Filmed at the Point Theatre in Dublin, 'Lord of the Dance' takes Irish dancing to spectacular new heights. Orchestrated and conducted by Anne Dudley, inspiring original music by Ronan Hardiman and exhilarating dance starring the sensational Michael Flatley with supporting characters Bernadette Flynn, Daire Nolan, Gillian Norris, Helen Egan and Anne Buckley - 'Lord of the Dance' is a rare and magical experience. Michael Flatley takes to the stage on a stunning Celtic dance spectacular which retells Irish folk legend in a dazzling and updated style. Join us when time stood still and Erin was goddess of all....The stories had all been written and everyone knew their parts. But the ancient clans, sitting in their stone circles, heard mumblings and the spirits dream was troubled. A new dark power had emerged to challenge the Lord of the Dance.

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A consummate showman, Flatley dominates the stage in a fiery, breathless performance of boundless energy. There is a raw edge to this music and dance portrayal of the battle between good and evil. Lord of the Dance runs the full gauntlet of emotions; occasionally tender, often sensual, frequently aggressive to the point of near violence.

For one who takes the time (and the required concentration) to carefully observe, Flatley's technical brilliance is apparent in the speed, difficulty and perfection of form which he brings to his dance routines. Amazingly, the supporting dancers are almost equally as skilled.

However, the enjoyment of this show is not in its technical merit, but in its artistic wizardry. It is an intricate performance which frequently intertwines the movements of many dancers, yet maintains its cohesion and flow, never losing the simple beauty of skilled bodies in constant motion.

The single flaw is in the editing of the video, which occasionally cuts between camera angles so quickly and so often as to be distracting. Within this minor problem, however, are some visual gems, such as seeing the feet of the dancers from BENEATH the stage, a unique perspective that gives a true appreciation for the power and skill of the cast.

Lord of the Dance is not, as occasionally suggested, a repackaging of Riverdance. It is a completely different visual experience, one that stands rightly and proudly on its own. In this performance, Michael Flatley more than proves that he is worthy of the title.

20 of 21 found the following review helpful:

Understand the CharacterFeb 13, 1999

After reading other reviews, I feel I have to explain this to many people who believe "Lord of the Dance" is strictly an ego trip for Michael Flatley. Look at the character he is portraying. The title alone explains this. The character needs to be ego-driven, better than all, and yes the camera should focus on his feet. Why would you want the video if you didn't want to see the dancing? If you don't like Michael Flately, go see Lord of the Dance on stage, he is no longer performing with the group. Otherwise, put down your swords and enjoy this video. He does a tremendous job, and like it or not, he portrays the character the way it was written. This isn't Riverdance, so why compare it. This is focused on a story, there are more colors and theatrics, and the dancers are allowed to show their enjoyment for what they do.

23 of 25 found the following review helpful:

Enchanting, energetic fun for everyone!Jan 05, 2002
By Jane Austen "beadmaven"
Michael Flatley truly is the Lord of the Dance (hereafter referred to as LOD). This show is much better than the original Riverdance. LOD is strictly focused on modern Irish dance, and the show plot is basically based on old Irish folklore involving the sweet Colleen and the tempting Gypsy trying to lure in Michael Flatley's character. There are several numbers that are performed without any music, and you will be amazed at how incredible the taps sound. Michael Flatley is as egotistical as they come, but he has reason to be! Once he is on stage, you won't want to focus on anyone else. His tapping is showcased in several numbers.
If you are trying to decide between LOD or Feet of Flames, here are differences. Personally, I like Feet of Flames better.
Feet of Flames (FOF) was filmed at Hyde Park in London. The stage and set are much bigger than shown on the LOD. In FOF, the music has been changed slightly and is more energetic. There are newer and more interesting looking costumes. Michael Flatley has a few more solos, including one where he is playing an instrument. Of course, his costumes are more flashy in FOF. I think FOF seems to flow better as the troupe is more experienced now.
My bottom line: you won't go wrong with either FOF or LOD, but if you had to choose one, I would pick Feet of Flames.

18 of 21 found the following review helpful:

Exceptional story of an exceptional manFeb 28, 2006
By Jeannie (Mama Pea)
Michael Flatley has thrilled millions with his dancing and his shows. For those who have followed his career and believe in his philosophy of "follow your dreams" this is the book they have been waiting for.

Up to now Michael has many times been the subject of derision by critics and like many artists, "exposed" falsely in the tabloids. Those who knew him in person and shuddered to read the endless repetition about his "big ego" and "arrogance" they knew misrepresented him, are given a chance in this book to describe the man they know- his strength and courage, his warmth and generosity. Family, friends, and fellow dancers were interviewed and their words fill the pages with the stories of what really happened.

Michael himself reveals his determination, his passion, his strength and vulnerability as he describes his journey through the highs and lows to reach the pinnacle of success. His positive energy, his never giving in to pain, and his amazing talent all come alive in these pages. It is like watching a performance of "Lord of the Dance"- filled with great energy, romance, struggle and finally triumph. There are photos of his family never seen in public and many color photos of Michael as dancer and in private life. All in all a can't-put-down read.

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:

Flatley - A pioneer performerFeb 07, 2003
By Meriam Matthews
Lord of the Dance is Flatley's baby. He has done for Celtic folk dancing what John Curry did for ice dancing; changed it into something bigger, better and more creative -- truly a new dance-creature. Just as Curry's ice dancing morphed into ice ballet in his genius hands, the ordinarily subdued Celtic dance has morphed into Irish Precision dancing under Flatley's creative genius. With lovely costuming, creative but understated arm movements and a jazzy touch of show biz, not a bad thing in every case, this is a treat for the eyes, ears and soul. Purists may prefer the less flashy, more reserved performances, and there is something to be said for that. But if you enjoy heart-racing passionate soaring dance and can appreciate the monumental precision training and athletic excellence involved in putting together just one dance, let alone several, you will truly enjoy this creative display of a brand new art form. With the exception of the oddball Druidic walk-ons by candle-bearing attendants, it was a cohesively dazzling performance. Say what you will about Michael Flatley's towering ego, he is nonetheless a creative genius. I could have done with fewer dizzying camera-shifts, no doubt a by-product of overzealous camera men who seem to have the notion that viewers have short attention spans. There were fewer such camera-shifts than in the motion-sick "Feet of Flame" but still far too many. All things considered, it is Flatley's best of the newer genre of Irish/Celtic folk dance.

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