Callum Spencer

The RIVERDANCE 20 Years tour enlivens the Eccles Theater with its entrancing celebration of world dance. The Irish dancing phenomenon RIVERDANCE is a brand of entertainment beloved the world over since it first premiered more than two decades ago. The precision and artistry of its performers are legendary, and this production is no exception with its flurry of flying feet in perfect synchronization.

I have never written 'tour de force' without a hint of irony. But that's simply the most accurate way to describe RIVERDANCE - THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR. The longest-running and most popular Irish-centric international dance act in history has been seen by over 25 million people over 20 years for one reason: it's really, really good.

Callum Spencer: From Warwickshire, England, Callum danced with the Matthews Academy. He consistently placed in the top ten at World Championships and top five at the All Ireland Championships and other majors. Callum has appeared in the RTE TV series Dance Off and was chosen as lead for Noctu in Ireland and off-Broadway. He toured the USA, Canada, Europe and Russia with Lord of the Dance before joining Riverdance in the summer of 2011.

Mention the name 'Riverdance' and the general thought of many is Michael Flatley. Yes, Flatley, the Irish dance champion and the theatrical show consisting of mainly Irish music and dance, are synonymous.

What has consumed 400,000 bottles of water, 50,000 rolls of self-grip tape by company physiotherapists, created 60 marriages netting 88 babies born (and more on the way)?

RIVERDANCE draws on Irish traditions and the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music to the present day capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. The show will take its last steps in June 2012.

At a reception held last Wednesday, Consul General of Ireland Noel Kilkenny and Ms. Hanora O'Dea Kilkenny honored The Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director; Ciaran O'Reilly, Producing Director) and welcomed the Ériu Dance Company to New York City for its American premiere of the new Irish dance production NOCTU, running at Irish Rep through October 2.