Read our exclusive interview with Irish step-dancer and choreographer Michael Flatley, whose successful musical dance stage production The Lord of the Dance is being released theatrically for one week in 3D. The movie opens on March 17, 2011 in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The show follows the lead character, the Lord of the Dance, as he fights the evil lord Don Dorcha to prevent him from taking over Planet Ireland. Flatley discusses with us, among other things, why he decided to bring the show to the big screen, and why people should the movie, even if they haven’t seen the stage production.
Shockya (SY): Lord of the Dance first premiered in 1996. Why did you decide to film the show now and release theatrically?
Michael Flatley (MF): Well, I think it was the next step for us. I love cinema, and I’ve been approached many times to do something on film. I’ve never really been tempted until now. With the new advances in 3D technology, I think that’s really the way I wanted to go for my show. It shows the show, it shows the energy, it shows the interaction between the audience and the dancers on stage and the performers. That’s hugely important and one of the most important reasons on doing it. For 15 years, we’ve been selling out arenas all over the world, from Mexico to Moscow to Tokyo to Texas. A lot of people don’t have an arena in their home town. A lot of people don’t really have a place without driving really far. I know that by releasing it in cinemas around the world that everybody will have a chance to see it, everyone in the world. Our demographic is 5-95, all religions, all races, all colors, all people, all languages. We want to reach everybody, and I think this is the best opportunity.
SY: Like you have said, the show tours all over the world. Does it surprise you that so many different cultures embrace it?
MF: No, it doesn’t, to be honest, because we embrace everybody. I think dance has no boundaries. I can honestly say we’ve done so well. We did three football stadiums in China, for instance, in Taiwan. It had the same sort of success in Mexico and Africa. It doesn’t matter where we go, we’ve been blessed. We’ve been to Germany so many times. People love the rhythm patterns and the excitement of the show. It’s a simple storyline that the whole family can enjoy. That’s what keeps us going.
SY: While you star in the show, you also created, choreographed and produced it. Where did you get the inspiration for the show?
MF: For my whole life, it was my dream to do it, a big stage production. It was one of those things that had been in my mind for years. I really, really wanted to do it. I really believe that if you love what you do, it’s not work. If you’re willing to work hard at it, then nothing is impossible. That’s how I live, and what I live by. Getting the show off the ground, particularly in the beginning, nobody gave us a chance. It was an impossible dream. To do something like this, people would laugh. But now everyone enjoys it. The average person comes and loves what we do. For me, it’s just a dream come true to finally release this in 3D all across the world.
SY: You first began touring with the show when it first premiered, and you’re still touring with it. After 15 years, why are you still so attached to it?
MF: I love it! It’s what I love. Every night when I go on stage, I have the greatest team and dancers in the world. We have three touring troupes that go around the world. For me, there’s no great excitement than training hard and getting ready and going backstage and seeing the energy of the audience. When the lights go down and the curtains go up, the music starts, and it just doesn’t get any better than that.
SY: Why should people who haven’t seen the show go to see the movie in the theater?
MF: Well, I think that’s the whole point. We’re trying to get people who haven’t seen it. I think the biggest comments we get on our Facebook and our website is that the show isn’t near them. They can’t get to see it. We have thousands and thousands of people who write to us and say please come to their hometown. As I said, we can’t always do that. I think that judging by the response we’ve had, we had our world premiere in London last Thursday (March 10), we had a standing ovation in the cinema, which was incredible. But they clapped to the numbers, and there were people dancing in the aisles at the end. It’s a great feeling. It’s a feel-good family movie. I don’t think people will be disappointed, I hope not, anyhow.
SY: The movie features new set designs, costumes and special effects. Why did you decide to create new elements for the show?
MF: Well, we really had to, for the 3D. For instance, one of the things we have is a big JumboTron of the stage. I broke that into seven different screens so we have more depth of field. 3D cameras are more powerful. They saw the entire stage, which is 80 feet wide. The cameras could literally come on the stage with us, which was a remarkable experience, a sensational experience. People can actually look out and see the audience for themselves. It takes them to a new place. We amped up some of the pyro and special effects, because it works better in 3D. You get the feeling that you’re there. It was well worth doing, believe me.
SY: Do you plan on releasing any of your other shows theatrically?
MF: You know, I don’t know. I might take a look at Feet of Flames, or maybe the Celtic Tiger. I’m working on something else now. It’s very possible. My feeling is let’s see how the first one goes. Hopefully people will enjoy it, and if they do, sure, why not?
SY: Are you in the process of creating and choreographing another show?
MF: You know, I’m always working on something, I’m always working on something. What happens is that the ideas start to germinate and they float around in the back of your mind. Suddenly, they all come together, and you have something new. Then you start to put it together. But yes, I have something new working on my mind already. Then we’ll see what happens. I’m very excited about the world premiere, the United States premiere, and then we’ll see what happens. If it’s a positive reaction, the sky’s the limit.
Written by: Karen Benardello
