RIVERDANCE: The story behind the

smash hit

Watch the video and write True or False. Correct the false statements

1) Usquebaugh means water of life in Old English.

2) In 1994 River Dance lasted less than 10 minutes.
3) For hundreds of years Ireland belonged to UK.
4) Irish people were not allowed to express themselves .
5) The dancers in Riverdance are from different backgrounds
6) Susans passion for dance runs in the family.
7) Irish dancers always had many professional opportunities..
8) The music score writer stuck to Irish traditions completely.
9) He wants to make things easier for dancers.
10) Irish people want to move on from their traditions.

Complete peoples comments with the words below

SMASH STANDING JEOPARDY LIVING TURMOIL UPLIFTING

SHEEN TRADITION HUNGER SOLACE RUNS ROOTED

1) Riverdance is a __________ on the stage.

2) Pubs and bars fostered that music and dance tradition, especially when it was in _____________

3) In times of ______________ in Irish history, people found ________________ in literature, music or dance.

4) Tension ______________ high at dance competitions.

5) Dan never thought he could makea ______________________ out of Irish dance.

6) Its really ___________ that something they have worked on all their lives is appreciated by other people.
 7) Weve got leg problems, and _________ splints, which are caused by wearing, tearing on the muscles.

8) Despite the unconventional choreography , tradition is the _____________ that supports Riverdance.

9) It has a truth and a passion because it is ____________ in a folk tradition.

10) There seems to be a ____________ out there for music that has a connection to a cultural base that is ancient.

11) Its amazing getting ___________________ ovation after a performance because youve put everything into it.

Complete these phrasal verbs from the video:

My idea was to write a piece that would _______ on the life of the river. (Extract from/base on/ expand on)

She is delighted that I am doing Irish dancing bacause it _________ back memories. (remind sb of)

Love of their traditions _________ Riverdance dancers on. (impell/encourage)

Some Irish words are commonly used in English culture. Can you match them with their meanings?

1_From port, a form of lively Folk dance, as well as the accompanying tune.
It developed in 16th-century England, and spread into the continent.
reel
2_Any dance danced to music in reel or Irish step-dance, the reel is danced in soft shoes
and is one of the first dances taught to students. boycott

3_ A traditional arts and culture festival. The term is commonly used referring to Irish dance
competitions. Feis

4_Abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as an expression of
slogan
protest.

5_From the Irish family name hUallachin, anglicised as O'Houlihan) one who takes part in aggressive Hooligan
behaviour and vandalism.

6_A light humorous, nonsensical, or bawdy verse of five lines with the rhyme scheme aabba, whiskey

7_From sluagh-ghairm meaning "a battle-cry used by Gaelic clans", a word or phrase used by a specific group
Jig ( port)
8_From uisce beatha meaning "water of life
Limerick