NEW YORK – Each night before taking the stage, Irish siblings Anna Mai and Fergus Fitzpatrick share a unique pre-performance ritual: a heartfelt hug followed by a low five.
Fergus chuckles as he explains the gesture. “It’s like a high five, but instead, we keep it low for a fun twist.”
This endearing routine is part of their connection as they perform in “Riverdance 30 – The New Generation,” a touring tribute to the iconic show that has brought Irish dance to a worldwide audience and deepened their relationship.
“We’ve grown up dancing together, so we are not just siblings; we are like best friends,” Fergus shares. “Having that reassurance and support is incredible.”
Both siblings had already established themselves as skilled competitors in Irish dance when they joined “Riverdance” in 2017, with Fergus stepping onto the stage a few weeks before Anna Mai.
“Sharing that experience together was unforgettable,” she recalls. “It’s challenging to explain to someone who hasn’t felt it, but we truly understand the emotions involved.”
The siblings have essentially known no life outside of “Riverdance.”
The upcoming tour, kicking off this month in Florida, will make stops in over 40 cities across North America, including a two-week run at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and performances at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Other locations include Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto, Boston, Indianapolis, and Kansas City.
This tour revitalizes the original production with new costumes, lighting, and projections, introducing a fresh group of dancers who were born long after the show’s debut three decades ago.
“It’s exciting because we maintain that timeless quality while also refreshing and modernizing it a bit,” Anna Mai remarks. “The new group of performers means there are people who don’t remember a world without ‘Riverdance.’”
Growing up in County Meath as part of a family of seven, Anna Mai was the first to fall in love with traditional Irish step dancing, a form where the upper body remains still, yet the feet do all the movement.
“I explored various activities—ballet, gymnastics, and running—but Irish dance is what truly captured my heart,” she shares.
Her passion was solidified after attending a live “Riverdance” performance with her mother.
“I had been taking dance classes weekly, but seeing it live showed me how breathtaking it could be. It made me want to be part of such an art form,” she expresses.
Fergus soon followed, and both began competing, with Fergus clinching the World Irish Dance Championships in 2017 while Anna Mai achieved accolades like the All-Ireland Championships and the British Nationals. They have performed on multiple U.S. tours and even traveled to China pre-pandemic.
“Riverdance” first appeared at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest as a seven-minute segment and debuted at Dublin’s Point Theatre on February 9, 1995, during a time of renewed Irish spirit known as the “Celtic Tiger.”
The production weaves together the narrative of Irish culture and immigration to America, highlighting various dance styles such as flamenco and tap.
While on tour, the Fitzpatricks enjoy discovering each city they visit and participating in team-building activities like escape rooms and go-karting.
“We love immersing ourselves in the cities we perform in. If there’s a museum or sightseeing opportunities, we’re all about that,” Fergus notes.
They take their roles seriously, recognizing that “Riverdance” might be the first live performance for many young attendees, just as it had inspired them.
Anna Mai adds, “We carry this responsibility with pride, knowing we can impact young lives. We get to show that they can have this life and achieve their dreams if they commit to it.”
