Is it just us or was Riverdance everywhere in the ’90s? It seemed like commercials for the stage show were always running between late-night reruns of The Nanny, and ads for the tour were as ubiquitous as Shen Yun posters in 2019. And, of course, there was always that one kid in your school who pulled out their Irish dancing skills during the annual talent show.

Relive that craze all over again in Riverdance: The Animated Adventure. The musical journey highlights the beauty of Irish dancing, culture and folklore by introducing audiences to a young boy named Keegan who learns how to cope with the loss of his grandfather through the power of dance, as well as guidance from his friend Moya. But don’t be surprised if you have questions after your first time watching Riverdance. And, lucky for you, we’ve got all the answers.

How did the original Riverdance start? And, seriously, why was it the Shen Yun of the ’90s?

Like most pop culture treasures, it started with the Eurovision Song Contest. In Dublin in 1994, as the votes for the contest were being counted, Riverdance burst onto the stage for its first live performance. Thanks to its fresh take on traditional Irish music composed by Bill Whelan, combined with the modern Irish dancing led by Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, Riverdance became a sensation. And it just so happens that Irish musicians Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan won Eurovision for Ireland that year, driving even more pride for their home country.

After a successful run in Dublin and London, the Riverdance production arrived in New York City in 1996 and went on to tour the United States that same year. For the rest of the ’90s and well into the 2000s, Riverdance toured North America, Australia, Europe and more. The show was seen by more than 25 million theatergoers worldwide becoming a cultural phenomenon. The only explanation why Riverdance became a lasting and ubiquitous part of culture for almost 30 years is that it really is just that good — good enough to win a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album in 1997. The dancing is hypnotic, and it is often seen as a tribute to Irish culture. 

How is Riverdance: The Animated Adventure related to the stage show?

With traditional Irish dancing and a score composed by Whelan, Riverdance: The Animated Adventure tells a story about loss — and more importantly, what it means to live. Inspired by his original Grammy-winning music, Whelan wrote new songs for the animated film, reimagining the emotional elements of Riverdance.

The animated movie is a way to introduce younger generations to Riverdance, sparking a continued embrace of its culture of music and dance. 

What is the history behind Irish dancing?

Traditional Irish dancing has been passed down in Irish culture for centuries. It began with Celtic dancing, which involves circular formations and repetitive motions of the feet. Although Riverdance’s choreography borrows a lot from traditional Irish dance, it differs in the way dancers move their arms and move freely around the stage.

Do Megaloceros giganteus really exist?

In Riverdance: The Animated Adventure, Keegan first meets the Megaloceros giganteus when he goes for a walk to clear his head after his grandfather’s death. These larger-than-life, antlered creatures are talented — they can dance and play sports. In fact, according to the film, the leader of the pack, Ben, “invented”' riverdancing. “He makes us dance every morning to keep the rivers flowing and life growing,” one member of the pack says during the film.

Although these creatures might seem mythical in the film (they talk, dance and play sports, after all), they did exist at one point in time. Megaloceros giganteus, or more commonly Irish elk, is an extinct species related to modern deer. Known for their giant horns and massive size, the Irish elk roamed the world thousands of years ago during the Pleistocene era. As their name suggests, the Irish elk lived in Ireland, as well as all across Europe and Western Siberia. 

What is hurling? How is it played?

Although dancing takes center stage in the movie, hurling is also featured heavily. At one point, we learn that, in addition to being a talented dancer, Keegan’s grandfather was also a star hurler before his death. 

Hurling is an outdoor sport with Irish origins, played by teams of 15 players. Players must score a goal by driving the ball through the goals with a stick or by putting the ball over the bar. This game of skill combines aspects of lacrosse, field hockey and baseball — it can be fast-paced and quite intense. 

Are Irish dancing and flamenco related?

Keegan first knows Moya, an Irish transplant from Spain, as an Irish dancer. But she later reveals that she has a passion for flamenco dancing, which she learned from her late grandmother. Throughout the film, Keegan and Moya tease each other for not wanting to dance the dances from their respective countries. But, eventually, they both come around. Moya teaches the elk, Penny, how to flamenco and shows off her dynamic moves in the final dance sequence.

Flamenco originated in Spain, but it has similarities to Irish dance. These two dance styles are all about quickly moving your feet to the beat of the music, and they use a lot of the same rhythms and scales. Some Riverdance performances have even featured flamenco soloists.

What has a mouth but cannot eat, moves but has no legs and has a bank but you can’t put money in it?

Spoiler alert: It’s a river. This riddle stumps Keegan at first, but he’s able to figure it out by the end of the film.