'Riverdance' to shake a leg in Japan

Four, 32, 276, 9,000 and 19,350,000. These numbers represent what the Irish spectacular dance entertainment "Riverdance" has achieved. One of the most successful productions in show business history, it has been staged on four continents in 32 countries; at 276 venues; performed more than 9,000 times; and seen by more than 19,350,000 people.

The big numbers continue to come: 1,300 (the number of dancers who have taken part in the musical); 2.5 million (the sales of its Grammy-winning CD); and 9 million (the total video sales).

And now the Irish dance company, which brought excitement to what was once considered a rather staid, traditional dance, and gave birth to a one-of-a-kind entertainment for all ages, is returning here for a nationwide tour later this month.

It all started when TV producer Moya Doherty was tasked with coming up with a seven-minute intermission act when Ireland hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.

The result, "Riverdance," was a sensation throughout Europe, enthralling an audience of 300 million TV viewers.

In show's most famous scene, dozens of dancers form a line and move their legs in perfect unison, creating the powerful tapping--that is today almost synonymous with Irish dance.

Traditional Irish step dance is known for rapid leg movements with the upper body held nearly motionless. "Riverdance" has updated the tradition, incorporating elements of American tap, Spanish flamenco and Russian Cossack dance.

And yet, the two-act show effectively conveys the history, tradition and culture of Ireland. The first half of the two-hour show centers on Celtic legends and myths, while the second half portrays Ireland's modern history of migration.

The upcoming Japan tour will bring 39 top-class dancers and an 11-member band of pipers, percussionists and fiddlers.

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May 17 (1 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and May 18 (noon and 5 p.m.) at Sendai Sunplaza near Tsutsujigaoka Station on the Senseki Line. 8,000 yen-11,000 yen.

May 20-23 (7 p.m.), May 27-30 (7 p.m.) and May 31 (6 p.m.) at Akasaka Act Theater in Tokyo near Akasaka subway station. 12,000 yen.

The "Riverdance" tour continues through June 15 in Tokyo at Akasaka Act Theater; June 17-22 at Aichi Prefectural Art Theater in Nagoya; June 24-25 at Niigata Prefectural Civic Center; June 27-29 at Aubade Hall in Toyama; July 1-3 at Fukuoka Sunpalace; July 5-6 at Kurashiki City Auditorium in Okayama Prefecture; July 8-13 at Festival Hall in Osaka.

For times and tour details, visit <www.riverdance2008.com>.

Sold out: May 24-25, May 31 (1 p.m.) in Tokyo.(IHT/Asahi: May 2,2008)