Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Michael Flatley: From Dancing Floors to Presidential Halls

Michael Flatley endeared himself millions as the creator of hit stage shows Lord Of The Dance and Riverdance - but he's now back in the spotlight for rather different reasons

Michael Flatley: From Tapping To Politics - The Unlikely Rise of a Dance Legend

Get ready for a tale of intrigue, drama, and high-stakes politics as one of Ireland's most beloved dance icons takes on the country's highest office! Michael Flatley, the man behind the global phenomenon Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, is making waves in Dublin with his surprise bid to become the next President of Ireland. And we're not just talking about any ordinary politician - no, this is a man who has spent decades entertaining millions, earning an estimated £250 million fortune, and now wants to lead the Emerald Isle.

But let's take it back to where it all began for this charismatic chameleon. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Irish immigrant parents, Flatley was raised on a diet of traditional Irish dance and music. He would later become one of the most recognizable figures in the world of dance, captivating audiences with his unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and old-world charm.

The retired performer has announced somewhat unlikely plans to run for the Irish Presidency this October, a move that may well see him compete against MMA fighter Conor McGregor

In 1994, Flatley's career reached new heights with Riverdance, which exploded onto the scene as an unforgettable Eurovision interval act watched by a staggering 300 million viewers worldwide. The crowd went wild, and so did Michael - he was hooked on performing for the rest of his life! With its infectious energy, stunning costumes, and mesmerizing dance routines, Riverdance would go on to become one of the most successful live shows in history.

But behind the scenes, all was not well. In 1995, Flatley left Riverdance amidst a bitter royalties dispute, paving the way for his next big creation: Lord of the Dance. This epic spectacle would cement his status as a master showman and catapult him to global superstardom. The show's incredible success saw Flatley performing in over 60 countries, entertaining an astonishing 60 million people, and earning himself a reputation as one of the most electrifying performers on the planet.

However, years of high-intensity dancing took its toll on his body, leaving Flatley battered and bruised - quite literally. He would later admit to suffering from chronic pain in his spine, knees, and feet, forcing him into an early retirement at just 58 years old.

Flatley's innovations in movement and rhythm turned him into a household name synonymous with the modernisation of traditional Irish dance

But Michael Flatley is no ordinary retiree! While many of us might settle for a quiet life in the countryside, not our fearless hero. After taking a hiatus from dancing, he made headlines once again with the release of his self-financed thriller film Blackbird (2014). The movie, which saw Flatley playing an ex-secret agent on the run, was savaged by critics but won praise for its visually stunning action sequences.

In recent years, Flatley has diversified his talents into various fields. He's become a prolific artist, creating abstract expressionist masterpieces using a rather unconventional method: dancing on canvas! This unorthodox approach has earned him a coveted spot among Ireland's top-selling artists, with his works fetching prices upwards of £66,704.

And if that wasn't enough, Flatley has also dabbled in the world of fine whiskey. His Castlehyde Irish Whiskey brand was launched in 2021, with its distinctive bottle bearing the family crest - a poignant tribute to his late father, Michael Sr. When asked about his passion for Irish whiskey, Flatley revealed that it all started with his father's love for the complex spirit.

It was Flatley who single-handedly endeared his craft to a new legion of significantly younger fans (pictured onstage at the London Coliseum)

But Flatley's personal life hasn't been without drama. In January 2023, he shared some devastating news with his followers on social media: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and was undergoing surgery. Despite the setback, Flatley showed remarkable resilience, crediting his loving family for their unwavering support during this challenging time.

Fast-forward to today, and we find Flatley once again thrust into the spotlight - this time as a potential candidate in Ireland's Presidential election. The 67-year-old dance legend has announced that he will be throwing his hat into the ring alongside another surprise contender: MMA fighter Conor McGregor!

In an exclusive interview with RTE Radio One, Flatley revealed that he's been approached by various people 'in the know' and is consulting with a team of advisers. When asked about his qualifications for the role, he humbly pointed to his decades-long career promoting Ireland and Irish culture.

But time can be as unpredictable as it is cruel, and these days Flatley is attempting a rather more perilous dance - to Dublin, and the highest seat of Irish political power

"I've spent three decades entertaining millions around the world," he said with conviction. "I think I have something unique to offer - a voice that speaks for the people."

As the country prepares for its next Presidential election, one thing's certain: Michael Flatley is not your ordinary candidate. With his charisma, stage presence, and undeniable star power, he may just have what it takes to win over the hearts of Irish voters.

So, will Flatley tap his way into Áras an Uachtaráin? Only time will tell!

Flatley had only just entered retirement when he surprised fans by reinventing himself as an actor in his self-financed, self-produced and self-written thriller, Blackbird (pictured)

Since retiring from dance, Flatley has became one of Ireland's most expensive living artists and has sold numerous paintings at auction (pictured with one such creation, Firedance, in 2015)

Flatley's signature whiskey The Dreamer was released last year, and he admitted the distinctive bottle's family crest was a poignant tribute to his late father, Michael Sr,

Flatley announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer in an Instagram post shared with followers in 2024

Flatley with wife Niamh and son Michael in November 2015.  The dancer admitted their support helped him deal his subsequent ordeal as he prepared for surgery

Michael pictured in 1994 during his Eurovision performance. The seven-minute performance was extended into a full-length spectacle and opened at Dublin's Point Theatre in 1995

After being sacked from Riverdance, Michael developed his own show Lord Of The Dance, which opened in Dublin in 1996 and was seen by over 60 million people

Decades of high-intensity choreography took a physical toll, and the injury ravaged performer was only involved in two of the various numbers featured in his farewell show, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, following its Broadway launch in 2015 (pictured)

Now, Flatley is preparing for a rather different challenge after throwing his hat into the ring for the Irish Presidency