The large screen that displayed the word “Riverdance” rose to reveal a flute player. He piped an eerie yet calming melody as dry ice surrounded him. Then the famous dancers emerged, banging their feet to a carefully choreographed rhythm. They hopped, crisscrossed their legs and kicked in sharp unison. An incredible and vivacious production of “Riverdance” had begun.

On Tuesday, “Riverdance: The Show” opened at the Civic Center in Des Moines. The famous dancers and musicians performed to a sold-out audience of 2,500 people.

The show continued as the music tempo increased. The dancers’ fast and furious footwork increased in speed as well. They twirled on the tips of their toes with unbelievable control. They joined hands and circled around, all while keeping the beat of the thudding drums.

In an intense flash of light, Michael Patrick Gallagher, principal male dancer, burst forth executing a tricky jump and clicking his heels. The other dancers exited the stage and Gallagher produced an energy that aroused the crowd to clapping. His strong movements reached every corner of the auditorium.

His backup dancers returned, following his every move. He led them in a difficult foot sequence as the Riverdance Orchestra played on their authentic instruments.

In the next scene, a sweet female soprano voice was projected as she appeared on stage holding a candle. Soon the rest of the chorus, dressed in floor-length evening gowns and suits, emerged. Their voices created perfect harmony as they sang a cappella.

After the musical interlude, the troupe of female dancers entered the stage in satin magenta outfits and soft toe shoes. Without moving their arms above their waist, they kicked, turned and jumped with great height. Joining her fellow dancers was Tara Barry, principal female dancer, dressed in an exquisite purple costume. With immaculate grace she floated about the stage.

The female dancers left the stage and three men joined Barry. They jumped and spun as if showing off for her. However, she was not impressed with their performance and she shooed them off stage with a wave of her hand.

The next interlude was on an instrument similar to a set of bagpipes, but this button accordion was played only with the hands.

Next, a monologue about weather and storms rolling in set the stage for the terrific illumination show portraying lightning. Each flash gave a glimpse of male dancers standing in a line with their arms crossed in front.

Marylou Enos, of Cummings, realized the energy that must be put into a segment like that.

“I love it when they do that,” she says. “I took clogging and Riverdance lessons last summer and I know how hard they work. At least I can relate to them, get a drift of what they are doing.”

Then the set changed into a shadow of a tree and a moon. A man began to move as the chorus came into view with a chant. In the moonlight, only a shadow of a woman could be seen. The man copied her every move until at last with ballet-like grace she emerged into the spotlight wearing a crown of jewels. They performed beautiful lifts and turns in the light of the moon backdrop.

The next musical interlude was a duet between a violinist and a flute player. Accompanied by the Riverdance Orchestra, the musicians ran around stage producing an incredible sound.

The chorus entered again joined by the Riverdance Drummers. The dancers rushed in one more time and stood in a line. The kicks were all high and at the exact same level. With one final crash and striking pose, the first act was closed.

Act Two began with a monologue about generations and the change of land over time. The dancers drove in with shouts and skipped around stage.

For the finale, Gallagher and Barry drove into the stage once more and the audience cheered as they clicked their heels and kicked their legs. Behind them a black curtain rose revealing the troupe of 33 dancers. For a final time, the performers stood in a line and pounded out rhythms, executing their signature moves. The audience sprung to their feet with an eruption of applause as the cast took a final bow.