Riverdance 30: The New Generation at the Bournemouth International Centre – A Magical Mother-Daughter Date Night

Last night my 8-year-old daughter and I enjoyed the most wonderful date night at the BIC to see Riverdance 30 The New Generation, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Wanting to make an evening of it, we arrived early and had a slow wander around the Bournemouth Christmas Market first. The twinkling lights, festive stalls and relaxed atmosphere set the tone beautifully for what became a truly memorable night.

When we arrived at the BIC, everything felt smooth and easy. Despite being such a large venue, it’s incredibly clear where to go - from food and drink kiosks to the seating entrances. We grabbed a hot dog and a drink before the show, and it was lovely watching my daughter take in the buzz of a big venue. Even with the crowds, we didn’t queue for the toilets once, which made the evening feel calm and unhurried.

Inside the auditorium, the atmosphere was amazing. People of all ages filled the space; children, families, older couples, groups of friends - and you could sense everyone’s excitement. When the show began, it was easy to see why Riverdance has captivated audiences for three decades.

What makes Riverdance so special

Riverdance 30: The New Generation marks an incredible 30-year milestone since the show first emerged as a humble seven-minute interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 1994. This anniversary production honours that journey - blending traditional Irish dance and music with fresh energy, modern flair and world-class performances.  The choreography has been updated, new costumes and visuals introduced, and even the staging, projections and lighting lifted the entire experience to something breathtakingly immersive. 

The cast is part of the “new generation” - dancers many of whom weren’t even born when Riverdance debuted 30 years ago. Watching them perform with such energy and precision felt like witnessing a living legacy, yet also something vibrant and new.

Why we loved it

My daughter and I loved how the show doesn’t just focus on dance; it tells a story and it was so educational for my daughter to see various tap dance styles including flamenco and traditional and modern New York/American style tap dancing.

Through dance and music she got a taste of Irish heritage, world-class performance and the magic of live theatre - a rare treat for a young child.

We were mesmerised by the footwork - crisp, lightning-fast, yet graceful and musical. Every tap, stomp and slide seemed to echo with decades of history, yet felt fresh and alive. The energy leapt off the stage and filled the theatre.

The set design, lighting and visuals all added to the atmosphere - each scene transition was seamless, each routine pulled you in deeper. Combined with the skill of the dancers and the soul of the music, the night felt magical from start to finish.

I was really surprised that the “Riverdance” title track composed by Bill Whelan (the original/Eurovision song/dance) was performed before the interval as at the time I thought that would have been saved until the very end but all becomes clear when you are treated to the incredible encore. I won't spoil it for you by going into detail but it's electric!

One of the unexpected highlights of the night was the phenomenal musicianship on stage. Each musician had their moment to shine, and the solos were nothing short of breathtaking. The fiddle solo was a whirlwind of speed and precision, blending traditional Irish melodies with a fiery, modern edge that had the audience cheering mid-performance. The uilleann pipes brought a haunting, soulful quality to the theatre - the kind of sound that gives you goosebumps the moment it begins. The bodhrán solo was a masterclass in rhythm and showmanship, turning a traditional Irish drum into a centre-stage spectacle. What made these moments so special is how they balanced technical brilliance with real emotional storytelling. For my daughter, it was an incredible introduction to live musical performance, watching world-class musicians create such energy and atmosphere right in front of her was an unforgettable part of the evening.

Our evening at Riverdance was everything I hoped for and more. A magical mix of culture, storytelling, music and world-class dance and the perfect way to spend quality time together. What a wonderful night