Composer：BELL WHELAN Producer：MOYA DOHERTY Director：JOHN MCCOLGAN Riverdance is a theatrical show consisting of traditional Irish step dancing, notable for its rapid leg movements while body and arms are kept largely stationary. Audiences were first introduced to Riverdance in 1994 when the original troupe performed on a reality show, "Eurovision Song Contest," in Ireland. The show is similar to "American Idol" in that virtual unknowns appear as contestants to showcase their talents. Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, regarded by some as the top two Irish dancers in the world at the time, performed Riverdance at the time of the "Eurovision" broadcast on April 30, 1994. The duo were accompanied by a chorus of about 20 dancers. When they were done, Flatley and Butler received a standing ovation. The Riverdance performance was voted the most popular of all time in a retrospective 2005 special. Riverdance continues to be performed all over the world, albeit in a diminished format and in smaller venues than hitherto. Current productions are geared towards smaller theatres, whereas past productions have been performed in large theatres and arenas. Sets have therefore been simplified and some numbers contain fewer performers than in past productions (such as those seen on the Live from Radio City and Live from Arena Geneva DVDs). For example, current touring productions of the show have 20 dancers in the finale, "Heartland", whereas 24 were used in the original Dublin show and 32 were used in the arena shows. Each production company is named after an Irish river. Currently performing companies are the Boyne touring in North America, Corrib in Europe and Foyle in Ireland.