Michael Flatley, known for insuring his legs at a value of £25 million, once boldly stated that he’d dance until the very end of his life.
Without a shadow of a doubt, everyone believed it. The swift and agile Irish-American choreographer had reached extraordinary heights following his success as the creative director and leading performer in breathtaking stage productions like Lord Of The Dance and the legendary Riverdance.
By means of his groundbreaking contributions to choreography and tempo, Flatley had already earned a widespread reputation as the embodiment of modernizing traditional Irish dance, a moniker that resonated with many. Interestingly, it was solely him who managed to win over a vast, youthful audience with his artform.
However, just like how time can sometimes be both mysterious and harsh, Flatley, now 67 years old, finds himself embarking on an unanticipated and potentially risky journey – a bid for Dublin’s top political position, the pinnacle of Irish politics.
Certainly, a former entertainer has surprisingly declared intentions to contest for the position of Irish President this coming October. This potential candidacy could put him up against UFC star Conor McGregor, who also recently expressed interest in the role through a social media post.
It became known in July that Flatley wished to succeed the outgoing President Michael D. Higgins, which was uncovered during a legal dispute over his extensive property, Castlehyde mansion, located in County Cork.
Yet again, the remarkable possibility of Michael Flatley moving into Áras an Uachtaráin with his wife Niamh O’Brien and son Michael Jr has brought renewed attention upon him – approximately nine years following a series of health issues, including back pain, knee problems, and foot discomfort, which ultimately led to his retirement.
Legendary dancer Michael Flatley achieved worldwide recognition through his groundbreaking choreography in Riverdance, which debuted as a seven-minute interlude at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Over 300 million people tuned in to witness this performance.
The performance at Dublin’s Point Theatre left the audience of 4,000 people in awe and gave them such an impressive show that they all stood up and applauded vigorously, clearly captivated by the unquestionable skill of the then unknown dance troupe.
Excited by its triumph, Flatley transformed the performance into a comprehensive extravaganza that received applause at the same location a year later.
In his 2006 autobiography “Lord of the Dance: My Story”, he elaborated on how the show was an exceptionally significant turning point in contemporary Irish culture, transcending well past the boundaries of Eurovision.
‘It completely eclipsed the event that it was part of and became a phenomenon.’
After a disagreement over royalties that led to his sudden departure from Riverdance in 1995, Flatley then established the equally successful production named Lord of the Dance in 1996.
As the leading actor, he embarked on a global journey, performing for approximately 60 million individuals across 60 different nations. His cherished dance project thus became one of the most thriving and financially rewarding dance shows ever produced.
Over a long period, performing intense dance routines had caused significant wear and tear, leaving the dancer with several injuries. Consequently, he only appeared in two numbers of his final show, “Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games,” when it was staged on Broadway in 2015.
Speaking about the injuries he endured on BBC Radio 2, he stated, “I am constantly experiencing pain and agony. Through dancing, I’ve damaged my body extensively. I was aware of the risks but chose to push through.
Suddenly, it became clear that the true worth lies in friends and family; possessions seemed insignificant by comparison.
He stated, “For years, I’ve been given warnings, but as the challenges pile up, it becomes harder to perform effectively according to my standards. I’ve always made it clear that if I’m no longer able to dance during prime time, then I have no desire to continue.
Retirement signified the culmination of an extraordinary career for Flatley, who is now a multimillionaire estimated at £250 million. With such substantial wealth, it would be understandable if he decided to relax and indulge in his riches as he gracefully left the spotlight, bid farewell to his worn-out tap shoes, and retreated to his luxurious countryside home in County Cork.
However, the individual who continues to hold the Guinness World Record for tap dancing at a pace of 35 times per second has not only shown variation but also ventured beyond his usual boundaries on multiple instances over the past nine years.
Upon retiring, Flatley unexpectedly made a comeback in the acting world, taking on the roles of actor, producer, and writer for his own thriller movie titled “Blackbird”, which he financed himself.
In this setting, the character plays Victor Blackley, a former spy who is struggling to leave his turbulent history behind. He decides to establish a nightclub in the vibrant Caribbean as a fresh start, but his persistent ex-lover tracks him down, causing more trouble.
Amidst an exotic setting, filled with numerous gunfights and high-energy action, it strongly resembled a globe-trotting James Bond storyline. As filming started in Barbados, the gun-toting Flatley appeared fittingly stylish in his blood-stained tuxedo, embodying the character.
Despite some critics finding it challenging to appreciate, the movie received harsh criticism at its premiere. Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian even went as far as comparing the acting to certain, less appealing scenes from mid-’80s adult films.
In other places, The Telegraph swiftly branded it as a poorly executed James Bond imitation, while the Irish Examiner, adopting a similar tone, stated that it will likely leave you feeling more shook up than relaxed (reminiscent of a famous Bond quote where he prefers his martinis shaken, not stirred).
It’s quite unexpected and humbling for someone accustomed to positive critiques, as ‘Blackbird’ marks his sole exploration in the realm of modern films.
In my own words, I find myself delving into an assortment of creative realms, with art being one of my primary focuses. Post-retirement, I’ve discovered a knack for creating visually stunning pieces that have proven to be quite profitable.
His unique, dance-based artistic method of creating works by moving across paint-spattered canvases brought about extraordinary achievements, and Flatley swiftly earned the title as one of Ireland’s highest-priced contemporary artists alive today.
