Amy-Mae Dolan
Principal Dancer, Riverdance
Having danced for the Carson Kennedy Academy in Belfast, AmyMae Dolan won the World Irish Dance Championships and many other major titles. On completion of the Riverdance Summer School, the Tyrone native achieved her lifelong ambition to join Riverdance in 2016. She featured in the BBC’s Born to Riverdance, which followed her journey to become the principal dancer in the cinema release of Riverdance the 25th Anniversary Show, filmed in the 3Arena Dublin. The show’s legacy and talented performers like Amy-Mae were also celebrated in RTÉ’s Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show. This autumn Amy-Mae led a cast of talented performers on the Irish leg of the show at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and after Christmas will be getting set to tour the USA and Europe into the New Year. A Reformer Pilates instructor, when she’s not on stage she’s creating content for her YouTube channel and Instagram.
How does your normal day begin? When I wake up in the morning, I like to begin my day with a cup of hot water and freshly squeezed lemon. I then do some yoga or Pilates depending on what my body needs. After, I have my breakfast and start my day.
What are your biggest daily challenges? Managing all the tasks I have to do as a principal dancer and dance captain in Riverdance. As well as managing my Instagram and YouTube accounts.± However, if I stay very organised and set my daily goals, I usually get through it all, stress free.
What do you love most about your job? I love how powerful, emotional and invigorated dancing makes me feel. It is when I am my most confident self. I also love how I continuously feel challenged and can find ways to constantly grow and improve.
What do you do to relax? I usually read, meditate, and do breathing exercises to relax. But my favourite thing to do is spend time with my family, particularly going for walks around my home place Aghyaran.
Favourite staycation destination in Ireland? Killarney, Co. Kerry. I have been so many times to compete as a dancer and I have also performed there with Riverdance. It is absolutely beautiful and there is always so much to see and do.
Favourite holiday destination worldwide? I was recently in Majorca with my family. We had an incredible time completing water sport activities, swimming in the sea and eating great food. To be honest I am happy anywhere in the world as long as I’m with good people.
Favourite business motto?
Nike - Just do it. And one I go by myself would be - Every day is a chance to learn, grow and improve. ± Advice for young businesses entering the tourism industry?
Focus on the now: what small steps can you take every day to help you get closer to your bigger dreams. Set SMART goals and do everything in your power to achieve them.