Manchester Lord of Dance star named as Ambassador for City's Irish Culture

Manchester Lord of Dance star makes triumphant return to City

James Keegan the three times world champion Irish superstar made a triumphant return to Manchester as the principal dancer with Lord of the Dance in January.

The 25 year old dancer from Fallowfield has been touring with the world famous Lord of the Dance since he was 16. His return to perform the lead in a week’s sell out tour at the Opera House in Manchester was given rave reviews for his outstanding performances in the press.

The talented dancer has been a huge ambassador for Irish culture from a very young age. James made his name performing in the world famous, Manchester-based - Lally School of Dancers before going on to raise tens of thousands for charity with 'Young, Gifted and Green', based at St Bede's College. His numerous TV appearances on the BBC, Sky and American network TV has gained him worldwide stardom.

He joins a whole list of world famous Irish-Mancunians like Dezi Donnelly, who recently performed for Barack Obama, no less and Michael McGoldrick who is now an international folk legend as a famous 'Manchester, Irish export'.

David Hennigan one of the founding members of the Manchester Irish Festival said “Manchester has always been proud of our cultural ambassadors - from Tony Wilson to Badly Drawn Boy, alongside the Bee Gees and Oasis. We should all be proud that people like James Keegan add to our cultural heritage by tearing up dance floors across Europe.”

“James has never forgotten the chances and opportunities he's had from our great city. That is why I am delighted to see him setting up a Dance Academy at Chorlton Irish Centre and out in Bury. In ten years time, hopefully we can see Manchester youngsters emulating James and his award winning, Choreographing sister Louise Keegan - who are carrying on Manchester's world famous Irish legacy.”