Dunne joined the cast and creative team of Riverdance in October 1995 . He was initially invited to choreograph and perform the newly commissioned number '' Trading Taps '' with Tarik Winston . However , with the departure of original male lead and choreographer Michael Flatley the day before the re-opening of the show at The Apollo in London , he found himself taking over the principal role at short notice . He toured with the production for three years , taking the show to its USA premieres in New York ( Radio City Music Hall ) and Los Angeles ( Pantages Theatre ) , and also to Australia . His performances were recorded for the '' Riverdance : Live From New York City ( 1996 ) '' DVD . Further choreography credits for the production followed ; Firedance ( with María Pagés ) , Heartbeat of the World ( with María Pagés ) and Heartland Duet ( with Jean Butler ) . Special TV appearances during these years include The Royal Variety Show ( The Dominion London ) , The Kennedy Honours ( Kennedy Centre Washington D.C. ) , and The Grammy Awards ( including a duet with Savion Glover ) at Madison Square Garden , New York
The Grammy Awards
39th Annual Grammy Awards
Colin Dunne