Yesterday, after my daughter’s Irish dance class, we were chatting, and I mentioned that one of the dancers in her class reminded me of Colin Dunne because of the rhythmic precision he was dancing with.
She looked at me, perplexed, and asked, “Who’s Colin Dunne?”
I realized that, sure, she knows all the current and popular world champions and big names in the Irish dancing World, but she didn’t know about some of the people who have made Irish dancing the popular dance style it is today.
I thought to myself, if she doesn’t know these names, probably others don’t know them either. I’ve compiled a list of 10 famous Irish dancers you should know about. Some are current, and some are a bit older. The list isn’t exhaustive, and many other names could be included.
These dancers have significantly impacted Irish dance through innovative choreography, masterful footwork, or captivating performances.
From Michael Flatley to Ciara Sexton and the Gardiner Brothers, these dancers have achieved worldwide fame and recognition for their contributions to Irish dance.
Some have even expanded beyond traditional Irish dancing to incorporate other styles like ballet and contemporary dance.
Whether you’re already a fan of Irish dance or just getting started, learning about these incredible performers will give you a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication it takes to be considered one of the top Irish dancers ever.
Let’s dive into the world of top-notch Irish dancing talent.
Michael Flatley: The Lord of Irish Dance
Let’s start with the most obvious choice, Michael Flatley, who is undoubtedly the face of Irish dancing. Whether you are part of the Irish dancing world or not, I’d be surprised if you hadn’t heard of Michael Flatley, aka The Lord of Irish Dance. He has been the main influence of modern times to bring Irish culture and the contemporary style of Irish dance to the masses.
Michael Flatley, by Beaumain, CC BY-SA 2.0
Flatley was born in Chicago to Irish immigrants and began dancing at an early age. He quickly rose to fame after being invited to collaborate on a dance piece for the intermission of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. This turned out to be the genesis of what would later become the Irish dance sensation Riverdance.
His talent and dedication helped him become the first American to win the World Irish Dance Championships. But his real claim to fame came when he created and starred in the groundbreaking show Riverdance.
After leaving Riverdance, Flatley went on to create his own show, Lord of the Dance, which became a worldwide sensation. His innovative choreography brought traditional Irish dance into the modern era by introducing elements of pop music and rock concert-style lighting effects. He also elevated the physicality of Irish dance performance techniques with his lightning-fast footwork and athletic movements.
Check out some of Michael Flatley’s greatest moments in Irish dance.
Ciara Sexton: Precision and Grace
Ciara Sexton is an accomplished Irish dancer known for her exceptional skill, precision, and grace. She has won multiple World and All Ireland Championships, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication, and has also been the lead dancer in Riverdance, as well as performing in other productions like Celtic Women and Lord of the Dance.
Picture from Ciara Sexton’s Facebook page
She began dancing at age four at the O’Shea School of Irish Dance.
Sexton’s technique is known for its precision and grace, with her movements always executed with great control. She continues to perform and teach Irish dance lessons, and inspiring young dancers to follow in her footsteps.
In addition to Ciara Sexton, many other famous Irish dancers have made their mark on the world stage. The Gardiner Brothers are a dynamic duo who bring their own unique flair to traditional Irish dance, infusing it with elements of hip-hop and contemporary dance styles.
Gardiner Brothers
The dynamic duo of the Gardiner Brothers infuses traditional Irish dance with contemporary dance styles, creating a visually stunning performance. Their journey to success started when they were young boys and learned the basics of Irish dance.
The Gardiner Brothers dancing in a country lane in Galway, Ireland,
by Mg2312, CC BY-SA 4.0
They began experimenting with different dance styles, incorporating hip-hop and contemporary dance elements as they grew older. Their unique approach to Irish dance has garnered them a lot of attention over the years, and they have become known for their innovative choreography that seamlessly blends traditional and modern styles. The Gardiner Brothers YouTube channel has over 1 Million subscribers.
They have performed alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Ed Sheeran and Hozier. The art of Irish dance choreography is not an easy one to master, but the Gardiner Brothers have proven time and time again that they’re up for the challenge.
Jean Butler: The Original Riverdance Star
Jean Butler electrified audiences with her performance in the original Riverdance production. Her dancing inspired a generation of dancers and brought Irish dance to the forefront of popular culture. Butler’s precision, grace, and agility were unmatched as she danced alongside Michael Flatley in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest interval act, later known as Riverdance. The fusion of traditional Irish step dancing with modern music and choreography captivated the world.
