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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, May 16, 2012

'Riverdance' steps across IU Auditorium stage as part of Summer Festival of the Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 16, 2012

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- "Riverdance," the phenomenon of Irish music, song and dance that has reached millions of people around the world over the past 16 years, will appear at Indiana University Auditorium on May 17 for a final time.

The show is a highlight of IU's second annual Summer Festival of the Arts, a 113-day event that features visual arts, music, cinema, dance and theater on the Bloomington campus. The festival was conceived as a way to support the creation of new arts events and showcase the vibrant cultural offerings at IU that help make Bloomington such a popular arts destination throughout the summer.

"This is the second year Indiana University has hosted its Summer Festival of the Arts, and it just keeps getting better," said Valerie Peña, associate vice president and chief of staff for the IU Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations. "There are plenty of fun, free and family-friendly activities available, and Bloomington is just a short drive away for many Hoosiers and area residents. 'Riverdance' will kick things off in style, bringing Irish stepdancing to IU Auditorium for the final time. Tickets are still available, so make sure you see this show."

While the U.S. touring production will close June 17, "Riverdance" will continue to tour the world.

Originally conceived as entertainment for a seven-minute intermission during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest televised throughout Europe to an audience of over 300 million viewers, "Riverdance" was later expanded into a full-length stage production by producer Moya Doherty, composer Bill Whelan and director John McColgan.

Following its February 1995 world premiere at Dublin's Point Theatre, the show took the world by storm. To date, more than 22 million people worldwide have seen "Riverdance" live. In addition, 10 million people have purchased video versions of the show, making it one of the best-selling entertainment videos in the world.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are available online at IUauditorium.com or by calling 812-855-1103.

For a complete list of Summer Festival of the Arts activities, or to sign up for a weekly e-newsletter with reminders about upcoming events, visit artsfest.indiana.edu.

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