THREE performances of “Riverdance,” a show that has wowed global audiences for over two decades, will be staged at Shenzhen Poly Theater this December.

Stemming from composer Bill Whelan’s Grammy award-winning score, the show consists mainly of traditional Irish music and dance, but with a modern twist. Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, two Irish dancing world champions, led in the show and also had the job as choreographers.

It originated as an interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 1994, which also featured the vocal ensemble Anúna. Shortly afterwards, the husband and wife production team John McColgan and Moya Doherty expanded it into a stage show, which opened in Dublin in 1995. Since then, the show has visited over 450 venues worldwide and has been seen by over 25 million people, making it one of the most successful dance productions in the world.

The show, a celebration of Irish dance and music, also presented Russian ballet, Spanish flamenco and American tap dancing. Unlike traditional Irish dancers who haven’t much use for their hands, “Riverdance” has its dancers move their hands expressively and uses prerecorded taps to create a wall of sound when line dancers kick up their heels.

Weaving a narrative into the show of the life cycle of the water and river goddess working wonders on the earth, “Riverdance” also symbolizes the efforts of Irish immigrants who traveled afar and brought back new experiences to enrich their original culture. The audiences who have watched the show often find the rising swell of the dance uplifting and the music captivating.

VIP members of Shenzhen Poly Theater can enjoy discounts.

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 8-9 (Dec. 9 also at 3 p.m.)

Tickets: 180-1,080 yuan

Booking: WeChat account “SZpolytheatre”

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (深圳保利剧院)

Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E

(Li Dan)