Butler’s impact on Irish dance extended beyond her iconic role in Riverdance. She collaborated with renowned choreographers like Bill T. Jones and John Scott to push the boundaries of contemporary Irish dance. Her legacy can be seen in the evolution of Riverdance itself, which has expanded to include more diverse cultural influences and styles while still maintaining its roots in traditional Irish dance.
Colin Dunne: The Master of Rhythm
Now that you know all about the original Riverdance stars Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, it’s time to dive into the style of another famous Irish dancer: Colin Dunne. As a master of rhythm, Dunne has made a name for himself in the world of Irish dance and beyond.
Colin Dunne is an extraordinary Irish dancer and choreographer, best known for his percussive style and his role as the lead dancer in Riverdance after Michael Flatley’s departure.
Dunne’s unique blend of tradition and innovation has earned him critical acclaim and fans around the world.
Alliyah O’Hare: Eight-time World Champion
Alliyah O’Hare has won the prestigious World Championships an amazing eight consecutive times and countless competitions across England, Ireland, Scotland, Europe, and the USA.
She began dancing at age six with the Scanlon School of Irish Dancing in Birmingham, England. Her family is Irish, and her nan and granddad really wanted her to give Irish dancing a try, and she hasn’t looked back.
Alliyah has collaborated with other Irish dancers, including David Geaney, and toured internationally with the “A Taste of Ireland” show.
Through her skill and dedication, she has proven herself a formidable competitor, a well-respected identity, and a fantastic role model in the Irish dancing world.
James Devine: The World’s Fastest Feet
Wow! This guy is fast! James Devine is known as the dancer with the world’s fastest feet. According to Guinness World Records, Devine is an Irish dancer who held the record for the most taps in one minute. He accomplished this feat in 1998 by tapping his feet 38 times in just 1 second. It’s no wonder he was dubbed ‘the world’s fastest feet.’
Devine’s training regimen is intense and dedicated. He started dancing at a young age and has since trained with some of the world’s best Irish dance teachers. His talent and hard work have not only earned him world records but also influenced younger dancers to follow in his footsteps. With his impressive skills, James Devine has become a role model for aspiring Irish dancers worldwide.
Padraic Moyles: The Dynamic Performer
You’ll be amazed by the dynamic and boundary-pushing performances of Padraic Moyles: The Dynamic Performer.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Moyles began dancing at a young age, following in his family’s footsteps. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented performer with his unique style that blends traditional Irish dance with contemporary movements.
Over the years, Moyles has played an integral role in the evolution of Irish dance performance. He has worked with some of the most renowned shows, including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, bringing his own innovative touch to each production.
His performances are filled with energy and passion, captivating audiences worldwide. With every step he takes on stage, Moyles showcases his incredible skill and his dedication to pushing boundaries and creating something entirely new within the art form.
David Geaney: The Dingle Dancer
David Geaney is a 5-time world champion Irish dancer from Dingle, Ireland.
He is known as “The Dingle Dancer” and is regarded as one of Ireland’s leading entertainers and has performed on Broadway in New York and is a co-creator of the hit Broadway show Velocity which debuted at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In addition to his dancing career, David Geaney is also a social media sensation, with impromptu performances in his family bar, The Dingle Pub, often going viral.
Liam Costello: Four-time World Champion
Liam Costello is a four-time world champion from Australia. He practices various dance forms, including jazz, contemporary, and ballet, but his passion is Irish dancing.
He didn’t start Irish dancing right away but started with jazz dance at age five. But then, he saw a clip of Irish dance from a school concert video and was hooked. Teaching himself from a video of an Irish dance performance was his first taste of this style of dancing. Shortly after, he joined Scoil Rince Creer, part of the Carlingford School of Dance in Syndey, Australia.
As Liam travels between Australia and the UK a lot, he was introduced to the McGahan Lees School in England, where he has been training and extending his skills. This has led to merging school names to McGahan Lees Creer, which Liam competes under.
A few highlights from the 2023 World Irish Dancing Champions in Montreal for Liam were that he scored a perfect round of 900 points for one of his dances. Then, the following day, he won the prestigious Flatley freestyle award, becoming the first-ever male award winner.
As of writing, Liam is performing in the Riverdance 25th Anniversary shows in Ireland and has also performed with Eirebourne and A Taste of Ireland.
I know people who have worked with Liam, and they say that he is one of the most wonderful, friendly, and down-to-earth people you could ever meet.
In Conclusion
From the groundbreaking work of Michael Flatley to the innovative choreography of the Gardiner Brothers, these ten famous Irish dancers have played a significant role in shaping the world of Irish dance as we know it today. Their captivating performances and unique talents have left an indelible mark on the art form, inspiring countless dancers and audience members. So, why not take some time to explore and appreciate the rich world of Irish dance?
