Jeremy Williams-Chalmers, Arts Correspondent
Riverdance Principal Dancers Anna-Mai Fitzpatrick And Fergus Fitzpatrick In Conversation
Riverdance Principal Dancers - Anna Mai Fitzpatrick and Fergus Fitzpatrick
J: Hello, Anna-Mai and Fergus! How are you both?
F: Great! How are you doing?
J: Yeah, not bad at all. Thanks for asking. So, with Riverdance coming up, I wanted to take you back a bit—before your dance careers really took off. Do you remember what your early ambitions were as children? Was dance always the focus?
A: We were both really active kids, into lots of sports and activities growing up. For many children in Ireland, Irish dancing is just something you do in primary school, but Fergus and I absolutely fell in love with it. We took it to the next level. That passion definitely grew over time, but the spark was always there from the beginning. It was something we truly wanted to pursue.
Anna Mai Fitzpatrick
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Fergus Fitzpatrick
J: And at what point did you realise, 'Okay, we’re actually good at this. We can make a career out of it?'
F: It's kind of hard to say exactly when. Before joining Riverdance, Irish dancing for us was all about competition—and the competitive scene is huge. But even if you're successful there, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a professional career. So it wasn’t until we actually got the opportunity to join Riverdance that it felt real, like this could truly be our path.
Like Anna said, we did loads of sports growing up. I even wish I did ballet—but I didn’t! I played football and hurling. But Irish dance always had my heart. It’s what we kept going back to.
J: Was there a particular turning point when you knew you could make the leap to a professional level?
A: For me, that turning point was watching Fergus get into the show. He had just won the World Championships, which had been our goal for so long. There was nowhere else to go competitively. Seeing him transition into professional life gave me the confidence to believe I could do it too.
We were also really lucky with our teachers. They constantly updated our choreography, which helped us become adaptable—an essential skill when moving from solo performance into a more team-orientated, ensemble setting. That shift was definitely a transition, but watching Fergus thrive made it feel achievable.
J: I imagine it’s quite a close-knit community. For those who stick with Irish dance long-term, do you all get to know each other quite well?
F: Absolutely. Irish dancing is a small world. Even if you don’t personally know someone, you’ve probably heard of them. It’s great because you build friendships and connections that really last.
J: Riverdance is so iconic. Once you knew you wanted a dance career, was that always the goal?
A: Oh, 100%. We both saw the show when we were kids and instantly fell in love with it. It’s actually what got us started with Irish dancing in the first place. In those early days, we used to watch the Riverdance DVD box set on repeat—we were obsessed. It was the spark that ignited the fire.
J: The show has evolved over time. What can audiences expect from the latest production?
A: Riverdance 30 introduces a new generation of dancers. Most of us weren’t even alive when the show premiered at Eurovision in 1994, so there's a unique energy that comes from growing up with Riverdance already being iconic. That shared vision brings something powerful to the stage.
Yes, the show still features the classic choreography and timeless music audiences love—but it's been refreshed. For the 25th anniversary, Bill Whelan, our composer, re-recorded the score. We've also added new costumes, set design, and projection elements. It’s still the Riverdance people know and love, just with a contemporary feel.
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Fergus Fitzpatrick
F: That’s true, but we’re surrounded by like-minded performers. Even in competition, if you treat pressure as something negative, it becomes harder to manage. But we try to reframe it—we see it as an honour. We're carrying on a legacy, and that drives us. We want to push Riverdance forward for the next generation of dancers, who are the future of this art form.
J: Speaking of the future—do you see yourselves staying with Riverdance long-term? Or do you have other goals as dancers?
A: Our first goal was just to make it into the show. Then it became about progressing—from troupe member to lead dancer to dance captain. We’ve been with the company for eight years now, and it’s been an incredible journey.
Right now, our focus is to keep going, keep performing, and keep sharing this passion. Every night, we get to step on stage and experience that energy with incredible audiences. Our goal is to maintain that love for the show and keep pushing the art form forward.
J: A lot of people know about Riverdance, but not everyone has seen it live. For those who’ve only seen clips, what would you say to convince them to buy a ticket?
A: Great question. I remember being in the audience for the first time and leaving the theatre feeling inspired and motivated. I found a new dream that day.
It’s truly a one-of-a-kind, high-adrenaline show. The footwork is fast and powerful, with dancers performing in perfect unison. We’ve got a phenomenal live four-piece band. The same music that’s been around for 30 years still gives people goosebumps. By the end, the audience is usually on their feet, clapping, cheering, and sometimes even dancing in the aisles!
It’s pure escapism—a break from everyday life. And if you've never seen it before, bring your family, your loved ones, and your friends—it’s sure to be a night you won’t forget.
J: The show has toured the world. You’re about to head out on a UK tour—what makes UK audiences unique?
A: UK audiences are incredibly special. Fergus and I toured there in 2021, and it was one of our favourite experiences.
There’s just this electric energy—from the cheers at the end of each number to the excitement at the stage door afterward. It’s a real connection. Theatres in the UK are also full of history and character. Some venues are smaller than what we’re used to in, say, America, but the atmosphere is unmatched. You feel it the moment you step on stage. It's hard to describe—it’s a feeling you crave, and we’re so excited to be back.
J: Amazing. Thank you so much for talking to me—it’s been a real pleasure.
A & F: Thank you so much, Jeremy!
RIVERDANCE TOUR DATES 2025