Jean Butler Professional Irish dancer Date of Birth: 14.03.1971 Country: USA

1. Biography of Jean Butler
2. Early Career and Training
3. Collaborations and Performances
4. Post-Riverdance Career
5. Personal Life and Achievements

Biography of Jean Butler

Jean Butler is a professional Irish dancer who has achieved notable success in the field of Irish dance. Born in 1971, she developed a passion for dance at a young age. Her mother, who was originally from Ireland, began teaching Jean Irish dance when she was just 4 years old.

Early Career and Training

Jean Butler's dance education was diverse, including training in classical ballet, American tap, and Irish step dance. However, her main focus was on Irish step dance, where she excelled due to her talent and dedication. She won numerous regional and national competitions and achieved high placements in international competitions.

Collaborations and Performances

Throughout her career, Jean Butler has performed with renowned groups such as Green Fields of America and Cherish the Ladies. When she was 17, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in a concert with The Chieftains, followed by joining them on a tour across three continents.

In the United Kingdom, Jean Butler met Irish dancer Colin Dunne, and they performed together at the Mayo 5000. In 1994, she was invited by producer Moya Doherty to participate in the seven-minute interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest, which became the famous performance known as Riverdance. Jean Butler choreographed and performed this piece alongside Michael Flatley. The success of Riverdance led to the development of a full-length show, in which Flatley and Butler were the principal dancers. Later, Colin Dunne replaced Flatley in the show.

Post-Riverdance Career

After a long and successful run with Riverdance, Jean Butler eventually left the show. Together with Colin Dunne, who had also left the production, she created the show Dancing on Dangerous Ground, based on an ancient Irish legend. The show enjoyed success in London and later in New York.

Aside from her dance career, Jean Butler has also ventured into acting. She has appeared in several films, including The Brylcreem Boys, Goldfish Memory, The Revengers Tragedy, and Old Friends.

Personal Life and Achievements

In 2001, Jean Butler married Irish designer Cuan Hanley. She recently obtained a Master's degree in Contemporary Dance. In 2005, she released a DVD course titled Irish Dance Masterclass With Jean Butler, offering dance enthusiasts the opportunity to learn from her expertise.

Jean Butler is the sister of renowned dancer Cara Butler, who performs with the folk group The Chieftains.