IRISH dance has come a long way since Michael Flatley first launched it on the Eurovision stage back in 1994, and its popularity shows no sign of abating.

Last night, Newcastle Theatre Royal welcomed back one of the most spectacular incarnations – Spirit of the Dance – on its record-breaking 20th anniversary tour.

One of the biggest and most successful shows ever to come out of Ireland, Spirit of the Dance has been seen by more than 30 million people internationally, smashed box office records in more than 20 countries, and won more awards than any other dance production.

The four-night run, concluding on Saturday, will be its third visit to the Theatre Royal due to popular demand.

Bursting with energy, it is a thundering foot-stomping production which is constantly updated to reflect new world dance styles and emerging tastes. The frenzied skill and military precision of the world champion dancers of the Irish International Dance Company is combined with the passionate Latino rhythms of Tango, Flamenco and Red- Hot Salsa, as well as Tap Dance, Tango, Urban Funk, Can Can, Jazz and even Highland Fling – all enhanced by dynamic lighting and dazzling costumes.

The show has come a long way since its first perfomance at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre back in September 1996. Winner of nine global awards, including “Best Choreography” and “Best International Production” the Spirit of the Dance portfolio now includes over 350 dancers and 75 technical staff, and has multiple troupes touring the world including four resident shows in America and two touring groups that appear at state fairs, casinos, and theatres right across the U.S.

The show was created, composed and produced by David King, who believes that destiny drove him to create it against all the odds back in 1996. He said: “Iwas determined to make Spirit of the Dance a happy, exciting entertainment experience and put a smile on the faces of audiences everywhere. The entire show is created to make audiences have such a great time, they want to come back and see it again and again. Audiences love the spectacular Irish dance parts of the show, but they also enjoy the wide diversity of International dance styles that we present.”

  • Spirit of the Dance, Newcastle Theatre Royal, until Saturday, May 19 (Evenings 7.30pm, Matinee Sat 2.30pm). Tickets from £12.50 at the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448-11 21 21 or http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk