Of all the recent artistic exports from the Emerald Isle, nothing has caught the imagination of audiences quite like Riverdance.

This large-scale dance performance, which combines traditional Irish tapping styles with spectacular modern special effects, was a hit when it came to Beijing in 2003.

Now, as part of the build-up to the summer Olympic Games, Riverdance will return to China. Its two-week tour will include stops at the brand-new National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing (from July 23 to 27), and at the Grand Theater at Xi'an (from July 30 to August 4).

Although the cast has changed multiple times since the show began touring over a decade ago, Riverdance has maintained its consistent high-quality and hypnotic grip on audiences worldwide.

The show's phenomenal popularity has even launched a craze for Irish step dancing, in which dancers perform rapid leg movements, while keeping their body and arms largely stationary.

The musical theater show is divided into two acts. The first depicts the cultural and historic origins of the Irish people, including their unique music, traditional reverence for nature, and vast suffering during the Irish potato famine of 1845. The second act depicts the life of Irish who moved overseas, especially to the United States. It tells of the cultural conflicts and compromises they faced in this new land.

The show also highlights aspects of other dance traditions, including Russian, African-American, and Spanish flamingo dancing. Audiences are encouraged to join in the fun by clapping to the music.

The show's profound emotional message and the physical virtuosity of the performers - some of whom can tap the ground 32 times in a single second - will continue to captivate audiences from beginning to end.

(China Daily July 22, 2008)