reaction .subscribed .

And that's why Flatley is now worth €300 million, some achievement from Irish tap dancing to be fair.

Yikes remember this well , travelled over to London for a football game that same Saturday ... and later that evening sitting with my relations in London watching this with unreal pride and saying to myself yep this is what Irish is being all about our culture is what makes us who we are ...

I had the privilege to see Riverdance The Show live here in Hamburg, Germany, back in the day. It was breathtaking. My goosebumps had goosebumps.

When I first saw Michael Flatley and Riverdance years ago I was in awe.........I am still in awe. Irish dancing at it's best.

I watched this live. One of those moments you remember. We watched in total silence...then turned and looked at each other and all said out loud "that was bloody brilliant"!

Oh man i remember this interval act like it was yesterday, We ESC lovers have seen a lot, as ESC is quiet old. But this act was really game change were most of us viewers got stunned. Only the last interval act that you allready have seen and reacted to had the same impact "power of water" but other then that this one was one of the most remarkable interval acts of ESC history.

I was watching this on TV. The interval scene of Riverdance was MORE POPULAR than the competition!

I watched it live here in Ireland at 7, it was amazing! We were not expecting anything but a usual interval where you’d go off to put the kettle on! Everyone was amazed! Glad you heard and saw the emotion in it 🙂🙂

Michael Flatley was amazing. This was such a big show in the 90's. I saw it live in the Chicago area but Michael left over a contract dispute. This was on Broadway for a long time. Many great performances- Watch the whole show some time.

I saw them on TV (either Carson or Leno) when they came to the US, and was immediately spellbound. Every time I hear all the dancers in step, impacting the stage with their feet, I get chills. There's something primal about such a large group doing the same steps, in sync. I've seen it live 3 times, and would go again in a heartbeat!

As a descendent of Irish grandparents I watched this at the age of 3 on TV in their livingroom floor. After that I took tap lessons then clogging lessons. I got into horses in my teenage years, but have always had love and appreciation for the work these people put into this art fourm, and everytime I hear irish music, my feet just will not be still. Much love and so glad you found this. Brings back memories.

I watched this live that year, made more prouder than ever to be Irish and living in Ireland!!!

I watched riverdance for the first time randomly during Lockdown and, same as you, mind = blown. And yes, it was emotional. The fact that it was just an interval performance is insane.

i was born in 2001 but god what i would give to watch this live for the first time and experience it with everyone else

Thank you Lord for giving us the Irish!

You will not believe wat the show has developed into now! Its massive! The best bit it when then do the ripple up n down the line! Its absolutely mesmerising! 🙏👍😳

I saw it in 1997 in New York and loved it and cried. I like people to react to it. I even bought the album as the music really is great. I believe she was 3 when she started. The legs go through alot over the years to be the best. It is amazing to that they never bump into each other. That is perfection. They must feel so great with the applause.

Saw it live!!! Will never forget the raw emotion when it finished! We just leapt to our feet and cheered and screamed. There will never be another Riverdance!

It was phenomenal. Just NO words can describe what it was like to be in the midst of all that TALENT be well 🐥🇨🇦🐥hugs everyone

The male solodancer, Michael Flatley, is american - irish and renewed this dancestyle. He toured a while with this group, was kicked out and then builded his own company and many greate shows. This was the start of a big industri - Riverdance !

Riverdance symbolizes the emergence of Irish culture as an acceptable and dignified influence on the 20th century.

I tried jumping on my tippy toes like you said in my living room, hit my head on the ceiling fan, and broke four of my toes. Thanks a lot man.

I was at the Point Theatre that night!

I've seen them live. Not during the Contest show, but on their tour through Europe. It is amazing!

This went all over the world. We drove four hours in Australia to see this. It was brilliant.

I'm black but my sister and I trained in ballet. We love ALL types of dancing because it is a univetsal language. I love Irish dance and was mesmerized like so many others, at the beauty and skill that it requires. I have Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames Hyde Park and a few productions from amateur dancers and they are all outstanding !!! When I'm having a bad day, I shut out the rest of the world and spend 1 1/2 hours immersed in these shows. I love them !!!❤❤❤

Michael Flatley Is One Of My Tap Dance Idols (I Have Been A Tap Dancer For 34 YEARS Now) And He Actually Holds The World Record For The Most Taps Per Second Which Is 35 TAPS PER SECOND!!!!! My Husband Took Me To See Him Live Here In Colorado When He Came To Do His Lord Of The Dance : Farewell Tour Before He Hung Up His Dance Shoes!!!!! It Was Here For 1 Night Only And It Was An Absolute Fairytale Dream Come True!!!!!

i watched this on tv the night it happened and 29 years and hundreds of viewings i still get emotional .

And to think this was just a brief break provided by the host country during the contest!

