Andrew O’Reilly, dance captain for Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary Tour at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, spoke recently about his life as a single gay man, dancer, and all-around adventurous chap.

Andrew, according to your biography, you started dancing at the age of nine. Did the play Billy Elliott (a hit play about a boy who wanted to be a dancer) have a role in your decision?

Of course it did, and in a big way. My father lived in London, so I asked him to see it. We saw it many times. It really inspired me to commit myself to a career in dance. I started dancing shortly after. I entered a few dance competitions over the years. I was a part of Prodijig, starring in Footstorm. Later, I danced with Michael Flatley in the Celtic Tiger Tour. I then danced for five years with Riverdance. I’ve returned for the 20th anniversary tour, which is already more than half-way through its run.

Tell us about a few of your favorite places you’ve been to and the people you’ve met.

Well, as a person growing up in and around London, a real personal privilege was dancing for and meeting Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Dublin four years ago. She came backstage after the performance to shake our hands. Another great event was performing at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. The sheer size of the place was overwhelming, and the audiences were fantastic. Among the celebrities who came backstage was Bono from U2.

About some of my favorite cities, the company did visit Philadelphia for seven days six years ago. I had a great time. The audiences were great and the LGBT social scene was as varied and fun as anywhere. I’m looking forward to a return visit. Other cities which stand out in my mind are Berlin, Brussels, San Diego, Dallas, Orlando, L.A. and Chicago. But I have to say that the place which stands out for me above all the rest is Japan.

Tell us about this new tour of Riverdance.

So much is new and/or changed. There are new costumes and dances.  The Second Act has a few surprises. As a dance captain, I need to know every dancer’s routine, dancer rotation, and manage my team as well as looking after lighting and placement. Since this tour will end in September, there remains a lot of very satisfying work for us to do.

What are your plans for the future beyond Riverdance?

Well, I do hope to continue dancing. Irish Dancing is now often just called “Riverdance,” so much has the phenomenon changed how people view Irish Dance. I’m a teacher of Irish Dance and would like to continue doing that. I also would like to be a Project Manager in the coming years.

For your Philadelphia fans, are you a single gay man or have you married, now that Ireland has marriage equality?

No, no, not married. I’m single.

Philadelphians are now duly informed that there is a young, handsome, and accomplished artist and athlete available for drinks, dinner, and dancing after every performance of Riverdance at the Academy of Music.

For more information about Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary Tour, visit their website at www.kimmelcenter.org