Riverdance, York Barbican.

Riverdance fully deserved the standing ovation it received on its opening night after a highly-charged, exhilarating, foot-stompingly good show.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the touring production which enjoyed its debut appearance in Dublin in 1995, has now come of age.

Featuring some dancers who were born in the show's opening year, the polished sequences, led by Emma Warren and Callum Spencer, were energetic, vibrant, fast and furious, sometimes balletic and acrobatic, with barely a foot out of place. It was a sight to behold as the dancers moved on stage simultaneously on the beat, their synchronised feet a blur as their upper torsos remained still.

For those who have seen the show before, it stays largely true to the original with a mixture of music and dancing, plus a few small changes - new lighting and costumes, along with a new number - to keep it fresh.

The nine scenes of Act closed with the original Riverdance piece and its trademark energy which was a highlight for me, packed with pounding energy and breathtaking precision.

But the skilful dance-off in Act two between the three very upright, classic male Irish dancers and two loose-limbed, cheeky American tap-dancers (Christopher Broughton and Dharmesh Patel) was phenomenal and stole the show.

Other stand-out performances included the very sensual and fiery flamenco dancer (Rocio Montoya), particularly in the Latin Andalucia scene in Act Two, while the Russian troupe wowed the audience with their acrobatic-style choreography.

It was a pleasure to see the talented musicians on stage, particularly the drummer/ percussionist (Negah Santos) who interacted with the audience, as they shared the limelight with the dancers, holding their own with solo performances and also adding verve to the dance sequences.

Riverdance, composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, is much more than a celebration of Irish dance and culture; it is compelling theatrical entertainment at its best.

Riverdance is at York Barbican until Thursday. For tickets contact 0844 854 2757 or visit www.yorkbarbican.co.uk.

Nadia Jefferson-Brown