The summer school program is taught by the Riverdance professional dancers, the best dance professionals in the world. Through the summer school they nurture and guide the students to understand all that is required to become a successful professional dancer.

The students learn the iconic Riverdance choreography for each of numbers in the show.

They train in all aspects of professional dance from nutrition to fitness and general personal management to prepare for a working life as a performer.

The program includes interactive presentations from dance and fitness experts on strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and fitness.

The students gain insight into the choreography of new dance numbers and into the production of a live performance on stage. On completion of the summer school, they have gained a wealth of knowledge about the industry.

A highlight of the week is when the students join the audience at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin for a performance of Riverdance.  Prior to the show there is a “behind the scenes” opportunity to watch the cast at pre-show rehearsals and rotations.

The finale of the summer school is the fully staged rehearsed performance of extracts from Riverdance featuring all the students. This performance takes place on the Riverdance set on the Gaiety Theatre Stage in front of an audience of family and friends.

Then the Saturday matinee performance at the Gaiety Theatre provides unique experiences for the dancers who have excelled at the summer school.

• Two to four dancers aged 16 and older may be selected to perform some group numbers with the Riverdance troupe for the live matinee show.
• Up to sixteen dancers, aged between 12 and 17 are selected to perform a special number at the end of the matinee show.

Riverdance Audition

The summer school is the main route for dancers, aged eighteen and older to audition for Riverdance.  Auditioning over the course of a week provides the dancers a fairer opportunity to showcase their talents and their work ethic and abilities. These are traits are key to becoming a member of Riverdance.

Scholarship

The scholarships are awarded to students based on the scholarship essay or video submitted and on their dance ability. The scholarships are awarded once all places at the school are confirmed.