Thirty years ago, Michael Flatley changed the face of Irish dance forever. His ground-breaking choreography in Riverdance was just the beginning. What followed was Lord of the Dance—a phenomenon that has since become one of the most successful touring productions in entertainment history.
Since its premiere in 1996, Lord of the Dance has dazzled over 60 million people across 60 countries and every continent, earning standing ovations from Dublin to Dubai, London to Las Vegas. The show’s unique fusion of high-octane Irish dance, original music, sensual storytelling, and jaw-dropping spectacle redefined what dance on the world stage could be.
Flatley’s creative vision didn’t just elevate Irish dancing—it transformed it into a global phenomenon. “Everyone in the world will tell you, ‘No, it can’t be done.’ Every time I hear that, I know I’m close to success,” Flatley has said. That spirit of fearless innovation has driven every step of his journey.
Now, in 2026, Lord of the Dance returns with its 30th Anniversary Tour—a reimagined celebration that pushes the boundaries once again. Fans can expect thrilling new choreography, state-of-the-art staging, spectacular lighting and special effects, and the same heartbeat-pounding energy that made the original production a worldwide sensation.
Promoter Joe Gallagher of Joe Gallagher Entertainments said:
“We are thrilled to be bringing Lord of the Dance back to Dublin for its 30th Anniversary. Over the decades, Michael Flatley has done something extraordinary—he made Irish dance sexy, powerful, and utterly irresistible. He didn’t just create a show; he created a movement that continues to captivate the world.”
Michael Flatley said:
‘’Lord of the Dance is a Dream come true! For 30 years we’ve travelled to the four corners of the globe promoting Ireland and Irish culture to sold out crowds and standing ovations.
It’s an honour to bring the Greatest Dance Show in the World home to Ireland to celebrate our global success. Back to the 3 Arena where it all started 30 years ago. We’ve employed thousands of cast and crew over those years and helped each one of them to Follow their Dreams.
Thank you to Peter Aiken and Joe Gallagher for helping me bring it home. They’ve been with me for all these years since the beginning! Thank you as well to the Irish people whose incredible support has been inexhaustible. Let’s give these wonderful young dancers the greatest homecoming ever! ‘’
