Interview: Mairead Trainor of RIVERDANCE 30: A NEW GENERATION at Bass Concert Hall
This blockbuster hit is in Austin for three days only!
For three decades, RIVERDANCE has been more than a show. It is a global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance and continues to captivate audiences across generations. With RIVERDANCE 30: THE NEW GENERATION, that legacy is not simply preserved, it is reimagined through a company of performers who grew up in its shadow and now carry it forward. Among them is Mairead Trainor, a World Champion dancer turned principal and Dance Captain, whose journey from a family studio to stages around the world reflects both the tradition and evolution at the heart of the production. In this interview, she shares about stepping into that legacy, the demands of the show, and what it means to be part of a new generation shaping its future.
BWW: You began dancing at just two years old in a family of Irish dancers. What still feels the same when you step onstage today, and what feels completely different now that you’re a principal?
Trainor: There are definitely some things about dancing that never change. The joy of being on stage and doing what I love never changes as well as the butterflies and excitement before going on a stage. Show dancing is very different to dancing competitions as we are a team out there rather than competing against each other and the crowd is looking for you to succeed.
BWW: RIVERDANCE has resonated with audiences for 30 years. What do you think this “New Generation” brings that keeps the show feeling fresh and relevant today?
Trainor: I think it’s about striking a balance about staying true to the RIVERDANCE traditions while adding our own personal touch on it. The amazing thing about the new generation is that most dancers you see on stage are younger than the show itself! We have never known life without RIVERDANCE, all grown up watching it, so we definitely bring that passion and fresh energy to the stage! We’re like a family and that comes across when we perform and we hope the audience can see we all really love what we are doing.
BWW: RIVERDANCE is known for its precision and endurance. What are the biggest physical and mental demands of performing this show at the highest level, especially on tour?
Trainor: It’s about finding the time in our busy schedule to make sure we are in the best place physically to be able to perform which comes down to nutrition and recovery, sometimes this can be hard on tour with a lot of travelling but we all have a lot of practice with this. Mentally it’s all about knowing how and when to turn off to make sure we are ready to go when the show starts.
BWW: As Dance Captain for RIVERDANCE: 30 The New Generation, what is your role in maintaining the integrity of the original while also helping shape how it evolves?
Trainor: Being a dance caption in the show is a huge privilege and of course we play a huge role in keeping the show up to its highest standard! We are always practicing and rehearsing before the show to ensure every single person is doing the exact same movement at the exact same time which is what RIVERDANCE is known for! It’s all about giving the illusion that we blend into one person! Of course the choreography is the same as the original however the quality of our dancers just keeps getting better and stronger so we encourage our performers to continuously push themselves to strive for perfection!
BWW: You have performed this show all over the world. How do different audiences respond to this new generation of RIVERDANCE, and have any moments on this tour stood out to you?
Trainor: It’s truly a dream come true to have been able to travel with RIVERDANCE around the world! Of course audiences respond differently in some ways but what is so special, no matter where we are by the end of the show the audiences are on their feet, cheering and with the biggest smiles on their faces which is always so special to see what impact the show has on everyone! A definite highlight of my career so far was performing in my hometown in London, England at the London Hammersmith Apollo! Getting the chance to perform lead for my family, loved ones and friends was a feeling I will never forget and can definitely say was the best show of my life!
There’s a balance between honoring what RIVERDANCE has always been and stepping into what it is becoming. The precision and discipline are still central, but there is also a lived connection for this company. These are dancers who grew up watching the show and are now responsible for carrying it forward.
As the production marks its 30th anniversary, the tour continues to travel worldwide with a refreshed staging that includes updated choreography, costumes, and design elements. It also introduces a generation of performers who were not yet born when RIVERDANCE first premiered, adding another layer to its ongoing story. RIVERDANCE 30: THE NEW GENERATION, opens April 24th and runs through April 26th at the Bass Concert Hall. Tickets are available here.
Videos
|
Every Brilliant Thing Georgetown Palace Theatre (6/19-7/19) |
|
Annie Zach Theater (6/24-8/02) |
|
RTP – The Rush Tribute Project at Abraham Chavez Theatre Abraham Chavez Theatre (6/10-6/10) |
|
And Then There Were None Georgetown Palace Theatre (8/21-9/20) |
|
42nd Street Georgetown Palace Theatre (7/24-8/30) |
|
Stage Blood by Charles Ludlam The VORTEX (6/26-7/11) |
|
Disney’s Newsies Bastrop Opera House (9/04-9/27) |
|
Averly Morillo McAllen Performing Arts Center (10/10-10/10) |
|
& Juliet Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas in Austin (7/14-7/19) |
|
TCU Horned Frogs vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Amon Carter Stadium (10/24-10/24) |
| VIEW ALL SHOWS ADD A SHOW | |