Putting together the interval ‘turn’ for 1994’s Eurovision Song Contest, the creators of Riverdance must have known they had something special. Bill Whelan’s powerful, score, breathy vocals, and a line-up of step-perfect Irish dancers was always going to turn heads (especially when they turned their own heads in that iconic move). But surely nobody in amongst that first creative team could have imagined that 30 years later the Irish dance phenomenon would still be touring the globe. 

One of the marketing points of this 30th anniversary tour, is that virtually none of the dancers on stage now were alive during that genre-defining televisual moment. They grew up in a world where Irish dance wasn’t limited to competitions and championships, and arms didn’t always have to be glued to the sides. Which means plenty of audience members will be coming to the show fresh, too. So, a slideshow kicks off proceedings to remind us all of that pivotal night when Michael Flatley flew into our living rooms and forever changed the face of Irish dance.

And yet, the key to Riverdance’s success is that it doesn’t change; well, not much. The background images may be CGI these days, but the footwork on stage remains true to that first vision. Each scene, from the human race’s primitive beginnings to a dance battle on the streets of New York is still carved from that original rock. A costume refresh keeps the stage ablaze with colour, and the interspersing of dance with dynamic live music and ethereal vocals continues to provide the perfect palate cleanser between routines. 

What has never, and will never, grow old is the remarkable dance talent Riverdance manages to recruit. Schooled on the championship circuit (but unlike their predecessors three decades ago, now aware that a theatrical career may well beckon), the dancers have that wonderful blend of regimentation and vibrant individuality. Whether it’s the infamous ‘line’ of Irish step dancers, the passionate flamenco, lightning fast and humour filled tap dance, or jaw dropping Macedonian Dervish moves, they never miss a beat and we’re all on our feet in awe by the end.

Riverdance 30: The New Generation tours until Sunday 14 December; reviewed at Edinburgh Playhouse.