The Lord of the Dance 

Michael Flatley first stepped onto the world stage in 1994 when he created Riverdance. He unveiled his new show Lord of the Dance in 1996 and began a world tour that would break box office records in 5 continents. His name and Lord of the Dance brand have become synonymous with spectacular artistry and grand-scale productions that have mesmerized audiences around the globe. He has created, directed and produced several successful shows including Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger. In 1998 Lord of the Dance set a record breaking run of 21 shows at London’s legendary Wembley arena and worldwide video sales were in excess of 12 million copies. Feet of Flames was the first show ever to be performed at London’s historic “Route of Kings” in Hyde Park. This show reached new heights as Michael took it to stadia filled to capacity at 120,000. Celtic Tiger debuted in 2005 and began a new era of dance which combined tradition with an international flare. Michael Flatley is also a master flautist for which he has won many All Ireland titles.

Michael has set many Guinness World Records for his phenomenal speed at 35 taps per second and has been recognized by many establishments and received countless awards for his contribution to the entertainment industry and the promotion and enrichment of Ireland, Irish Dance and Music. His support of many causes over the last two decades has aided and encouraged countless people to embrace his motto “nothing is impossible…follow your dreams”.

In 2011 Michael Flatley released the first ever 3D dance movie Lord of the Dance 3D in which he reprised his original role as Lord of the Dance. The show, featuring new sets, lighting, costumes and special effects in breathtaking performances was captured in 3D at London’s O2 and Dublin’s O2 Arenas in the autumn of 2010.

A Chicago native, Michael’s has ancestral Irish roots in Co. Carlow and Co. Sligo from which his mother and father respectively hail. His mother grew up in the picturesque St Mullins. They immigrated to the United States in 1947. Today Michael resides at Castlehyde, Co Cork with his family.

Click here for the full Hall of Fame interview with Flatley