Riverdance is a theatrical production that interweaves traditional Irish music and dance, known for its distinctive choreography and striking musical compositions. The show originated as an interval performance during the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, featuring acclaimed Irish dancers Jean Butler and Michael Flatley, along with the vocal ensemble Anúna. Composed by Bill Whelan, the score combines traditional Irish melodies with contemporary elements, helping to establish Riverdance as a significant cultural phenomenon.

The roots of Riverdance can be traced back to a three-part suite called Timedance, created for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981. This earlier work, composed by Whelan and Dónal Lunny, blended Irish folk music with a modern rock rhythm, setting the stage for what would later evolve into Riverdance. Following its debut at the Eurovision, Timedance was performed with dancers from the Dublin City Ballet and released as a single by the band Planxty.

After its initial performance in 1994, Riverdance gained popularity, culminating in a performance at the BBC's Royal Variety Show later that year. The recording of this act became a commercial success, reaching number one in the charts and remaining there for an impressive eighteen weeks during the summer of 1994. The full-length version of Riverdance premiered on February 9, 1995, in Dublin and quickly sold out over a five-week run.

Riverdance made its U.S. debut in March 1996 at Radio City Music Hall, where it enjoyed an eight-week run of sold-out performances. The production subsequently extended its tour due to high demand, ultimately attracting more than 1.3 million attendees through 400 performances in various cities by the end of 1997. In 2000, Riverdance transitioned to Broadway, where a newly revised version featured additional singers and dance leadership.

As key figures such as Michael Flatley left the production, Riverdance continued to evolve, with dancers like Colin Dunne and Joseph Moriarty taking over leadership roles until 2011. After 15 years of extensive performances, the show embarked on a final tour that included various locations in the UK, as well as international stops in Australia and Israel.

While Riverdance has shifted to smaller-scale productions in recent years, its legacy persists in the world of performing arts. A notable celebration of this legacy occurred in 2013 when over 1,500 dancers from nearly fifty countries performed Riverdance on a bridge overlooking the River Liffey in Ireland, underscoring the show’s lasting impact on global cultural expression. As of 2023, Riverdance continues to tour.