I remember seeing this live on TV as a Teenager. Still give me goosebumps.

I see this show every time it comes to my area. Never gets any less magical!

Love, love, love Riverdance ❤️ I remember seeing this performance on tv that night, seeing the rows of dancers tapping in perfect sync, the energy of them just bowled me over, it was so contagious I felt like jumping over tall buildings! 😁 I've loved Irish music since my teens, visited Ireland 4 times and saw Riverdance live in Helsinki the first time they came. Thanks for your video! 👍

My favorite parts of River Dance are the opening scene, called Reel Around the Sun & America Wake. That scene is a going away party for those immigrating with a lot of fantastic set dancing. Anothr wonderful party scene is when their descendents return for a visit.

After watching it for the first time to this day I get goosebumps and the hairs on my body stand up, there is something very primal about the music, the sounds the dancers make not to mention the steps, also you're right it takes a shit ton of talent and years ( decades) of training to perform at this level.

I remember watching this live on TV and it totally blew my mind. Was lucky to see the final tour live and it was even better.

We did indeed lose our minds! itwas incredible never forget it .the pride .the beautiful show .

The older we get the more enjoyable things become

The funny thing is, they absolutely dont know until the last second of the show, if the audience would like it or not. And, btw, there are a lot of things that was fixed at the very last moment. The wings of Butler for an example... F****ng great show!

I have watched this many times. I am still thrilled by this every time!

i have seen it life on tv and I was mesmerized then and till this day still is the best interval act on Eurovision, I was 25 then and now 53, and I still get emotional watching this back.

Oh dear lord 🤯 I remember being head over heels in love with Michael Flatley as a teenager 🤣 He is mind blowing

I saw this live on tv…I’d never seen Irish dancing before… WOW! The whole performance from the mood-setting beginning to the mass tapping was completely compelling. Glad you found it and Thanks for sharing 👍🤗

I love this performance! Have seen Riverdance in Rotterdam live. Thanks for your reaction to this awesome dance!

The full show is so beautiful, bittersweet and joyful. Seen it live many times. The production is smaller now but the full stage show just moved me in ways I can’t describe.

The “ Lord of the Dance” w/Michael Flatley is the absolute best in my opinion. The violinist you saw in “ Celtic Woman” is in this show. The music and story, and the Feet of Flames are incredible.

I remember watching live this when I was 7. I know it's only Eurovision, You'd be proud to be Irish on that evening.

Remember watching it on the night & being moved to tears, well actually left me sobbing it was so moving

not sure if you still follow comments in your old reactions. But Riverdance is on tour again this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary. It's a thrill to watch the hole hour and half performance live.

That was a really great reaction bro. Fair play. Subscribed. 👍

Great reaction you gave

Love this I can remember it being on the TV I was half watching the programme but when they came on I just stared at the screen it was brilliant 😃 have you seen Torvill and Dean British 🇬🇧 ice skaters at dancing to Bolero 🇬🇧

I just love your spaced out & totally absorbed expression, makes me appreciate this again through new eyes & ears!

now there's a blast from the past. I remember this very well. Fantastic. Most definitely one of the best I've ever seen. no other country can pull of a spectacular dance as the river dance. like Ireland it's in there blood. from 🇬🇧👍😄 an old cockney gal. b safe take care where ever you are. Peace ☮️☘️

One of my all-time favorite performances , there are a few parts I don't really care for , but I LOVE THIS , I still have it on VHS .

i saw it on tv while watching the contest so yes it was life but i wasnt in the audience years later a saw a show live in theatre with some of these dancers, it was magnificent

I still tear up. I watched this!! I was in like 4th grade at the time. The show was on PBS in my neck of the woods. It was amazing then. Michael Flatley is a great man. Jean Butler was amazing as well. Riverdance...later Lord of the Dance (go find that one..the whole dang show ) Celtic Tiger Mr Flatley set a world record for number of taps per second I believe. (He dances on glass). Lightening feet. He's retired now..but all that I listed up there. The whole productions are worth you time. Make sure they are the versions with Michael Flatley because there are others. All very good but really there was and has been no other the likes of Michael Flatley and Bill Whelen collaborating.

Those are Irish hard shoes, not tap shoes there is a big difference but i do understand the similarity to someone from outside persay. I took irish soft & hardshoe for years.. it is very complex... alot of time/training/practice & a little bit of talent.... but you're watching Michael Flatley... he pioneered Riverdance & is a true legend! (River dance is a bit more relaxed for body placement and "rules" persay lol I also tapped for 13 years

This 8 minute performance cost approximately 600,000 euros. This went on travel, training,studio time,costumes, set building etc

Remember watching this,I was 12 and eurovision was HUGES! Back then Sweden only had two state owned tv chanels,commersial tv was in it infancy,so EVERYBODY was watching. Still very impressing dance number👌