James Greenan’s choreography demands attention. The fully re-choreographed version of Rhythm Of The Dance made its debut in Limerick on June 11, 2025, reintroducing the long-running show for a new era. A dance form notorious for its distinct lack of expression, Riverdance alum Greenan sends Irish dancers flying into under-utilised planes of movement. Gone are the days of tall and upright, as the cast bends and rises through the stage to create dynamic levels of performance.
Rhythms of extreme technical difficulty pour from the dancers’ feet. Not just any dancer nor musician would be able to hold their own in a show like this. Each performer is a credit to themselves. On top of the mind-melting beats and fast-flying fingers, there’s a constant and genuine crowd engagement from this incredibly charismatic cast. It feels more like watching unspoken dance theatre with the amount of expressiveness being portrayed through their faces and bodies.
An ensemble of Irish traditional musicians share the stage with the dancers, leading us with song among the sorrow, flirtation, and exuberance of the story. Guitarist and singer Oliver Havlin guides the mood with his classic renditions of Irish ballads through a smooth and comforting voice. During the most sultry number, sparks could nearly be seen flying from the fiddles as they played at a vigorous pace. This entire band is so talented that they receive a standing ovation before the final number and reprise even begins.
The first half of the overhauled show includes a sentimental connection with a hurl (the stick used in the Irish sport of hurling), representative of leaving the nostalgic behind to fully embrace the new and lesser-known. This concept blends perfectly with the new-age choreography that pushes the viewer away from the safety of what they know to be Irish dancing.
Rhythm Of The Dance is a celebration of how far Irish dance has developed over the last century, and even in the past 30 years. Greenan and the superb cast and crew have well-earned their flowers for this one.
Rhythm Of The Dance is running in Ireland from June 11-15, 2025. Keep up to date with tours on their Instagram or website.
