Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Michael Flatley

Role / Field:

Irish dance choreographer known for reinventing traditional steps with modern flair.

Born:

1958-07-16

Century / Era:

1958s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Michael Ryan Flatley (born July 16, 1958) is an American and Irish former professional performer and choreographer of Irish dance. Flatley is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance by incorporating new rhythms, syncopation, and upper body movements, which were previously absent from the dance. He created and performed in Irish dance shows Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, Celtic Tiger Live and Michael Flatley's Christmas Dance Spectacular. Flatley's shows have played to more than 60 million people in 60 countries and have grossed more than $1 billion.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He has also been an actor, writer, director, producer, musician, and philanthropist. Flatley formerly held the Guinness World Record for tap dancing 35 times per second, and his legs were reportedly insured for £25 million. Flatley retired from dance in 2016 due to constant spinal, knee, foot, and rib pain. In January 2023, he was treated for "an aggressive cancer", which is now in remission. Michael Ryan Flatley was born on July 16, 1958, the second of five children born to Irish parents Michael James Flatley and Elisabeth "Eilish" Flatley (née Ryan), both of whom had immigrated to the United States...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alec Baldwin — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Alfred Noyes — Contemporary (Died in 1958) (1958): Celebrated English poet known for vivid narrative verse, especially 'The Highwayman'.
• Andie MacDowell — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• Andrea del Sarto — Shared historical date (07-16 · Born) (1486): Florentine painter celebrated for fresco work during the High Renaissance.
• Andros Townsend — Shared historical date (07-16 · Born) (1991): English professional footballer known for his time at Tottenham Hotspur and subsequent moves.
• André Bazin — Historical peer (Died in 1958) (1958): Influential French film critic and theorist championing cinematic realism.
• Andre Geim — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Pioneering physicist known for groundbreaking work on graphene and Nobel laureate.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Agnes Nixon — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Pioneering soap opera writer and producer, creator of 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children'.
• A. S. Byatt — Historical peer (Died in 2023) (2023): Acclaimed English novelist, poet, and critic known for complex literary works.
• 1958 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1958
• July 16 (07-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 16

Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Flatley