20 Years of Riverdance

Riverdance turns 20 this year. In 1994 the international phenomena took centre stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 1994 in Dublin. To mark its 20th anniversary Riverdance and Trinity College Dublin have announced "The Riverdance-Trinity International Summer School". Participants are expected from across the world. They will learn from special guest tutors on aspects of the performance, choreography and the Irish cultural context of Riverdance. They will also examine the development of the music from its ethnic roots through to its Grammy Award-winning success. The international summer school will be hosted by Trinity’s School of Drama, Film and Music, The Lir − Ireland’s National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

“This is an innovative coming together of culture and higher education, where international participants will gain insight into the award winning performance that has contributed to the re-shaping of Irish cultural heritage. Trinity is delighted to host the international summer school, where our global participants will be provided with a deep understanding of one of Ireland’s great success stories and cultural milestones,” said Dr Patrick Prendergast, Provost of Trinity.

Seminars will include guest speakers such as the show’sproducer, Moya Doherty and director, John McColgan, costume and set designers, Joan Bergin and Robert Ballagh, and Professor of Drama and Theatre at Trinity, Brian Singleton.

Riverdance composer Bill Whelan will host a master class as well as practical workshops with the show's percussionists.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Trinity, Ireland’s auspicious seat of learning and the leading cultural institutions, The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, in this summer school. Twenty years on, the journey that is Riverdance continues, and with the aid of our prestigious collaborators we hope to share some of the knowledge that we have gathered along the way with our international participants,” said Moya Doherty, Riverdance producer.

The Riverdance - Trinity International Summer School will take place in August 11th-22nd, 2014 and prospective participants are currently being invited to apply. There are 45 places available. Application details are available on The Lir website.