Jean Butler is one of the most gifted dancers of her generation, graceful and incredibly talented. Jean started Irish dance classes at the age of four under the guidance of renowned teacher Donald Golden. Though trained in ballet and tap, Irish dancing became her speciality where she went on to consecutive regional, national and World championships.

At the age of 17, Jean began a successful relationship with The Chieftains which lasted several years. She toured with them in America, Canada, Europe and Japan.

It was during this time that Jean and her dancing partner, Colin Dunne, received a standing ovation for their interpretation of the Chieftain's 'Cotton Eye Joe', Jean can be seen on their video, The Chieftains - Live From Belfast with Roger Daltry and Nanci Griffith. Jean's taps can also be heard on their album, The Long Black Veil with Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones. Whilst studying Drama at the University of Birmingham, Jean received an invitation to perform at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest with Michael Flatley. The resulting piece entitled, Riverdance - The Show, caused such a sensation that producer Moya Doherty decided to extend it to a full-scale show. Jean enjoyed enormous success, staring in and choreographing Riverdance - The Show, performing to sell-out audiences around the world.

Jean's TV credits include several appearances on The Late Late Show, with David Letterman and Jay Leno. She also made her debut in the film The Brylcreem Boys alongside Gabriel Byrne, Bill Campbell, John Gordon Sinclair and Angus McFadden. More recently, Jean has collaborated with Donal Lunny, recording on his latest album, Coolfin and performing with the Japanese Kodo Drummers to sell-out audiences at Dublin RDS. Jean’s contribution to the dancing world was recognised in April 1999 when she was awarded the prestigious Irish Post Award for her "Outstanding Contribution To Irish Dance".

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