Padraic Moyles has performed Riverdance more than 5000 times. He’s been the lead male dancer since 1999. And he even met his wife as part of the Riverdance troupe.
As one of 60 marriages to emerge from Riverdance, it’s fair to say that this spectacular of Irish music and dance has played a defining part in his life, and that of his wife.
“There have been 60 marriages. I met my own wife through Riverdance. 92 babies through those marriages.”
— Padraic Moyles
“It’s a Love machine”.
— John McColgan
"5000 performances? That’s a whole load of dancing!”, said Marty Morrissey, introducing Padraic this morning.
Padraic grew up in the United States from the age of nine and credits his mother with introducing him to the world of Irish dance. And of all the 5000 performances, his most memorable is certainly the one which took place on September 4, 1999, in Portland, Oregon, his first performance as lead male dancer.
“I never told my mother I got the lead. I flew her out to Portland. My dad helped me keep a secret!”
Riverdance originated as an interval performance during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Dublin. It was developed by husband-and-wife team, John McColgan and Moya Doherty, and has since been seen by over 25 million people.
“You talk to any Irish dancing teacher and they will tell you their classes have quadrupled in size since Riverdance came around.”
Riverdance is currently enjoying a limited run at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin.
To hear the interview with Marty Morrissey on The Ryan Tubridy Show click here
To hear more highlights from The Ryan Tubridy Show click here