Bernadette Flynn facts for kids
Bernadette Mary Flynn was born on August 1, 1979, in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland. She is a famous Irish dancer. Many people know her from her amazing performances in Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames.
Early Life and Dance Training
Bernadette was born in Nenagh, Ireland. Her parents, Andy and Mary Flynn, always supported her dancing. She has an older brother, Andrew, an older sister, Elaine, and twin sisters, Catriona and Maria.
She started dancing at just four years old. She learned at the Browne Academy of Dance with teacher Dorian Browne. Her sister Elaine also helped teach her Irish dance. Bernadette spent her weeks in classes and her weekends at dance competitions.
Bernadette became a very successful competitive dancer. She won six World titles, seven All-Ireland titles, and nine Munster titles.
She attended St. Mary Secondary school in Ireland. In 1996, she won the World Irish dancing championship. Soon after, she joined rehearsals for Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance show. She was very excited to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Starring in Lord of the Dance
When Bernadette auditioned for Lord of the Dance, she was chosen for a main role. She played Saoirse, the good Irish Colleen. Another dancer, Gillian Norris, played Morrighann, the Temptress. Bernadette was the first dancer to play Saoirse. You can see her in the original Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames films. She also played Saoirse again in Feet of Flames 2009 and the 2010 Return of Michael Flatley tour.
Bernadette shared how she got the role:
"I never thought I would get a main role. Gillian and I just hoped to get into the show. We started as dancers in the back row. We had only seen Michael Flatley in Riverdance. Meeting him was amazing!
After auditions, we learned the dances. It was hard to get used to using our hands while dancing. One day, we all had to use our hands. Gillian and I started to stand out. After two weeks, we became the 'good girl' and 'bad girl' characters. We started practicing early and leaving late. Soon, we were told we would take the lead roles in Dublin. They said it could last a day, a week, a month, or even years!"
Michael Flatley, the creator of the show, praised Bernadette. He said, "Dancing with Bernadette is like dancing with the air. You don't have to look for her. You can feel her anywhere on the stage."
Bernadette's husband, Damien O'Kane, is also a dancer in Lord of the Dance. He has been with the show since it began in 1996. He is one of the main male dancers and sometimes plays the Lord of the Dance. They got engaged in 2003 and married in 2005. They have a daughter named Mia Rose O'Kane.
Career Highlights
Bernadette enjoys performing in shows more than competing. She loves the freedom she feels when she dances on stage. She has had some injuries, like a broken bone in her foot and sprained ligaments.
Some of her career highlights include dancing at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles. She also performed for the President of Ireland during a visit to Nenagh. You can also see her in two instructional dance videos by Olive Hurley. These are Irish dancing Step by Step and The 25th Anniversary World Championship.
In 2009, Bernadette and Damien represented Ireland. They appeared on the NBC reality TV show called 'Superstars of Dance'.
