For Maggie Darlington, Dancing in 'Riverdance' Is 'Surreal'

When she was 16-years old, Maggie Darlington won the World Irish Dancing Championship. That was in 2007; four years later she joined the company of "Riverdance." Over the next five years, she has traveled the world - from Thailand to China to Russia - with the Irish dance sensation. Now the 26-year old Californian is the lead dancer in the show's 20th anniversary tour, which comes to Boston on Wednesday through Sunday at the Wang Theatre.

EDGE spoke to Darlington about her dance career and appearing in "Riverdance."

EDGE: What first inspired you to dance?

Maggie Darlington: For me, I had two older sisters who danced and I wanted to be like them. I love dancing because it is a beautiful form of personal expression. I also enjoy the femininity of it.

EDGE: You have been performing with 'Riverdance' since 2011. How did you get involved with the show?

Maggie Darlington: After dancing competitively, a friend went through the trouble of getting me the contact information and after that I got an audition. I think I was more scared of performing for the audition than any dance competition that I have completed in.

EDGE: What does it feel like to be part of one of the world's most famous troupe of dancers?

Maggie Darlington: It is surreal! I still have to pinch myself to make sure that it is not a dream. Growing up, I was never a dance prodigy. I really just wanted to follow in the footsteps of my sisters. It never was my plan to be a professional dancer, but I am sure glad it worked out that way.

EDGE: All that dancing must take a toll on your legs, what do you do to keep them from not being injured?

Maggie Darlington: I wish it was easy to escape injury. I have learned nothing is going to save you! I just have to remember to listen to my body. Besides dancing, I try to keep a good balance of other types of workouts along with sleep and eat a very healthy diet.

EDGE: How do you make a personal connection to the culture and folklore represented in the dances?

Maggie Darlington: I think what makes 'Riverdance' so great is that we all have all individual dance styles and we bring them together. The music, the songs, and the stories of the Irish culture are so personal. It's like a dancing story that we get to tell and express through dance.

EDGE: What is a typical rehearsal for the show like?

Maggie Darlington: Luckily, no grueling rehearsal. Usually, one hour before the show, we all come on stage and run through the show. It is more about making sure we are all in step and that our footwork is polished.

EDGE: What music do you dance to when you're not working?

Maggie Darlington: Country music. I love it. It is a really fun genre to dance too.

EDGE: How will this tour be celebrating the 20th anniversary?

Maggie Darlington: It is a brighter and shinier show! A few new numbers for the female cast with a strong and graceful dance. We are not just celebrating the show, but we are celebrating the fans for sticking with us all these years.

For more information about "Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour", visit www.riverdance.com and to purchase ticket to see the show at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre May 10 through Sunday, May 15 visit www.citicenter.org or by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787), or through Ticketmaster.