Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley insisted it was « a great honour » to be asked to stage his show as part of US president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration celebrations today.
Segments of the Chicago-born dancer’s hit show, ‘Lord of the Dance – Dangerous Games’, will be staged in Washington as part of the elaborate entertainment programme to mark the inauguration of the 45th US president.
Flatley, who shot to fame with ‘Riverdance’ and then his own shows including ‘Lord of the Dance’, and ‘Celtic Tiger’, will attend the prestigious Liberty Ball tonight, the highlight of Washington’s inauguration celebration programme.
It is expected that the dancer will personally introduce his ‘Lord of the Dance’ performers from the stage on the night.
Both Mr Trump and his incoming vice-president Mike Pence will attend and are expected to later meet Flatley.
Other stars performing for Mr Trump will be country singer Toby Keith, actor Jon Voight, rock band Three Doors Down and New York dancers the Radio City Rockettes.
However, Flatley will not perform any of the main dance routines himself, having retired from leading his show two years ago.
The dancer also refused to be drawn into the controversy over the Washington inauguration ceremonies which a significant number of US entertainers asked not to be part of.
« We have performed for many presidents, » he told the Irish Independent. « It is always a great honour to be asked. »
Flatley said it would be another proud night for the ‘Lord of the Dance’ crew.
« This is a very special night and it is a great honour to be invited to be part of it, » he said.
Flatley has performed his award-winning shows for previous US presidents including George W Bush and Bill Clinton.
