I'm a fan of Riverdance. Irish music has gone through so many changes, with modernistic things happening to it, such as bringing in piano accompaniment since, when, the 1920's? With the Sean O'Riada arrangements in the early 60's, Johnny Moynihan bringing in the Bouzouki in the late 60's, Planxty and the Bothy Band bringing in rock rhythms in the 70's. With Riverdance, it's Irish step dancing's turn to explore the boundaries and take it to new areas. Admittedly, Riverdance doesn't have the same traditional sensibilities as those bands did, and the composed music should never be confused with the Bothies, but it is interesting to see Irish step dancing serve as a base for this show, and to see it go out and take different forms. I share the fear that Riverdance may become a standard by which the uninitiated will judge Irish music and dance performances, and that would not be a good thing. But, some people inevitably will do that, what can you do? I enjoy Riverdance for what it is. The new Broadway production, by the way, has a tremendously talented young fiddler, Athena Tergis. Haven't seen the Broadway production myself, but have heard Tergis at many a pub gig, session, and concert. Hopefully she'll do a solo recording soon.