By Alexandra Pecci
Correspondent

MANCHESTER — Riverdance brings high-energy, mesmerizing line dancing to Manchester next week, when the troupe delivers its farewell tour performance at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The single-evening engagement was a last-minute addition to the tour, and one that made Rochester native John Grimes very happy. The 24-year-old dancer joined the cast in November, and is excited to come home to New Hampshire. He began Irish dancing on the Seacoast at age 11, and since has racked up title after title on the competitive circuit.

Joining Riverdance as a member of the show’s Irish Dance Troupe is definitely the highlight of his career, he says.

“It’s sort of the dream of every Irish dancer,” Grimes says. “It’s kind of like getting into the majors after playing in Little League.”

Riverdance came to North America in 1996 after debuting in Ireland the year before. Since, the show has become nothing short of a phenomenon, producing hit singles, winning awards, and propelling Michael Flatley, one of its stars and choreographers, into international fame.

Now, the show is on its farewell tour, with three different companies traveling different parts of the world. Grimes is part of The Boyne company travelling throughout the United States and Canada.

Like a river winding through a valley, the meandering story of Riverdance is that of Ireland itself, beginning with the ancients’ place within the natural world and ending with the Irish flight to America and the immigrant experience.

The show celebrates the seasons, the elements, and the sun and moon. It breathes life into traditional stories and legends, evoking Cú Chulainn, Mad Sweeney, and other figures of Irish myth.

The music is both haunting and exhilarating, combining lively fiddles and pounding drumbeats with ringing, melodic voices and haunting uilleann pipes.

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of Riverdance, however, is its step dancing. It’s a favorite with audiences, says Grimes, whose 6’4” frame anchors the end of the lines.

“As soon as that long line comes out they go wild. They absolutely love it,” Grimes says.

He thinks there’s something captivating about the long line of dancers precisely tapping out rapid-fire beats in unison.

Grimes’ favorite part of the show is a number called “Trading Taps,” a fun face-off between tap dancers and Irish dancers.

As a member of Riverdance, Grimes has traveled the country, performing primarily in the Southwest in locations throughout Texas, California, and Arizona.

On a rainy day last week, he was sitting at Logan Airport, about to board a flight to Rochester, Pa., to rejoin the cast after a short break.

He’s thrilled to come home to New Hampshire again soon, to perform for people who have seen him dance locally for years and for his family, which is coming en masse to the show to see him take, as he calls it, “the big stage.”

“I can’t wait to dance for my home state,” he says.

If you go:
What: Riverdance
Where: Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester
When: 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 9
How: Tickets are $34, $54 and $74. Visit www.verizonwirelessarena.com, or call 603-644-5000