Riverdance returns with new additions

Riverdance will tour more than 20 cities and perform nearly 100 shows across China. Photo provided to China Daily

The Irish dance spectacular Riverdance has launched a three-month tour in China that continues through February, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the acclaimed production. The show will come to Beijing from Dec 26 to 30.

The production premiered at the Point Theater in Dublin in 1995. Zhang Ligang, the promoter who has brought Riverdance to China eight times previously beginning in 2004, says the current production delivers a fresh experience for old a new fans in the country.

Zhang, director of Beijing Beizhan Performing Arts Co Ltd, says this anniversary version of Riverdance will tour over 20 cities and perform nearly 100 shows in China. Besides the traditional Irish tap dancing, folk music, ancient Celtic mythology and Irish history, a Russian folk dance will return to the show after being cut from recent productions.

A new female group free dance, Thunderstorm, attracts a group of male dancers, who show off their impressive footwork and create their own musical beats with tap shoes.

"Ever since the show's China debut at Beijing's iconic venue, Great Hall of the People, in 2004, it toured in China almost every year and each show has received long ovations," says Zhang. "It's a miracle that the show has gone beyond countries and cross-cultural differences for two decades."

He notes that the show has evolved every year, with new Irish dancing champions and new elements being added.

The ongoing tour will feature two popular Chinese folk songs, Love Song of Kangding and My Motherland.