Michael Flatleys father is from Sligo. Chicago born Michael Flatley first tried Irish dancing in his mothers county of Carlow. His grandmother had been Leinster champion.
Aged 11 when he began to dance, Michael Flatley was told by a teacher that it was really to late to start. Michael Flatley was influenced by Kevin Massey, who Michael salutes as the greatest Irish dancer of all. Michael Flatley went on to become the first American to win the All World Championships in Irish dancing. He has since won over 120 consecutive titles of every sort in 13 countries and almost every US state.
The honours have flooded his way: a US National Heritage Fellowship - the youngest ever recipient - from President Ronald Reagan; recognition by the American national Endowment for the Arts as one of his country's greatest performers; a Master of Dance award for his contribution to his chosen art. In 1991 the National Geographic Society declared Michael Flatley a Living Treasure.
Michael Flatleys proudest moment was when he took Riverdance with Jean Butler and their company to the Royal Variety Performance in London. It was a chance to represent the country of his parents , whose dance he had helped to bring to such heights.
Michael Flatley and Polish born wife Beata reside in Beverly Hills, California.
The original Principal Choreographer of Riverdance - The Show, Michael Flatley, after leaving the Riverdance Troupe, is now starting his own show called Lord of the Dance, which will open on the 2nd of July 1996 in the Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland. The show will run until the 7th of July 1996.
Previews start on the 28th of June 1996.
To Contact the Point Theatre
Tel : +353 1 836 6777
Fax : +353 1 836 6422