Flatley explained to Daily Mail Australia that when he paints, it’s not just his feet doing the work; he also tosses paint around and uses various tools such as boards – brushes are never an option for him. In essence, his painting style is abstract expressionism, which he believes captures it best.
‘We’ve been very blessed and very lucky that people seem to have taken to it.’
In 2015, he ranked second in auction prices for paintings, just below Jack B Yeats. Some of his works like “The Power” and “Flight of the Quetzal” were sold for €77,500 (approximately £66,704) and €44,000 (approximately £37,870) respectively.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but boast about the incredible journey of my idol, Michael Flatley! In 2021, he embarked on an extraordinary venture by establishing his very own company – Castlehyde, a name reminiscent of his beloved County Cork estate. This dynamic entrepreneur is certainly making his mark in the world of food and beverages, leaving us all eagerly anticipating what’s next!
Last year saw the launch of The Dreamer, Signature Whiskey, and Flatley confessed that the unique bottle’s emblem of a family crest held a touching tribute to his late father, Michael Sr, an Irish immigrant plumber who moved to the U.S. in 1947.
In this version, I’ve used “launch” instead of “released”, “Signature Whiskey” was replaced with “The Dreamer, Signature Whiskey”, and “admitted” was changed to “confessed”. Additionally, I’ve used more descriptive phrases such as “unique bottle” and “touching tribute”. This results in a more natural-sounding and easy-to-read sentence.
‘Irish whiskey was a favourite of my father’s,’ he told Hospitality Ireland at the time.
Through his deep love for it, I discovered its intricate tastes, making the release of Flatley Irish Whiskey a particularly fulfilling moment. I believe he’d be proud from above.
He noted that Irish whiskey, similar to Irish dance, symbolizes the very heart of Ireland – its past, its character, and its capacity for uniting folks during joyous gatherings.
The dancer experienced a unique moment, as it had been over a year since they were diagnosed with malignant melanoma and were now in the initial stages of recovery.
In early 2023, on his Instagram account, there was a heartfelt message revealing that Michael Flatley had received a diagnosis – he is dealing with a severe type of cancer, which he chose to share with his online community.
‘He’s currently recovering from a surgery, overseen by top-notch medical professionals. For now, we won’t provide any additional updates. We kindly request your thoughts and hopes for his swift recovery. Thank you.’
Later on, Flatley emphasized that the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife Niamh, was instrumental in helping him cope with the initial shock of receiving a second diagnosis and enduring the challenging period leading up to his surgery.
He expressed feeling fantastic, adding that maintaining a optimistic mindset is beneficial. He admitted, however, that the journey wasn’t simple, during his interview on RTE’s Late Late Show.
Receiving the diagnosis of cancer can be incredibly difficult – it’s not an easy pill to swallow. However, I am fortunate to be married to the most remarkable woman, who not only cares for me but also stands by me with unwavering belief. She has been my rock through these challenging times.
‘I had prepared myself for the whole ordeal but I really wasn’t 100% prepared when the time came.’
He commented: “My loved ones mean the world to me. If I don’t make it through this, what then? Despite feeling assured and having an excellent surgeon, there remains a possibility that I may not emerge from this ordeal.
I find it difficult to express the depth of my affection for my wife, my son, the Irish nation, and the joy I derive from life itself.
Currently, Flatley is gearing up for a new kind of test, as he’s entered the race for the Irish Presidency in partnership with MMA fighter McGregor.
During a legal dispute over the Castlehyde mansion’s planning, it became apparent that his hidden aspirations for a political career surfaced, as he disclosed to the court about a significant alteration in his circumstances.
Flatley, who can potentially run for office as an Irish citizen, mentioned that he hasn’t yet decided on this opportunity but is seeking advice from a group of consultants.
When speaking to RTE Radio One regarding newspaper rumors about a possible bid, the American stated that people approach him frequently, in various locations, and inquire whether he plans to take part in the race.
The choreographer and dancer explained: ‘While I prioritize the responsibility, I haven’t reached a conclusion yet… With a significant enterprise at hand, I am accountable for providing livelihood to my dedicated dance troupe.’
I run a whiskey business, have a lovely young family consisting of my wife and son, whom I cherish spending time with. If I believed I could make a positive impact on the Irish community, and more crucially, if I felt that I could represent the voice of the Irish people.
He stated that currently, they don’t seem to possess a genuine, profound voice in their own language.
Flatley stated that he understands the worries expressed by ordinary citizens, who aren’t currently satisfied. He further noted, “It is crucial someone advocates for the needs of the Irish populace.
He expressed his uncertainty about whether the position required another political figure, further mentioning that for over three decades, he had been advocating for Ireland and fostering its culture.
Instead of saying “He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some ‘people in the know'”, you could rephrase it as “He stated that no political parties had reached out to him, yet he’s spoken with some well-informed individuals.” This version maintains the original meaning while sounding more conversational and easier to understand.
‘I haven’t reached a conclusion about it yet, but it can be quite disheartening to witness diligent Irish taxpayers putting in effort without having much influence over the decisions that affect them.’
In a direct question about his intentions regarding running, he responded by stating: ‘I want it known that I support Ireland and its people.’
Contenders should be endorsed by no less than 20 members from the Irish parliament, or four local councils respectively. Additionally, they need to be Irish citizens aged thirty-five and above.
The upcoming election must occur approximately two months prior to President Michael D. Higgins’ term expiring on November 11th.
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2025-08-17 12:09