The next important development in Irish dance came with the 1994 Eurovision launch of Riverdance . This event , followed by the continuing success of the Irish dance troupe , led to a massive increase in global interest for Irish dance . Over the following 20 years , the number of competitors at the World Championships increased dramatically , and the percentage of dancers from outside Ireland and the U.K. lifted to nearly 50 % . The rapid increase in the number of dancers across the world accelerated the globalisation , and led to the election of Peter Smith in 2004 as the first president resident outside Ireland
1994 Eurovision
Eurovision Song Contest 1994
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha