Jean Butler is a well-known figure in the dance world. She is a master of Irish dance and choreographer. Moreover, the artist has amazed the audience with her perfect footwork, moments, and dancing style. As such, she has made herself known as one of the best Irish step dancers.
After appearing as a prominent female lead in the Irish dance theatrical production Riverdance, the performer gained much recognition. The show began as a small performance act which eventually turned into a stage show. Furthermore, Butler is one of the original members of the theatrical presentation. Irish-American dancer and musician Michael Flatley also joined her.
So, let's get to know more about Jean Butler in this bio.
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Early Life And Family
The American dancer was born on March 14, 1971, in Mineola, Long Island. Her father was an NYC Fire Department battalion chief. Likewise, Jean Butler's mother, Josephine Butler, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and later came to the USA at seventeen.
Jean Butler's sister, Cara Butler, is also a stepdancer who toured with the Irish folk group The Chieftains in 1992. However, their older brother Michael Butler is not into dance like them.
Jean Butler's mother Josephine Butler wanted to instill her Irish traditions on her children so, introduced them to Irish dancing. Photo Source: Jean Butler's Instagram.
The young performer began learning ballet and tap classes at the age of four. She was exposed to Irish dancing at the age of six and was taught by her mother. However, the young dancer hated her practices and quit in few weeks. Then she tried her hand at Irish dancing at the age of nine. Moreover, the second time, Butler became serious about learning which later turned into her whole career.
Jean completed her high school education in her own hometown. She then enrolled at the University of Birmingham for further study. Furthermore, the stepdancer has always been passionate about working in dramas. As a result, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in theatre and drama.
Beginning of Dance Career
Aforementioned, Jean Butler restarted her Irish dance lessons with Donny Golden, the founder of Donny Golden School Of Irish Dance. The latter also studied alongside the legendary dancer Jimmy Erwin. Moreover, Donny is one of the significant influencers behind Jean's dance career. He also taught her sister Cara Butler. Additionally, both sisters won many championships in their early career years.
Jean Butler's dance teacher Donny Golden inspired her to follow her traditional Irish roots and excel in Irish dancing. Photo Source: Jean Butler's Instagram.
The artist began her journey with The Chieftains at Carnegie Hall when she was seventeen. She also toured with them on three continents. Furthermore, the choreographer also performed with the American groups Green Fields of America and Cherish the Ladies. Additionally, she has also done a duet with Colin Dunne in 1993.
Riverdance Career
The Irish dancer got more recognition after appearing in Riverdance. Moya Doherty and John McColgan initially invited her to perform in a seven-minute Irish dance performance entitled Riverdance. Moreover, it was only organized to be played in the intermission of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. But, it developed into something more after the performance by main characters Jean Butler and Michael Flatley.
Michael Flatley was already a well-known dancer and winner of the World Irish Dance before the Riverdance. He and Butler both choreographed their dance to be different than the original conservative form of Irish dance. As a result, the duo gave out a sizzling performance that showcased their chemistry and changed the original dance into something new entirely. It earned a standing ovation from 4000 audiences of the show.
Afterward, the producers decided to turn the dance into a full-length show. Thus, the Irish dancing sensation called Riverdance was born. Furthermore, the theatrical show debuted at the Point Theatre on February 9, 1995. The performers went on to visit over 450 venues and gained more than twenty-five million spectators worldwide. Additionally, the song Riverdance featuring Anuna and the RTE Concert Orchestra was released by the organizers.
The performance also soared the popularity of its performers. Both Michael and Jean became internationally known for their dancing skills. In addition, their chemistry on the stage was considered phenomenal. However, despite having a solid stage presence, the pair went through many problems behind the scenes.
Additionally, Butler accused Flatley of hogging the spotlight and dismissing her contribution to their shows. She also felt his discrediting and lack of compatibility harmed their relationship. As a result, Jean Butler left the show in 1997.
Michael Flatley also left the Riverdance after clashing over salaries and royalty fees with the producers. He then created his own shows and toured around the world. In addition, the American choreographer also set a Guinness World Record of twenty-eight taps per second in 1989. He topped up his own record with a new score of 35 taps per second in 1998.
After The Departure From Riverdance
Jean Butler teamed up with Colin Dunne to create a new show called Dancing On Dangerous Grounds. The program premiered at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 1999. Moreover, it made its debut in America at Radio City Music Hall in 2000. But, sadly, the dance show couldn't find commercial success despite garnering positive reviews. As a result, it was closed down.
Afterward, the Irish performer went to study contemporary dance at the University of Limerick. She graduated with her Master's degree in Contemporary Dance Performance. Furthermore, Butler has worked as a choreographer and performer with support from The Abbey Theatre, The Project Arts Centre, The Dublin Dance Festival, The Kennedy Centre, The Joyce, etc. She also served as an External Examiner for the BA at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
Jean Butler started performing in many venues and appeared in many shows after departing from Riverdance. Photo Source: Jean Butler's Instagram.
Jean has also opened a non-profit organization called Our Steps Foundation in 2008. The company's main motive is to reclaim the past of Irish step dance and inspire its future. Moreover, it also tries to reflect the history of Ireland and its people via traditional Irish performances. The dancer is expanding her vision for the future of Irish stepdance through her foundation.
The University Of Limerick awarded Jean Butler with the Outstanding Contribution to Arts & Culture Alumni Award in 2009. The Irish Art Centre also rewarded her with The Spirit of Ireland Award in 2016. In addition, the former Riverdance performer was inducted into the Irish American Hall Of Fame in 2020.
Jean Butler Net Worth And Earnings
The artist has been part of the dance industry for more than two decades. She has obtained both fame and fortune from her career. So, Jean Butler's net worth mainly comprises her earnings from her dance performances. She also receives commission fees for participating in events such as Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Danspace Project, Baryshnikov Arts Centre, etc.
Besides dancing and performing, Jean also earns income from her works in different universities and theatres.
Speaking of Jean Butler's former dance-partner, Michael Flatley has compiled a fortune from his career. After he departed from Riverdance, he created successful shows such as Lord Of The Dance, Feet Of Flames, and Celtic Tiger. So, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Michael Flatley's net worth is $350 million.
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Earnings From Acting
Jean Butler wanted to become an actress from a young age. However, she emerged as a dancer in her early years. Still, the performer made her acting debut in the filming industry with The Brylcreem Boys in 1998. Furthermore, she starred opposite Billy Campbell, Chris 'Kit' Ryan, Gabriel Byrne, etc.
The actress made her comeback in 2000 with the movie Revenger's Tragedy based on the play by Thomas Middleton. It has 6.5 ratings in IMDB and earned two nominations at film festivals after its release. Moreover, the media personality acted in the comedy Goldfish Memory in 2003. The cinema was a commercially hit with a box office collection of $43K worldwide.
The artist has also appeared as a guest and hosted numerous television shows and documentaries. She has also worked as a choreographer and producer. Thus, Jean Butler's net worth must be increasing over the years.
Married, Any Children?
The talented performer gained wide recognition for taking Irish dance to new heights and making it known globally. And after years of hard work Jean finally decided to settle down in the early 2000s. As such, the contemporary dancer married Cuan Hanley aka Cuan Hanly in 2001. The couple exchanged their wedding vows in Mayo near Butler's grandmother Mae Byrne's house.
Jean Butler is currently living a comfortable life with her husband Cuan Hanly. Photo Source: Jean Butler's Instagram.
Jean Butler's husband, Cuan Hanly, is a fashion designer. He has been a massive supporter of his wife from the beginning of their relationship. However, Hanly rarely appears in his spouse's Instagram account.
Moreover, the pair have also decided to hold off their baby plans. So, Jean Butler doesn't have any children as of yet.
Trivia And Facts
- Jean Butler has 4,498 Instagram followers.
- She has performed with well-known musicians such as Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, Neil Martin, etc.
- She retired from active dancing in 2010.
