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Derry launches Riverdance
challenge
19.04.10
IRISH dancers from
Inishowen will hotfoot it to Derry to join the RNLI
bid to smash the Guinness world record for the
longest Riverdance line.
The charity that saves lives at sea wants to break
the current world record for the number of Irish
dancers dancing in a line for five continuous
minutes.
The event, on Sunday, May 9, is to raise funds for
the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and raise
awareness of its life-saving work in Ireland.
The current record stands at 317 dancers, and was
set in Rocklands, New York, in 2007. The RNLI is
hoping to at least double that number of dancers on
the day. Interest in the event has been huge and
Derry City Council will be providing support in
staging the unique performance in the city. |
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MC on the day will be
TV presenter Julian Simmons, who will keep the
dancers motivated during the attempt and the crowds
entertained. Dancers will be travelling to the city
from counties Mayo, Donegal, Cavan, Kildare, Dublin,
Down, Antrim and Derry. All the major Irish dancing
schools were contacted some months ago and the
response was "phenomenal", say organisers.
RNLI area fundraising manager Tony Hiney came up
with the idea after Riverdance selected the RNLI as
their chosen charity last year on their Irish tour.
“Seeing that famous line of dancers performing
together and the effect it had on the audience gave
me the idea of trying to break the record while at
the same time trying to raise funds and awareness
for the work of the RNLI," he said.
"It started as a tiny idea but when I made contact
with some Irish dancing teachers around the country
I realised it had the potential to be huge. Now the
event is around the corner and the excitement is
growing. I would love the public to join with us on
the day and see if we can break the record.” Each
dancer taking part in the record breaking attempt
has agreed to raise a minimum of £20/€20 to secure
their place in the line. Every penny and cent raised
will go to the RNLI. |
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